Wearing Purple for Haley: Honoring Strength, Loss, and Awareness
November is National Epilepsy / Seizure Awareness Month - a time when we come together to shed light on the realities faced by families touched by seizure disorders. For our team, this month carries a special weight. Two years ago, our beloved teammate Sherena lost her daughter Haley after a long, courageous battle with a seizure disorder. This November, we wear purple - not just as a color, but as a symbol of remembrance, resilience, and hope.
A Mother’s Unwavering Love
Sherena is, to all of us, a shining example of what it means to be a mother. From the very beginning, she fought fiercely for Haley - navigating the medical world, advocating for the right treatments, and never giving up. She pushed until she could secure the medicine that helped, until she could find ways to give Haley the best possible quality of life.
Why Purple Matters
Purple is more than a color - it’s the internationally recognized symbol of epilepsy and seizure disorder awareness. During November, people and organizations around the country “go purple” to show solidarity, educate others, and reduce stigma. In fact, this year’s theme from the Epilepsy Foundation encourages us to “share your purple power” - to harness our collective strength in raising awareness and supporting those impacted.
Our Team’s Tribute: Purple Belts for Haley
To honor Haley and support Sherena, we decided to wear purple - but not just in spirit. I gave every woman on our team a purple belt to wear throughout November. It’s a small gesture, but one that carries weight. With every belt we buckle, we remember Haley. With every glance at the color, we reflect on Sherena’s courage and the love that continues to bind her to her daughter’s memory.
It’s a symbol of our pledge: to educate, to care, to not let this conversation fade when the month ends.
Taking Action: Awareness, Education, and Support
If you’re reading this and wondering how you can help - here are a few ways:
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Share the Story
Tell others about Haley, about Sherena, and why seizure disorder awareness matters. Your voice can amplify experiences that are too often hidden. Feel free to share this article or the one linked from WBTV. -
Get Informed
Learn more about seizures, seizure first-aid, and epilepsy. Knowledge dispels fear. -
Show Your Purple Power
Wear purple. Change your profile picture. Light up your space in lavender tones. Every small act fosters conversation. -
Support the Community
Whether through donations, volunteering, or just listening, offering support matters. The Epilepsy Foundation and other organizations offer resources and community engagement opportunities. OneCause Peer-to-Peer Social Fundraising+1 -
Reach Out to Sherena
The WBTV story invites people to send cards and letters to Sherena - to build up Haley’s legacy through kind reflections and shared memories. A message from you can mean more than you know. If you send those to my attention (Attention: Kristin) at our Anson HeadQuarters: 410 Front St. Unit B
Beaufort, NC 28516, I will make sure Sherena receives them.
Why This Matters to Us
This isn’t just an awareness campaign. For us, it’s personal. It’s about honoring a teammate’s loss, but also celebrating her strength. It’s about reminding ourselves - and everyone we touch - that epilepsy and seizure disorders don’t just affect individuals; they affect families, communities, and workplaces.
By wearing purple, we’re standing with Sherena. By raising awareness, we’re giving voice to stories like Haley’s. And by supporting this cause, we’re doing more than remembering - we’re helping build a world that’s seizure-smart, compassionate, and informed.
