Epilepsy Awareness MonthCity of Clermont Proclamation
• EPILEPSYAWARENESS MONTH
WHEREAS, Epilepsy, also known as Seizure Disorder, has afflicted humanity since the dawn of our
species and has been recognized within the earliest medical writings; and
WHEREAS, as long ago as 400 B.C. Hippocrates, The Father Of Medicine, repudiated ancient beliefs
that Epilepsy was a sacred visitation from the gods, or that it was a curse from the gods and that people
afflicted with this disorder held prophetic powers, and believed that Epilepsy was a brain disorder; and
WHEREAS, seizures are known as sudden brief attacks of altered consciousness, motor activity or
sensory phenomena, and is a sign that certain brain cells (neurons) are discharging at an excessive amount of
electrical impulses; and
WHEREAS, Epilepsy can be caused by injury to the brain, lack of oxygen at birth, brain tumors,
infection, and brain hemorrhage. In sixty percent (60%) of the cases, the cause is unknown and Epilepsy can
affect anyone, at any age, at anytime; and
WHEREAS, Epilepsy and seizure disorders afflict more than two million Americans, and of this
number, 150,000 are Florida residents; and
WHEREAS, with the administration of anticonvulsant drugs, two-thirds of those afflicted with
Epilepsy are controlled; and
• WHEREAS, lack of education about this condition has contributed to superstitions, age-old myths,
and prejudices; and
WHEREAS, the stigma associated with this condition is sometimes worse than the condition itself;
and
WHEREAS, people who have Epilepsy make reliable and conscientious workers in job performance
as to productivity, safety, cooperation, and attendance; and
WHEREAS, studies carved out in the United States over the past thirty years have shown that of all
disabilities, Epilepsy poses the greatest barrier to employment with unemployment rates estimated between
twenty to twenty-five percent; and
WHEREAS, Epilepsy should not be a barrier to success, in addition to the normal requirements for
success, a person who has Epilepsy needs a supportive environment and employers willing to give an equal
opportunity supporting our productive members of society;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Harold S. Turville, Jr. by virtue of the authority vested in me as Mayor of
the City of Clermont in the State of Florida do hereby proclaim the month of November, 2004 as: Epilepsy
Awareness Montl:, in the City of Clermont, and urge all citizens; governments; businesses; and other civic,
social and professional organizations in Lake County to recognize and applaud the merits, benefits, and
accomplishments of the Florida Awareness Committee for Epilepsy & Seizures-F.A.C.E.S., and urge them
• to continue to support this program and its endeavors.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Clermont
to be affixed at Clermont this 26th day of October in the year of our Lord two thousand and four.
• OLD S. TURVILLE, JR., MAYOR
ATTEST:
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