April 9, 2008

THIS ISSUE

Scholarship Award Program
Apply To Access Funds For Education

Speaking of Epilepsy Lecture Series
Managing Stress and Epilepsy

Camp Opportunities For Kids and Teens
Plan For Summer Fun!

Scholarship Award Program

Apply To Access Funds For Education
The deadline for scholarships awarded by the BC Epilepsy Society is quickly approaching! Applications and supporting documents must be fully completed and received by April 30th. We will be awarding seven $1000 scholarships to individuals who currently attend or plan to attend a post-secondary institution of education or training. These scholarships are awarded on the basis of educational commitment, volunteer work, and other achievements or interests. Applicants must also include their thoughts on how they would help to increase epilepsy awareness in their community.

Please note that applicants must currently be members of the BC Epilepsy Society. Individual membership is only $10 and can be processed over the phone or with the scholarship application. Applicants also must include documentation from a physician that they are currently under care for epilepsy. Last year all individuals who submitted complete applications received a scholarship. If you know of an individual who may be interested or if you are currently in the process of applying, please contact our office at 604-875-6704 for more information and to ensure that all documentation is complete. Application forms are available from our office or from www.bcepilepsy.com/programs_and_services/Scholarships.aspx

Speaking of Epilepsy Lecture Series

Managing Stress and Epilepsy
On Thursday, April 17th from 7-9 PM Dr. Audrey Ho and Dr. Josef Zaide will be speaking about stress management and epilepsy. This lecture will take place at the Chan Auditorium at the BC Children's Hospital located at 4480 Oak Street (Vancouver). This lecture is free to current members of the BC Epilepsy Society and $10 for each non-member.

Living with epilepsy comes with its own challenges, so understanding and managing stress is particularly important. Please call to confirm your attendance at 604-875-6704 as space may be limited. To accommodate individuals who are unable to travel to this event, the lecture will be filmed and available at a later date from our website and from our resource library.

Camp Opportunities For Kids and Teens

Plan For Summer Fun!
The BC Epilepsy Society is pleased to announce partnerships with five different camps to accommodate the social and recreational needs of young people with epilepsy.

Zajac Ranch will be offering a week long overnight camp for children and youth with epilepsy on July 14th. The BC Epilepsy Society will be offering a substantial subsidy to cover the camp admission fee. You must send the Zajac Ranch application form to the BC Epilepsy Society office to receive a $400 subsidy. Any application forms sent to the Zajac Ranch will be required to pay the full $675 fee. The deadline for applying to BC Epilepsy for a subsidy is May 23rd.  Camp applications are awarded on a first come first served basis. Application forms are available at www.zajacranch/campschedule.htm For more information, contact Shawn Laari at 604-875-6704.

Easter Seal Camps are located in Squamish, Winfield, and Shawnigan. These camps operate throughout the summer and offer full week or weekend dates, first time camper weekends, weeks dedicated for different age groups, and specific accommodations for individuals with various neurological needs. Admission is free and the BC Epilepsy Society can reimburse travel costs for families who require it. Application forms and camp dates are available at the Lions Society website at www.lionsbc.ca/programs/camps Apply now! These camps are very popular and the spots are filled on a first come first served basis.  For more information contact Hartley Banack, Camp Administrator at 604-873-1865.

Camp Discovery is part of a new potential partnership between the BC Epilepsy Society and the US based organization Epilepsy Northwest. This partnership allows us to send children to Camp Discovery near Tacoma, Washington.  This overnight camp is available to children with epilepsy and their siblings. Children attending the camp are not charged a fee to attend, however donations are accepted to help cover costs. For more information, contact Shawn Laari at 604-875-6704.