HUGGING AWAY HARDSHIPS: TED-E-BEARS SUPPORTING CHILDREN WITH EPILEPSY IN WESTERN SYDNEY
In a heartwarming initiative aimed at providing comfort and support to children impacted by epilepsy, Mekong has granted $9,000 towards Epilepsy Action Australia’s Ted-E-Bear Connection program, just in time for Purple Day. The contribution is helping provide crucial resources and emotional support to children and families in Western Sydney who are navigating the challenges of epilepsy.
Purple Day on 26 March is a global initiative dedicated to raising epilepsy awareness, dispelling myths, and increasing support for people living with epilepsy.
In Australia, around 1 in every 150 people are currently diagnosed with epilepsy. Epilepsy is in fact more common than Parkinson’s Disease, Cerebral Palsy, MS and Muscular Dystrophy combined, but it is still widely misunderstood. Many people think seizures are convulsive, but epilepsy can take many forms and affect people differently.
“Recognising the physical, emotional and social burden of epilepsy, Epilepsy Action Australia exists to improve the lives of the 250,000 Australian children and adults with epilepsy, their families, health professionals, and the broader community,” said Carol Ireland, the CEO from Epilepsy Action Australia.
“The generous grant from Mekong has allowed us to continue offering our Ted-E-Bear Connection program to children and families in the Fairfield area,” she added.
The Ted-E-Bear Connection Program provides children with a comforting teddy bear, essential for their medical journey. These bears ease anxiety and aid understanding, particularly during ambulance rides post-seizures.
Along with the bear, each package includes an adoption certificate, personalised letters, access to online resources and ongoing support from specialist nurses. This initiative offers crucial support to families dealing with epilepsy, enhancing education and providing vital safety guidance.
Studies show around one-third of children with epilepsy will suffer anxiety and up to 25% have depression which means they can also end up socially isolated and lonely.
“Ted-E-Bear Connection gives them smiles and eases their parents’ fears with reliable information about epilepsy and safe seizure response.”
Annually, Epilepsy Action Australia receives more than 4,000 new referrals from Australians with epilepsy seeking help, and its team of Epilepsy Nurses assists over 1,700 individuals who phone the National Epilepsy Line for advice.
“Mekong is proud to have supported Epilepsy Action Australia's Ted-E-Bear Connection program, offering comfort and hope to children in our local area impacted by epilepsy,” said Mounties Group President, John Dean.
For more information on Epilepsy Action Australia visit epilepsy.org.au or phone 1300 37 45 37.
-ENDS-
Key Facts:
Key Epilepsy Facts
- Epilepsy is a chronic disorder of the brain that affects people of all ages.
- Approximately 3% to 3.5% of Australians will experience epilepsy at some point in their lives.
- In Australia, an estimated 18,000 children under 10 have epilepsy, based on 2021 population data and epilepsy prevalence.
- While seizures can begin at any age, epilepsy is most frequently diagnosed in early childhood, adolescence and in people over 65 years.
- Children represent around 40% of the population with epilepsy.
- There are around 40 different types of epilepsy and epilepsy syndromes.
- With treatment, around 65-70% of people with epilepsy can successfully control their seizures.
About us:
About Epilepsy Action Australia
Epilepsy Action Australia (EAA) is the largest provider of education and support services to children and adults with epilepsy across Australia. Our vision is optimal living for people with epilepsy, and our team of highly qualified registered nurses and educators is equipped with a rich base of technical expertise, built up over six decades of providing services to the community. www.epilepsy.org.au
Contact details:
Media enquiries:
Katey White – Brilliant Logic
0422 639 093 – kwhite@brilliantlogic.com.au
