The late Tony Greig’s vision for epilepsy support and services has taken a major step forward that’s likely to save lives, reports Tori Wilson.
Late last week a milestone was met when Epilepsy Action Australia launched the MyEpilepsyKey, a USB in the shape of a key, in WA with the help of Deputy Premier, Hon. Roger Cook.
What the key is all about is providing people with epilepsy with the most up-to-date information on how to manage the disorder in the best way possible. The information is accessed through a portal that the USB gives access to so users can benefit from frequent updates. At any time a person can plug in the little device to their computer to access a wealth of programs, tools, documents and modules to assist and educate. It may look small but it holds a lot.
In WA, over 26 000 people are living with epilepsy, so that’s a lot of lives that this key can help.
Cricketer Tony Greig and Captain of England in 1970s was a testament to the fact that with the right methods and management, epilepsy doesn’t need to stop a person in their path.
“Tony lived with epilepsy from the age of 12 and still managed to develop an extraordinary career. He lived life to the fullest in every way. The reason Tony was able to do that was careful self-management of his condition,” says Vivian Greg.
MyEpilepsyKey was Tony’s legacy says his wife, Vivian Greig, and it’s something that he dreamed of sharing with others living with his condition. His mission was to give others with epilepsy the chance to live the best life possible, which is why he worked with Epilepsy Action Australia for almost 20 years, serving on its Board and raising awareness and funding.
Epilepsy Action Australia Chief Executive Officer, Carol Ireland, explained that the content accessible via MyEpilepsyKey was inspired by Tony’s example and by his vision to help as many people as possible, despite their location.
The key doesn’t just help the person living with epilepsy either. It has plenty of tips and teachings for those surrounding that person too. Adults and adolescents will have access to carefully designed modules that cover the challenges that they might be facing at that particular stage in life, while parents of children with epilepsy can benefit too.
Parents will have the opportunity to access resources that assist in identifying if their child is experiencing challenges with learning due to epilepsy and ideas about how to support their child to reach their potential.
Thanks to a $100 000 donation from Lotterywest, Epilepsy Action Australia have been able to send off 15 000 of these key shaped USB sticks to Friendlies Pharmacies across WA, where people with epilepsy can pick them up for free.
