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Austintown rocks for epilepsy
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Warren pals Doris Griggs (left), Doris Turner, and Kathleen Baugh visited Austintown Cracker Barrel on July 23 to Rock for Epilepsy.
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .The Ruddy family stopped by the July 23 epilepsy event to show support for one of their own who suffers from the disease, as well as the many other families supporting the Mahoning County Epilepsy Foundation. The family are, from left, Mike Ruddy, Anthony Ruddy, Angela Ruddy, and Joey Ruddy, who suffers from the disease.
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 141 acted as a major sponsor for the epilepsy event. While on break, a group of Mahoning County Deputy sheriffs enjoyed some time relaxing in some rocking chairs at the July 23 fundraiser.
By SARAH FOOR
It’s not out of the ordinary to see guests at Austintown’s Cracker Barrel restaurant relaxing and enjoying the rocking chairs lining the store’s front porch. On July 23, however, the guests enjoying the gentle sway of the chairs there were doing so with purpose.
For the last seven years, the Mahoning County Epilepsy Foundation has been “rocking” for epilepsy awareness and support, where local organizations sponsor rocking chairs and guests sit at their leisure.
Under the direction of director Janet Mau, the fundraiser has grown from a humble 12-chair rock show to 40 chairs.
“When we created this event, we wanted to find something everyone can do at any age, and something that would make guests feel comfortable and at home,” Mau explained.
“That homey feeling also helps us conquer the tough stuff – tackling the stigma against epilepsy with education, support and advocacy,” she added.
Along with a wealth of information about epilepsy assistance programs and medicines, the event offered fun for all ages, with a mom and baby rock-a-thon and an apple pie baking contest.
The event also offered families dealing with epilepsy a chance to network and share their experiences.
“When I was little, we didn’t talk about it ever,” shared Colleen Chennell, who suffers from the disease. “I educate about the disease for all ages, but it’s important to me that we work to educate kids about epilepsy and how they might help an epileptic classmate.”
Joseph Ruddy attended the event with his family.
“Joey was just diagnosed last year,” explained his mom, Angela Ruddy. “This is our first time at this event, but we’re planning on being part of it for many years to come.”