Local faces spreading epilepsy awareness

With one per cent of the Australian population living with epilepsy, 2 well-known faces from Division 3 are helping break down any stigma surrounding the condition.

Division 3 Councillor Mindy Russell and former Mabel Park State High School teacher Luke Eisenhuth are national ambassadors for Epilepsy Action Australia.

Luke, who became an ambassador in 2019, had a rare form of epilepsy in childhood and was not expected to achieve speech, but went on to defy the odds.

Cr Russell, who also lives with epilepsy, was recently announced as the organisation’s newest ambassador at its 2024 Illuminating Hope Gala in Sydney.

The national event helped raise awareness and funds for people living with epilepsy and their families.

Cr Russell says she accepted the ambassadorship with the goal to raise awareness of the condition and challenge assumptions about living and working with epilepsy.

‘Epilepsy is a disorder with a certain stigma, but I hope to be part of addressing and overcoming it,’ Cr Russell says.

‘Epilepsy can be a life-changing diagnosis, but, with the right support, it doesn’t have to mean the end of your personal or professional goals.

‘I also want to encourage people with epilepsy to seek out the information readily available through organisations like Epilepsy Action Australia, to help them navigate this complex condition.

‘Knowledge is power and it can help eliminate avoidable risks, and allow people to live their best possible lives,’ she says.

For more information visit Home – Epilepsy Action Australia

Photo at top: Cr Mindy Russell and fellow Epilepsy Action Australia national ambassador, former Mabel Park teacher Luke Eisenhuth, at the Illuminating Hope Gala in Sydney.