Meet "The Nellie"

Meet "The Nellie": Our Newest Giving Tile Supporting Epilepsy Awareness

At Woodlands Mahjong Society, we believe that every game played can make a difference. We are thrilled to introduce the latest addition to our travel series: The Nellie.

The Nellie is more than just a beautiful set of mahjong tiles; it is a heartfelt tribute and a powerful way for our community to give back. This special set was created to directly benefit the Texas Epilepsy Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by epilepsy.

The Inspiration Behind the Name
We chose to call this series The Nellie in honor of Penelope Mariott, who is our dear friend’s daughter. Penelope was diagnosed with epilepsy when she was just four years old. Watching her journey, her resilience, and the strength of her family has been incredible to witness and this set is a celebration of her spirit.

Why Purple?
When you see the set, you’ll immediately notice the striking theme. We chose a beautiful, vibrant purple for the tiles themselves, as well as the coordinating rack bag and carrying bag.

In the epilepsy community, purple—specifically lavender—is the official color of epilepsy awareness. It symbolizes courage, strength, and support for those living with the condition. By saturating this travel set in purple, we hope to start conversations, raise awareness, and show solidarity with the millions of people around the world affected by epilepsy.

Understanding Epilepsy: Why Awareness Matters
To better understand why we are passionate about this cause, it helps to look at the impact epilepsy has on our society:

*   Prevalence: Globally, it is estimated that approximately 50 to 65 million people have epilepsy. 
*   Impact in the U.S.: In the United States alone, approximately 3.4 million people live with active epilepsy. 
*   Lifetime Risk: It is a common neurological condition; research suggests that 1 in 26 people will be diagnosed with epilepsy at some point in their lifetime. 

Thank you for being part of our community and for helping us make an impact, one tile at a time. When you play with "The Nellie," you aren't just enjoying a game—you are actively contributing to vital research, advocacy, and support services provided by the Texas Epilepsy Foundation.

*To purchase The Nellie travel series and support the Texas Epilepsy Foundation, please visit our Giving Tiles shop page.