A MOUNT Gambier mother has been recognised for her determination in the wake of her daughter’s diagnosis of an epilepsy disorder.
Katherine Height was recently awarded an International Bureau of Epilepsy Golden Light Award after a nomination by the Epilepsy Centre in Adelaide for her outstanding work raising funds and awareness for the disorder through her Ella’s Purple Promise initiative.
Her daughter Ella has battled with the GLUT1 deficiency syndrome her whole life, prompting Ms Height’s campaign.
Ms Height said winning the award came as a shock as she believed she was doing what any other mother would in her situation.
“I am just a mum,” she said.
“As a mother you would do anything for your child, so if starting something like Ella’s Purple Promise is something I could to do to help then of course I would.”
The awards highlight those is the epilepsy community who are “shining lights” for those affected by the disorder, whether they have been diagnosed themselves or are supporting a loved one.
Ms Height travelled to Bali earlier this month for the award presentation and also attended the 12th Asian Oceanian Epilepsy Congress, speaking as the winner of the Australian award.
“I felt so humbled and honoured to be chosen not only to win the award, but to speak on behalf of Australians fighting back against epilepsy,” Ms Height said.
“It was amazing to connect with those affected by the disorder in other countries and realise how lucky we are in Australia to have such great facilities.”
Despite the opportunities, she said South Australia lagged behind when it comes to epilepsy support.
“Here in South Australia, epilepsy is not recognised as a disability or even a health issue, so it has been an uphill battle for Ella and I to get the support she so desperately needs,” she said.
“If we did not have the Epilepsy Centre in Adelaide then things would be much harder, but they do not have any funding from the government, so it is up to us to raise the funds needed.
“That is why I created Ella’s Purple Promise so we are able to give back to the centre that has given us so much.”
The Epilepsy Centre chief executive and Epilepsy Australia president Robyn Wakefield said she was incredibly proud of Ms Height’s achievements.
“All of us here are very lucky to have her campaigning for the cause,” she said.
“She is truly deserving of this prestigious award.”
Ms Height said she would continue to raise awareness of the disorder and hoped in the near future it would be fully recognised in our state.
Although she is affected every day by seizures, Ella does not see herself differently to other kids thanks to the support of her mother.
“I go to big school now and get to play with all the other kids,” she said.
“I even play netball on the weekends and do everything that everyone else can do.
“I am lucky to have a mum like I do – I am really proud of her for winning the award and think she is the best mum in the
world.”
