Tuesday, March 26, 2019

Purple Day for Epilepsy (Blog Hop and Giveaway)

Hello, everyone! Today I'm joining my friend Fikreta in a blog hop for Purple Day in support of epilepsy awareness. Each participant in the hop has made a card featuring purple.  Fikreta is generously offering a giveaway, and so are many of the other blogs on the hop, including me!  Please hop around and leave a comment on each blog to be entered in the giveaway draw.  Details about my giveaway are below.


For my Purple Day card, I made a spring scene.  I coloured a cute cat image called Francoise from the Les Chats digi set by Vera Lane Studios. I won this set of four cats last fall (thank you, Carole!), and you can see the first card I made here.  This type of image is fun to colour because you can make the cat any colour you want.  I went with purple!  I also added some doodling.


Digital image:  Vera Lane Studios - Les Chats digi set (Francoise)
Clear stamps:  Sentiment (Momenta), grass (free with magazine)
Ink:  Peeled Paint Distress Oxide, Versamark
Die:  Avery Elle Scalloped Banner Set
Embossing folder:  Cuttlebug Simple Flowers
Other:  Ranger white embossing powder, purple polka-dot washi tape, Sharpie pen and Posca white paint marker for doodling, tiny flower gems


Purple Day

Purple Day is a global grassroots event formed with the intention to increase worldwide awareness of epilepsy, and to dispel common myths and fears of this neurological disorder. Further intentions of this movement are to reduce the social stigmas commonly endured by many individuals afflicted with the condition; to provide assurance and advocacy to those living with epilepsy that they are not alone in their ongoing endurance; and to initiate individuals living with the condition to take action in their communities to achieve these aims. The day occurs annually on March 26.  

Supporters are encouraged to wear a purple-coloured item of clothing. Lavender (and thus its color purple) is strongly associated with epilepsy because it has even been proven to act as a central nervous system relaxant and anticonvulsant.

Formation and History
The concept of Purple Day was initiated by a 9-year-old named Cassidy Megan, and was motivated by her own struggle with epilepsy. The Epilepsy Association of Nova Scotia helped to develop Cassidy's idea, and the first Purple Day event was held on March 26, 2008, and is now known as the Purple Day for Epilepsy campaign.

What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder of the central nervous system, specifically of the brain. It is characterized by the tendency to have recurrent seizures.

A person would be diagnosed with epilepsy if they have at least two unprovoked (or reflex) seizures, or one unprovoked (or reflex) seizure and are very likely to have another, or diagnosed with an epilepsy syndrome.

Epilepsy Myths


Myth 1: You convulse (shake and jerk) when you have epilepsy.
Fact 1:  Not every seizure means a person jerks convulsively, nor is a person always unconscious during a seizure. Convulsions while unconscious are usually associated with tonic clonic seizures. There are a range of seizures which have different side effects and can affect people differently. 

Myth 2: Flashing lights cause seizures in everyone with epilepsy.
Fact 2:  Around 1 in 100 people has epilepsy, and of these people, around 3% have photosensitive epilepsy. Photosensitive epilepsy is more common in children and young people (up to 5%) and is less commonly diagnosed after the age of 20. Triggers differ from person to person, but common triggers include a lack of sleep, stress, and alcohol.

Myth 3: You can restrain someone during a convulsive seizure and put your finger in their mouth.
Fact 3:  During a convulsive seizure you should never hold the person down or put anything in their mouth. It's important to know exactly what to do when someone has a tonic clonic seizure so that you can act quickly. Here are 10 first aid steps for someone who has a convulsive seizure.

Myth 4: Epilepsy is rare.
Fact 4:  Epilepsy is anything but rare, over 500,000 people in the UK have epilepsy. That’s about one in every 100 people. There are also around 60 million people with epilepsy in the world. Anyone can develop epilepsy, it happens in all ages, races and social classes.

Myth 5: The only side effects of a seizure are tiredness and being confused.
Fact 5:   Having epilepsy can affect people in different ways. Knowing that a person ‘has epilepsy’ does not tell you very much about what happens for them or how epilepsy affects them. For example, some people may have problems with sleep or memory and for some people epilepsy may affect their mental health.

What to do if someone has a convulsive seizure

Edited to add:  I was asked in the comments about the recovery position mentioned in the graphic above.  Please see here for detailed instructions and photos.  Thank you for asking such a great question, Bunny!


Blog Hop
Fikreta (Host)


Giveaway (Closed)

I will be giving away Stitched Sky Die Set by Gina Marie Designs (not sponsored).


To be eligible to win my giveaway:
  1. Please leave a comment below and include the word Purple.
  2. Comment on all blogs in the hop by Sunday, March 31, 2019, 8 p.m. Atlantic. 
  3. You must be a Follower of my blog.
  4. Open worldwide.  Winner to be announced here on Monday, April 1.

Challenges

I would also like to support the following challenges: Cardz TV AG 3/3; Crafting by Designs Blooming Flowers 2/3; Crafty Friends Use Spring Colours 2/3; Creative Moments AG No Twist 3/3; DL.ART March Linky UE 1/d; Jo's Scrap Shack AG 3/3; Lil Patch of Crafty Friends AG 3/3; Papercraft Business AG Optional Animals 3/3; Penny's Paper-Crafty AG 3/3; SUYP Cats Only AG UE; Unicorn Challenge Spring 2/3; Word Art Wednesday AG w Uplifting Sentiment 3/5 wk2

Thank you for hopping with us!  Wishing you a joyful day!

52 comments:

Janis said...

Oh, my goodness, Kitty!! I LOVE your PURPLE cat!! Those Vera Lane - Les Chats stamps are sooooooooo awesome. What a lucky gal you are!
Thank you for participating in this hop along with the rest of us. I've learned a lot. Hugs to you!
<3 J

jwoolbright at gmail dot com
HerPeacefulGarden.blogspot.com

Olga Fink said...

Hello Kitty! A gorgeous card! and the kitty is so cute! Such an exciting blog hop and I am so happy to be a part of it and spread such an important message.
xoxo Olga

Kath said...

A fabulous card for such an important event. Thank you for your generous giveaway and I would love a chance to win, please.
Kath x

sandie said...

So sorry I missed your comment. My post had gone into draft somehow....now up! Thank you for joining this hop and helping us spread the word. Your card is just adorable and fab giveaway

Surekha Galagoda said...

Dear Kitty
your Purple cat card made for the Purple Day Epilepsy Awareness Blog Hop is really cute.I love the colors too. The purple and white polka dot border too on the card is very cute. Thank you so much for taking part in the blog hop to create awareness on Epilepsy.
May you and your family be blessed with Good health and happiness always.
Love and hugs from Sri Lanka

KandA said...

I LOVE this card Kitty. That is such a cute cat and looks fabulous in purple.... and the background with the polka dots, embossing, and strip of grass makes a really super little scene xx

Bunny said...

Thanks for posting the facts. It was interesting to read them. I do want to know what the recovery position is? I always wondered if we should try and hold someone who had seizures and was glad to read that we aren't. Still, if you can find out, ask what the recovery position is.

Cute card for the cause. You're sweet to spread awareness. [Bunny]

Margreet said...

Gorgeous card with that funny PURPLE cat. Love it as I love your participation of the good cause.
xxx Margreet

New Creations said...

What a wonderful card! It's a pleasure to see in this beautiful hop for spreading awareness in purple!
I love your doodled kitty, so cute! I have this embossing folder and you gave me an idea:)D, totally love it!
Thanks for the chance to win this generous giveaway!

Fikreta said...


your card is super adorable!
that kitty is so cute!
Thank you for joining in this blog hop!
hugs

KraftyKoolKat said...

Such a gorgeous cute creation Kitty for this very worthy cause.
Hugs
Cathy
xxxx

Chandhini said...

Such a beautiful card, what a coincidence- I am wearing PURPLE shirt today. Thanks for the chance to win.

*Vicki* said...

Oh wow Kitty, I just LOVE that you've posted about the myths and how you've included some helpful tips in how to deal with it!! Your card is so adorable and I love the scene you've created for this sweet PURPLE kitty with the florals on him!! :) I already follow your blog sweet lady! Thank you so much for helping to spread awareness by participating in this blog hop!! BIGGEST HUGS

Eekers said...

Hi Kitty! Gorgeous card, I hadn't seen the Vera lane cats before, they are awesome. Lovely to be part of the hop with you. Annabel x

Verna Angerhofer said...

That is such a darling card. I love that cute kitty design. And, thanks so much for participating in this hop for a great cause. Nice prize too.

Lori Kobular said...

Gorgeous card, I absolutely love that purple kitty! The embossed background is beautiful too! Thank you for being a part of this very important Blog Hop and I hope it brings much needed awareness!

Sue D said...

What a cute scene with this Purple cat!
I am a follower.
slrdowney at hotmail dot com

Linda Simpson said...

This is gorgeous Kitty, just love the sweet kitty!
Hugs
Linda xxx

Becca Yahrling said...

Such a fun card with that beautiful (& cute!) kitty you used. Such an awesome cause this hop is for.

Jean said...

Such a pretty card! I have known several people with epilepsy. Thank you for sharing this informational and inspirational hop!! I learned not to hold someone having a seizure. Good info.

cotnob said...

A pretty card, such a cute cat and another lovely embossed background.
Pauline - Crafting with Cotnob
x

Donna said...

What a darling purple cat card, such a darling scene for a great cause!

Karenladd said...

That adorable purple kitty couldn't be more charming and what a great way to use those tiny flower gems. She looks all ready for spring time. Thanks for participating in the hop and sharing your sweet card design!

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Hi Kitty, great post and Hop about epilepsy awarness! I love purple and your card looks delightful with that fun cat! Lovely doodling snd the embossed background makes the cat pop out so well!The flower gems are so pretty! Well done on all!
Hugs

Macimbalo said...

Kitty, such an adorable card! And I love this hop and how is is helping bring awareness to epilepsy. I especially appreciate all your info about its and what to do to help. I have a friend who's husband suffers with it and the more knowledge that is out there helps everyone! Thanks for your help with this effort and Happy Purple Day!

MadeByMeghanK said...

What a DARLING PURPLE cat! I am so happy you included the myths about epilepsy... very informative! I am already a follower of you :) So great of you to be a part of this awareness hop!

Shauna said...

What a great cause for a blog hop! Thank you! Love your purple spring card with the cute kitty!
- Shauna

Wendy Nicola Jackson said...

Such a gorgeous card design. Super cute image and so fun in lilac! Love your embossed background and gorgeous card design too. Thanks for sharing all that wealth of information too. So wonderful. Hugs, Wends xoxo

SHartl said...

Purple is my favorite color and eeek...that is the cutest card ever! I love the whimsical stamp and pretty sparkly flower gems. New follower here.

Lisa Lynn said...

Your purple cat is adorable and for a good cause.

Anonymous said...

Love your Puple Francois! I have learned so much from this hop, and (thanks to Bunny’s question), know how to help get someone into the recovery position! Thank you for educating me. Following via Bloglovin.

Darnell said...

I love your sweet kitty card, Kitty! It is happy and perfect for springtime and our Purple Day Hop! It was great to hop with you today and I appreciate that you went into great detail with your post! Great prize, too, but leave me out of the draw, please. Take care! Hugs, Darnell

Denise Bryant said...

Adorable card! Love your purple cat, and I am already a follower here! I'm learning a lot about epilepsy awareness along the hop!

Lieve said...

Hello Kityy,
Thanks to the blog hop, I came accross your site.
It's the first time I heard about Purple Day, although my sister has epilepsy (she is 52 now - and mentally disabled). - I have to check if March 26 (my birthday, so for sure I will remember) is known as epilespy awareness day here in Belgium too.
I like your card, it is cute ! It doesn't seem strange at all to see a purple cat. =o)
Thank you for supporting this important, heartwarming bloghop.
Springgreetings from Belgium, Lieve.

Mrs A. said...

I do like this cat image . They are very funky. I have no internet connection to the house at present
I am trying to work out a way to still be able to post the butterfly challenges using the local library's free internet so keep checking back on the Buterfly blog just in case !! Hugs Mrs A.

ionabunny said...

Love your Purple cat. Such a cool card and a wonderful hop for a great cause. Hugz

Donna Ellis said...

Hi, KT! Leave it to your kind-hearted self to be a part of this informative blog hop - thank you so much. I did not know that Epilepsy was as common as it is, and that there are so many different ways it affects people. I especially appreciated knowing the dos and don'ts, and the positioning of a body when someone collapses. Your purple kitty (it had to be a kitty, after all), is darling walking on the green grass. Beautifully done! hugs, de

Mia said...

I am your newest follower, Kitty. I love your PURPLE cat. Your card is fantastic. Thank you for the chance to win such a great gift. Kisses, my friend.

Joyce said...

Thank you for your informative post about epilepsy. I learned a lot, and really loved your card, too.

crafty-stamper said...

Really cute kitty and for such a good cause thank you for sharing all the myths and facts very informative
Carol x

Scrapper69 said...

OMGOODNESS! How stinkin' CUTE! Love the sweet scene and that kitty... it's such a fun card!

Theresa

Gail said...

A very beautiful PURPLE card - I like that cat very much - what a fabulous prize - I had my eye on that at the store - someone is going to be doing the happy dance - thanks for sharing your art work and the lovely prize you are offering - I am off to hop to see what the other DT members have created! I am a follower here

Megan J said...

Hi Kitty, a super cute scene to help celebrate and raise awareness of Epilepsy, love the purple cat and the embossing folder. Thank you for joining us at Lil Patch of Crafty Friends.. good luck in the prize draw.. Megan DT LPoCF

Valerija said...

Really cute image and beautiful card! Love your PURPLE cat.
Valerija xx

Bunny said...

Thanks for sending me the recovery position. I was glad to read it. I hope that PURPLE day is quite successful
. [Bunny]

(AJ) ArtJypsy said...

What a fun 'purple' inspired card you have made. Love the 'purple' cat and teh embossed background. Thanks for playing along with us this week at Jo's Fun Friday. AJ DT JFF

ike said...

Oh, such a darling card. I luv the kitty. Awesome die set giveaway
=^..^=
Lovely to meet you on this Hop.

Hugz
IKE x

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Pat said...

Your purple card is stunning. I lost a sister to epilepsy and so many do not understand what it can do to a family. Thank you for sharing all the information with this blog hop. Purple is my favorite color always has been and I suffer from fibromyalgia and see purple shirts for that too

Larelyn said...

Beautiful card and wonderful information. Thanks for sharing at Fun-day Friday Challenge for Jo's Scrap Shack.

Monika Reeck said...

your PURPLE cat is cuuutee
its so beautiful with that Embossing Folder miss lady
I love your PURPLE banner too
clever idea for sentiment
and I miss your visit
hope you still remember me
I miss you Kitty...hope you and hubby stay healthy
so happy you are blogging again Kitty
hugs
Monika

crafty-stamper said...

Hi just popping back to say---Thank you for joining us at Unicorn
Carol DT x

JULIA FRANLIN said...
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