On Monday, May 20, Bridgeport High School students filled the football stadium, the City Park, and all points in between as they celebrated the annual Indian Fest, an end-of-year celebration organized by the BHS Student Council.  Entertainment, games, activities and food are all on-site to reward the students for a job well done throughout the year.  This year’s event, however, included a philanthropic element as Bridgeport’s DECA chapter partnered with the Epilepsy Foundation West Virginia to raise awareness and funds for additional research on the disease. 

 

“When we decided to sell Zul’s frozen lemonade, we made the connection to ‘Lemonade for Livy,’ an initiative that benefits a girl about our age who is disabled due to her seizures,” said Alden Smith, WV State DECA President and BHS DECA Leader.  

 

Livy was born with a brain malformation that resulted in epilepsy, cerebral palsy and other disabilities.  Her story inspired a movement called ‘Lemonade for Livy” that empowers kids to learn about epilepsy, educate others and give back to one’s community. What began as a fundraiser for Livy is now a nationwide campaign that gives children across the country the means to raise funds for epilepsy.

 

“It was a natural fit for DECA, a service-oriented marketing organization, to partner with the Epilepsy Foundation of West Virginia and donate proceeds to them in honor of Livy,” said Smith.

 

Epilepsy Foundation of West Virginia Executive Director Chris Mullett was thrilled with the partnership, making the teens aware of the fact that one out of every 26 people in the United States will develop Epilepsy at some point in their lives.  

 

“Although Epilepsy is one of the oldest known medical conditions, many people don’t understand it or know how common it is,” said Mullett.  “That misunderstanding can lead to fear, discrimination or social isolation. It is our goal to offer a network of support and educational opportunities that will raise awareness and direct people to available resources.  Funds raised at Indian Fest will be beneficial in implementing that goal.”

 

For those who are interested in donating to or volunteering for the Epilepsy Foundation of West Virginia can contact Chris Mullett at cmullett@efa.orgor visit the Facebook page.  Support groups for those affected by epilepsy are meeting regularly around the state and Mullett is also available for speaking engagements and trainings anywhere in the Mountain State.