Last winter, a South Carver boy named Josh Fenton won a national art contest that was created to allow people with epilepsy to show off their talent. His award-winning piece he titled “Growing Out of Epilepsy” was lauded for its color, creativity and heart-felt depiction of how Josh copes with epilepsy every day. The vibrant flower-filled vase had unique meaning to the boy.
“How that happened is, first, you have the roots,” he said. “That is epilepsy. Then the flower grows, and when it is beautiful, it describes when you are finally out of epilepsy. Seizures are wild; you’re in a wild place. That’s why I used wildflowers.”
“Art can be a self-expressive, visual demonstration of how it feels to live with this serious neurological condition,” Epilepsy Foundation and Ortho-McNeil Neurologics representative Krystal Loewe said. “The contest helps showcase the talent and inspiration of people across the country living with epilepsy. The 2009 Expressions of Courage contest was recently launched and will accept entries through Aug. 28.”
“Every piece submitted to Expressions of Courage tells a different story. One may feature images to describe what it feels like to have a seizure, while another demonstrates hope for a cure,” President and CEO of the Epilepsy Foundation Eric R. Hargis wrote in a press release. “Without a doubt, creating these entries is a very personal experience for participants, providing a personal platform for them to share what they go through every day.”
There is no certain cause or cure for the disease that is part of the everyday lives of millions of people across the world. More than three million Americans have epilepsy. It is a neurological condition that produces seizures, which can range from a momentary disruption of the senses to short periods of unconsciousness or staring spells to convulsions More than half of people with epilepsy are able to control seizures with existing treatment options.
The Epilepsy Foundation is eager to engage the local epilepsy community in the contest. For further information visit
www.epilepsyfoundation.org or call 800 224-4935. To view previous winning artwork or download an entry form, visit
www.ExpressionsofCourage.com By Bobbi Sistrunk
Posted By: Daniel Moss
Monday, June 22nd 2009 at 10:56PM
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