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The End of an Excellent Year
December 19, 2008 11:00 AMSend to a Friend
As we approach the end of 2008, we're looking back on the achievements of the BC Epilepsy Society in the past year, and we're happy with what we see.
This year, we've launched new topics in our Annual Speaking of Epilepsy Lecture Series, such as Epilepsy and Neuropsychology last month, and they have been very well-received. We've funded new research, formed new community partnerships, and continued our strong relationship with the Neurology Clinic of the BC Children's Hospital. We sent a record number of kids to the Zajac Ranch last summer, and offered travel subsidies to the Easter Seals Camps. We also awarded more scholarships than ever before.
Our Partners in Teaching program, which provides workshops about epilepsy to school staff, students, childcare providers and community organizations has enjoyed a landmark year. Workshops have increased by 73%, and they've been presented for the first time in areas such as Northern Vancouver Island, the Northern Sunshine Coast, and the Southern Okanagan. Feedback from students and staff has been great, and we look forward to bringing the program to new areas in 2009.
It seems to me that the last three months have been particularly busy, but that may be just because I'm still recovering from the excitement! On October 21st, I had the great good luck to accompany five kids from the BC Epilepsy Society to Disneyland as part of the annual Dreams Take Flight trip organized by Air Canada Employees. This was the second year BC Epilepsy has had a chance to participate, and the first time for me. It was just as much fun as I've heard, and the long day was totally worth it for the great time our kids had, and the memories they will keep forever.
Late October was very busy. In the same week as Dreams Take Flight, we were given tickets to a Canucks game! These weren't just any tickets - they were tickets to Lui's Crease Club, the private box owned by Luongo and donated to a different group of kids for every home game. Although it was short notice, we got 12 kids together, and we had a great night of hot dogs and popcorn and cheering, and the Canucks beat the Oilers 6-3. BC Epilepsy is good luck!
In early December, Elvira and I were given the chance to attend the American Epilepsy Society's 2008 Conference in Seattle. We spent five days among epilepsy experts from around the world, and attended sessions on topics such as current research, quality of life, and transition services for young adults. We were also able to display BC Epilepsy's materials alongside the Epilepsy Foundation Northwest, as well as the national organization, and we got great feedback on our resources and services.
2008 has been so good that it feels like we're bragging when we reflect on it. In fact, it's even more exciting to think about what 2009 will bring. As the 50th Anniversary of the BC Epilepsy Society, the year is set to be filled with new events and successes. Our Speaking of Epilepsy lecture series will pick up on January 20th with an Ask the Expert Panel, and plans are in the works for a full Epilepsy Education Day in cooperation with BC Children's Hospital next spring. Partners in Teaching will continue to grow, and help yet more students and teachers understand epilepsy. As for Zajac Ranch, Easter Seals Camps, Dreams Take Flight, scholarships, and sports events, subscribe to our email newsletter, and watch for chances to sign up! Whatever 2009 might bring, we're looking forward to another great year of serving those living with epilepsy around the province.
The BC Epilepsy Society would like to thank you for your support, and wish Happy Holidays to you and your family!
Posted by Kathryn Sykes at December 19, 2008 11:00 AM
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