Health and Community Services
March 26, 2015

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Steve Kent, Minister of Health and Community Services:

Minister Recognizes Purple Day for Epilepsy

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in this Honourable House to recognize Purple Day for Epilepsy in Newfoundland and Labrador. Purple Day presents an important opportunity to raise awareness, and reduce social stigma experienced by individuals who are affected by this condition.

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders in the world. It affects over 300,000 Canadians and more than 10,000 here in Newfoundland and Labrador. Approximately one in every 26 people is expected to develop epilepsy in their lifetime.

Mr. Speaker, recently I was fortunate to hear the story of one creative young man who is raising awareness and fundraising for this cause in his community.

Evan Newhook is an innovative and artistic nine-year-old boy living in Dildo. When he learned that his mother was diagnosed with epilepsy, he wanted to take action. Evan is an avid reader with a passion for art, which is how he came up with the idea to create his own bookmarks and sell them. All of the money he collects will be donated to Epilepsy Newfoundland and Labrador. Evan has also motivated his school, Woodland Elementary, as well as the employees of the TC Square Mall in Carbonear, to wear purple on this day. Evan�s passion for this cause is truly inspiring and it has earned him his title as official Purple Day Ambassador this year.

Mr. Speaker, Evan�s dedication is also echoed by the members of Epilepsy Newfoundland and Labrador, some of whom are joining us in the gallery today. For decades, their organization has provided support and information about epilepsy to individuals and families in our province. I encourage individuals to visit the Epilepsy Newfoundland and Labrador website at www.epilepsynl.com to learn more about the organization and about living with epilepsy.

As part of the Provincial Government's continued commitment to the health and well-being for residents, in May of last year we added coverage of the drug Fycompa under the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program. This drug helps some patients manage partial-onset seizures that are not satisfactorily controlled with conventional therapy.

Today, we will show our support by lighting Confederation Building purple in an effort to raise awareness for this deserving cause. I ask all residents to join me in wearing the colour purple and participate in Purple Day activities taking place in their communities to support those living with epilepsy.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

2015 03 26                             1:50 p.m.