Billiards takes aim against epilepsy

Alycia Douglass
Billiards takes aim against epilepsy
From left

CORNWALL, Ontario – Rack-Em-Up Billiards hosted their first annual Break 4 Epilepsy event this Saturday, March 18. The 9 Ball tournament drew 36 competitors and managed to raise $1100.00 in support of epilepsy research.

“All the funds raised today are going to Epilepsy Ottawa,” said owner, Doug Disotell. “In previous years, we’ve held this event for Did it for Heart and Stroke, but this year, we opted to support a cause that was even closer to home.”

Disotell’s neice, Tiffany Boucher, says that this tournament ‘means the world’ to her. Boucher’s six-year-old daughter, Payson was diagnosed with epilepsy, and suffers multiple seizures per day. “Epilepsy Ottawa really helps give families in need the support to deal with the illness,” said Boucher.

March 26, 2017 is Purple Day; an international effort which hopes to raise epilepsy awareness by encouraging people to wear purple. Boucher says that the tournament was a great way for people to acknowledge the cause in a way they could enjoy.

“I’ve been wanting to do something for Purple Day, but each year, my daughter has been in the hospital with seizures or other medical issues stemming from the seizures,” said Boucher.

Disotell says that he was impressed with the turnout. “We’ve got people coming from all over,” said Disotell. “The people that are here are diehard pool players, and the support we’ve received throughout the event has been overwhelming.”

The event wrapped up Sunday, March 19 with Disotell already discussing next year’s tournament. “We threw this together in about three weeks,” said Disotell. “Now we’ve got a full year to work on the next one.

“I see what my niece goes through,” said Disotell. “This is a cause we want to continue supporting.”

 

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