BY MICHELLE KEY
PUBLISHER
OPELIKA — Compassionate Hands of Hope will host its sixth annual Glow for Epilepsy event Sunday, Nov. 1, bringing families, community organizations and advocates together for an afternoon of education, entertainment and support for individuals living with epilepsy.
The free, family-friendly event will take place from 3 to 7 p.m. at Lee County Courthouse Square in downtown Opelika. Activities will include music, a DJ, children’s activities, food trucks, local vendors, giveaways and informational resources, followed by a glow party as the sun sets.
This year’s event will also feature a partnership with Epilepsy Foundation Alabama, which will help provide additional education, advocacy and resources for families.
According to Tanisha King of Compassionate Hands of Hope, Glow for Epilepsy began six years ago through a personal connection to the condition.
The organization’s founder, Janataka Hughley-Holmes, has a son who lives with epilepsy. King also has a family connection through her mother, who had epilepsy.
“What started as a way to bring awareness to epilepsy has grown into a community event that we’re really proud of,” King said. “Over the past six years, we’ve had families, businesses and community organizations come together to support the cause.”
King said organizers have worked to create an event that families look forward to attending each year while encouraging greater understanding of epilepsy and seizure disorders.
One of the organization’s primary goals is to help people recognize that seizures can take different forms and understand how to respond when someone experiences one.
“You would be surprised how many people have never really learned what to do if someone has a seizure,” King said.
She noted that common misconceptions persist, including the belief that every seizure causes a person to fall and shake.
“Some seizures are much less noticeable, and people may not even recognize what’s happening,” she said.
King also emphasized that people should never place anything in someone’s mouth during a seizure or attempt to restrain them.
Beyond awareness and education, King said the event is intended to help individuals with epilepsy and their families connect with others who understand their experiences.
“We want our community to be a place where families feel supported and people aren’t afraid or uncomfortable talking about epilepsy,” she said.
The mission is particularly meaningful to King, whose mother died following a seizure in her sleep.
“Looking back, I realize just how much I didn’t know about epilepsy at the time,” King said. “I’ve learned so much since then, and I think that’s part of why this event is so important to me.”
Despite the difficult experiences that inspired the event, King said organizers want Glow for Epilepsy to be a celebration rather than a somber occasion.
“We want families to come out, have a good time, connect with other people and enjoy themselves,” she said.
Attendees are encouraged to wear purple, the color associated with epilepsy awareness, and bring their own glow accessories if they wish. Organizers will also provide glow items.
King said the support of sponsors, community partners and volunteers makes it possible to offer the event free of charge.
“It’s a free, family-friendly event, and you don’t have to know anything about epilepsy to attend,” she said. “That’s part of the reason we do this. We want everyone to feel welcome.”
The event will conclude with a glow party after sunset.
“More than anything, we just want people to come out, enjoy themselves and help us shine a little light on epilepsy awareness,” King said.
