Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckiana plans month of events for awareness campaign

The Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckiana is marking National Epilepsy Awareness Month in November with events across Kentucky focused on education, advocacy, fundraising and community support. The effort aims to reach people living with epilepsy and their families while reducing stigma and connecting them to resources.

Why it matters: - Epilepsy affects nearly 1 in 26 people during their lifetime, making awareness and education relevant to a broad share of Kentucky families. - National Epilepsy Awareness Month is meant to increase public understanding, reduce stigma and connect people to support and resources. - EF Kentuckiana is using November to reinforce a simple message: community support can improve daily life for people living with epilepsy.

What happened: - The Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckiana announced a full slate of November events tied to National Epilepsy Awareness Month and the theme “Where Community Sparks Hope.” - The campaign spans Kentucky and brings together people living with epilepsy, caregivers, healthcare professionals, advocates and supporters. - Executive Director Beth Stivers said the foundation wants communities across Kentucky to celebrate, educate, advocate and inspire.

The details: - November 1 kicks off with “Night Under the Purple Lights” at the Big Four Bridge in Louisville, where the bridge will be lit purple. - EF Kentuckiana is encouraging landmarks, businesses, homes and communities to shine purple in recognition of National Epilepsy Awareness Month. - The Big Four Bridge walk begins at 6 p.m. - The “26 Miles for Epilepsy Awareness Challenge” runs Nov. 1-26 and asks participants to complete 26 miles any way they choose, while raising funds for the foundation’s mission. - The Expressions of Hope Gala is set for Nov. 6 at Angel's Envy Bourbon Club. - The Epilepsy Empowerment Statewide Conference is scheduled for Nov. 14 at Hilton Garden Inn Airport. - The conference will focus on treatment, wellness, resources, self-advocacy and community support. - On Nov. 19, Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton will join a proclamation signing at the Government Center Lobby recognizing November as National Epilepsy Awareness Month. - On Nov. 23, EF Kentuckiana will host the Kentucky Veterans of the Year Dinner at The Jeffersonian. - The foundation will also offer two free virtual Seizure First Aid Certification and Training classes during the month. - Additional activities include social media campaigns, community engagement efforts, new episodes of the “Between 2 Sparks” podcast and advocacy opportunities. - More information is available at event details and registration.

Between the lines: - The event mix shows a strategy that blends public visibility, fundraising, training and direct support rather than relying on a single awareness day. - The purple-lighting campaign turns awareness into a visible public signal, which can help normalize epilepsy conversations in everyday spaces. - The statewide conference and seizure first aid training suggest the foundation is targeting both general awareness and practical skills.

What's next: - EF Kentuckiana is asking individuals, families, organizations and community leaders across Kentucky to participate throughout November. - The foundation expects event attendance, fundraising and online engagement to extend its awareness push beyond the month itself. - Ongoing podcast episodes and social campaigns will keep the campaign active through November. - The foundation serves individuals and families affected by epilepsy in Kentucky and Southern Indiana through education, advocacy, support services, seizure first aid training and community programs.