Talent Showcase successful

Cresco - The Epilepsy Awareness Talent Showcase was held at the Cresco Theatre & Opera House to an enthusiastic crowd. The benefit was on Nov. 10 for a free-will donation. The proceeds from the show went to the Epilepsy Foundation of Iowa.

 It was sponsored by Kelly Bartling, who is diagnosed with epilepsy. She wanted to get the word out about the disease. She said, “Anyone that you come into contact with may have epilepsy.” This was the first time of the talent showcase, and Bartling’s hope is to have the event annually.

The showcase had 15 numbers that ranged from music, dance and even a comedy routine. The young singer Addylyn Riley, who was second runner-up at the last talent show at the Mighty Howard County Fair, sang a well-loved song, “Maybe” from the play “Annie.”

Another performer was Meredith Moore, a seventh grade violin player. She started her lessons last January. 

The audience enjoyed the tap dancing “Shake it Off” number. The dancers were seventh graders and got great response. 

Emily Allison and Tara Henry sang “Dear Future Husband” with great humor. 

Bartling’s daughter, LillyAnn Pagel-Bartling has been a huge voice for spreading awareness and sang “Colors of the Wind” beautifully.

The show was very creative and full of laughs. The event had a broad appeal with its array of acts. There was also a great age range of participants, from elementary school up to adults.

All the entertainers did a great job and pleased the audience. There were many standing ovations, which showed there are a lot of truly talented people here in Howard County. The show, as Bartling said, was a success.

The goal was to raise money to aid in finding a cure for epilepsy and bring public awareness to the disease.

The Epilepsy Foundation’s definition of the disease is that it is a neurological disorder defined by recurring seizures that are not provoked by another reversible medical problem. This disease is among the least understood of major chronic medical conditions. One in every three persons knows someone with the disorder.

The Epilepsy Foundation states at least 3.4 million people in the U.S. and 65 million people worldwide have the illness. The facts show that every year close to 150,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with epilepsy.

This disease mostly effects the very young and the very old. Most seizures are not convulsive attacks but a blank stare. The person may do repetitive movements, chewing, licking and swallowing. The person could wander, shake and have confused speech.

Bartling noted, “Awareness for epilepsy is needed just as much as any other illness. A lot can go wrong when someone has a seizure, and knowing what to do can save lives! I want to thank everyone involved in the show on stage and behind the scenes. Also, thank you to all who attended and donated.”

Epilepsy affects a large portion of the population, and this talent showcase hopefully brought some understanding of the disease.