FREMANTLE Prison and the Ports are some of the 47 WA landmarks that will be lit-up purple on March 26 as part of epilepsy awareness month.

One in 25 Western Australians will be diagnosed with the chronic disorder, but many keep it secret out of fear of discrimination or stigma.

East Fremantle’s Alyce Sala Tenna, 38, was diagnosed with epilepsy in her teens, but it hasn’t stopped her living life to the full.

“The medication I was initially prescribed left me seizure-free for 14 years, during which time I lived life with a large amount of freedom; travelling, driving and completing a science degree,” says Tenna, who qualified as an environmental scientist and completed her honours in applied meteorology.

“But while I was working as a graduate I had my first breakthrough seizure, after which I experienced recurrent seizures that became more frequent over time. 

“After that I had a really tricky time trialling different medications for around five years, trying to work out which ones could control my seizures.” 

• (Above) A recent Purple Walk 4 Epilepsy and (below) East Fremantle’s Alyce Sala Tenna raises funds for the charity.

Four years ago, Tenna made the decision to undergo a brain resection on her left frontal lobe, but unfortunately the procedure hasn’t helped control her seizures. 

Despite the hardships of living with epilepsy, Tenna still considers herself lucky to have incredible friends who understand her condition and arrange social outings close to public transport or offer to pick her up. 

“I also have a very understanding employer which has an excellent inclusion and diversity program and doesn’t put any pressure on me to work beyond my capacity,” she adds. 

“I have had seizures in the office, which were initially confronting for them, but which they now understand and know what to do.

Donations

“At the end of the day, epilepsy is part of my life and I adjust and make allowances for it. It is what it is, but I have no intention of allowing it to stop me achieving everything I want to.”

The charity Epilepsy WA will hold three community events throughout March to raise awareness and funds, including the Purple Walk 4 Epilepsy at Curtin University on Sunday March 17 and Epilepsy WA Conference at The Niche in Nedlands.

Epilepsy WA CEO Emma Buitendag says they rely heavily on public donations to provide essential epilepsy services.

“Tens of thousands of West Aussies rely on our team of Epilepsy WA nurses, online resources, support groups, epilepsy management and seizure first aid training to be able to cope with their epilepsy,” Ms Buitendag says. 

“In March Purple Month we’re calling for public help to fund our invaluable services.”

For more info and to donate visit epilepsywa.asn.au.