Epilepsy

Press, Volume CXIII, Issue 33251, 14 June 1973, Page 16

Epilepsy

Sir, —I notice that the poster used in this year’s appeal for epileptics, held on June 1, showed a dull, expressionless face of a child, with empty spaces on various places on the head in successive pictures. The sports club I belong to has three young epileptic members. I would not have known they were epileptics if I had not been told. All are intelligent and have a job; one even has his driving licence. Why was this type of poster used? What is meant by the empty spaces? —Yours, etc., NOT VACANT. June 5, 1973. [Mr R. S. Leach, honorary (secretary of the Christchurch branch of the New Zealand Enilepsy Association, replies: ‘Not Vacant’s’ comments are also the expression of opinion held by some

members of the association. The advertisement was drawn up by one of New Zealand’s foremost agencies (free of charge) with the object of overcoming the ‘compassion fatigue’ which many otherwise interested people are experiencing. Seizures are a brief experience which approach then leave, and were to be signified by the spaces progressively moving through the head. The majority of members do have jobs, but many do have social and employment problems, and these are the specific people for whom the association is seeking financial support so that they may be brought fully into society. Should ‘Not Vacant’ or any other reader have further comment or requests for information our address and telephone number is in the additions section of the telephone book under ‘Epilepsy.’ I would personally invite the correspondent to take part in our activities.”]