13 November 2009
MEDIA ADVISORY NOTE
Epilepsy Queensland celebrates 40 years
Date:
Monday 16 November 2009
Time:
6.00 - 8.00pm
Place:
Parliamentary Annexe, Parliament House
Guest Speaker:
Mr Wally Lewis
Epilepsy Queensland will celebrate its 40th anniversary in conjunction
with an awards ceremony at Parliament House on Monday 16 November with
guest speaker Wally Lewis.
During the event Wally will be officially introduced as the
organisation’s Patron. Following the successful release of his book
Out of the Shadows, Wally has become a great ambassador for Epilepsy
Queensland and an advocate for people living with epilepsy.
Chief Executive Officer of Epilepsy Queensland, Helen Whitehead, said
“We are honoured that Wally has accepted our invitation to be our
Patron. Wally’s story is truly inspirational and we are sure our
members and guests will be deeply moved when they hear him speak of his
personal experiences with epilepsy on the night.”
Epilepsy Queensland will also be presenting their annual awards to
acknowledge and thank those who have made outstanding contributions
through supporting people with epilepsy. “The individuals recognised
through these awards make a significant difference to the epilepsy
community. What they do and the way they go about it deserves
commendation everyday.”
Mrs Whitehead said.
Epilepsy directly affects around 2% of the population and still remains
one of the most misunderstood conditions in today’s society. More than
86,000 Queenslanders have epilepsy with the majority of epilepsies first
occurring in children. The next peak time for diagnosis is in the
elderly. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), it is
doubtful there is any other medical condition so universally neglected
due to a combination of social stigma, low profile and lack of
resources.
For 40 years Epilepsy Queensland has been assisting Queensland families
touched by epilepsy. Services include education, counselling,
information services, children’s and family support programs,
specialised training programs, support groups and advocacy.
FOR INTERVIEWS - Please contact Helen Whitehead, CEO 07 3435 5000
0400 578 898 hwhitehead@epilepsyqueensland.com.au
TO ATTEND THE EVENT – Please contact Leigh Gilbert, Fundraising Manager
07 3435 5000 0417 645 027 lgilbert@epilepsyqueensland.com.au
NEWS 
