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Council proclaims March 26 Purple Day and honors local student Ryan James
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Summary
Manhattan Beach'9s City Council declared March 26 Purple Day to raise epilepsy awareness and heard family members of Ryan James recall his life and sudden unexplained death in epilepsy (SUDEP), urging residents to learn seizure first aid.
The Manhattan Beach City Council on March 17 issued a proclamation declaring March 26 Purple Day, an international day dedicated to epilepsy awareness, and received remarks from the family of Ryan James, a local student who died last November.
Mayor (chair) opened the ceremonial item, saying the proclamation aims to bring attention to epilepsy and support affected families. Chris, Ryan James'9s father, described Ryan'9s long history with epilepsy and the family'9s recent loss to SUDEP (sudden unexplained death in epilepsy). "Purple Day is International Epilepsy Awareness Day," Chris said, urging residents to learn seizure first aid and to use the day to start conversations and dispel stigma.
Ryan'9s mother also spoke briefly and the council presented the family with a certificate and city pin. Staff and speakers pointed attendees to resources including the Epilepsy Foundation website and local training on seizure response. Chris emphasized basic first-aid steps for a seizure: protect the person'9s head, call 911, roll them onto their side, keep the airway clear and do not put anything in the mouth.
The proclamation was presented as a ceremonial recognition; no formal policy or fiscal action was associated with the item. Council members praised the family for sharing Ryan'9s story and encouraged public education about epilepsy.
The council moved on to its regular agenda after the presentation.
