For people whose lives have been touched by epilepsy, UW-Madison’s demonstration of support elicited heartfelt reactions.
LéAndrea M. Vernon, a UW-Madison alumna (BS ’07, MS ’14) who works on campus as an outreach and recruitment management specialist, felt proud that her university is conducting research on a disorder that affects her life.
“I was diagnosed with a seizure disorder at age 8. I have had every form of seizures beginning with febrile as an infant/toddler and then grand-mal and complex partial,” says Vernon. “It is important to spread awareness to those who are uninformed about epilepsy and to share information about the need for more research funding to help us find a cure.”
Minnesota resident and Badger alumnus Mark McCubbin (BS, ’07) also felt a strong sense of pride seeing his alma mater launch such a campaign.
“Some of my friends know that I have epilepsy, some might not. It’s not something I hide, but since I didn’t have any seizures until well into my 20s and I’ve been seizure free for around a decade, it’s not something that always comes up,” McCubbin posted on Facebook.
“But as a UW-Madison alum, I was very pleased to see this PSA, and hear that they ran it during the big Wisconsin vs. Minnesota game today. I am #1in26.”
Others posted their reactions on Facebook:
The campaign was announced in late October by UW Athletics, with Wisconsin head coach Gary Andersen saying, “We are honored to be able to help raise awareness of the effects of epilepsy and the research needs associated with it.”
“It was wonderful to see the Badger red student section waving purple bandannas in honor of epilepsy awareness,’’ says Dr. Rama Maganti, professor of neurology and an epilepsy expert at UW-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health. “It helps people with epilepsy and their families know that they are not alone.”