Whereas, Epilepsy and seizures affect 2.7 million Americans of all ages, including more than 100,000 individuals in Michigan; and,

Whereas, Approximately 200,000 new cases of seizures and epilepsy occur each year, and by the age of 70, 10 percent of the American population will experience a seizure in their lifetime; and,

Whereas, Epilepsy is a disorder in which brain cells suddenly release an unusually large burst of electrical energy, causing seizures that vary in degree of severity; and,

Whereas, Epilepsy can be traced to head injury, brain tumor, stroke, certain viral infections, birth difficulty, or genetics, but often there is no evident cause for a patient’s seizures; and,

Whereas, Epilepsy can be treated with medicine that either reduces the number of seizures or prevents them from occurring entirely, and in some cases, surgery can lead to complete control of seizures; and,

Whereas, When seizures persist and become intractable, epilepsy is a devastating disorder; and,

Whereas, Epilepsy can affect the probability of employment; and the stigma associated with epilepsy is still a huge concern for people living with epilepsy; and,

Whereas, The Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan, founded in 1948, is dedicated to empowering individuals with seizure management tools through their Living Well Workshops, and provides education and consultation services that allow individuals to call a toll-free number and request assistance, provides professional and public education regarding epilepsy and seizure first aid, advocacy programs, a support group network, free school awareness programs and mobility programs; and,

Whereas, During Epilepsy Awareness Month, great strides are made to increase community awareness of epilepsy to help end the prejudice and misunderstanding that denies many people with epilepsy the opportunity to live full and active lives; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim November 2005, as Epilepsy Awareness Month in Michigan.