In the town of Monselice in the Province of Padua, Italy, there is a unique tradition held on Valentine’s Day each year. In a small chapel at St. George’s Oratory, there is a special ceremony in which children receive a small charm, a Valentine’s key, believed to ward off epilepsy. According to the Epilepsy Foundation, epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder and can affect people of all ages. Sometimes epilepsy, which is another term for “seizure disorders” can be traced to a brain injury or a family history, but often the cause is unknown.
Perhaps you know someone who suffers from seizures and has experienced the life-altering effects of epilepsy, which can prevent proper growth and development, remove independence or curtail activities such as driving or working. This Valentine’s Day may be a reminder for you to reach out to them and find a way to help. It may be as simple as driving a friend to an appointment or running an errand for a weary caregiver. Your expression of philanthropy could also be to make a contribution to an organization doing research to find a cure for the disease. CURE, which stands for Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy, can direct your gift to a variety of research efforts targeting this disease.