April 21, 2009

THIS ISSUE
Fundraising Walk for Epilepsy
Cindy's 5K Poker Walk

Epilepsy in the Media
Celebrities and Political Figures Speak Out

Register Now to Reserve Your Spot
Parent Education Day: Seizures and Epilepsy

Fundraising Walk for Epilepsy

Cindy's 5K Poker Walk
Come out and join volunteers and staff from the BC Epilepsy Society as they participate in Cindy’s 5K Poker Walk on Sunday, May 31st. 

This is a fundraising walk with a twist.  During the walk you will collect a playing card at each of the one kilometer points and at the end you take your five cards to the BC Epilepsy Society tent at the finish line.  The best poker hands will win great prizes from various sponsors. 

Cindy’s 5K Poker Walk is part of the annual Shaughnessy road race and the 2009 Vancouver Sun Run series.  It begins at 8:30am at the Kerrisdale Arena at 41st and East Blvd. in Vancouver.  The course goes though the surrounding historical and beautiful neighborhoods.  Registration is $19 until May 24th.  Breakfast is served to all participants at the end of the walk.  Registration information is available at:  www.lgrr.com/shaughnessy/index.html 

Participants and supporters are encouraged collect pledges to support the programs, resources and services of the BC Epilepsy Society.  Click here for a pledge form.

For more information, please contact our staff at 604-875-6704 or at info@bcepilepsy.com 

Epilepsy in the Media

Celebrities and Political Figures Speak Out
"The Mystery of Epilepsy: Why We Must Find a Cure," is the cover story of the April 20th edition of Newsweek.  The articles include three thought-provoking stories about epilepsy and an editorial as to why funding for support services and research is crucial.  The articles are persuasive, and the urgent nature of the statistics and personal stories bring much-needed attention to epilepsy and seizures.  You can read them at: www.newsweek.com

The Axelrod family are featured in one of the stories.  Lauren Axelrod is a young woman with difficult to control seizures.  Her parents are notable political and charitable figures, which includes a senior advisor to the administration of US President Obama and the founder of Citizens United to Research Epilepsy (CURE)

Another notable epilepsy advocate is actor Greg Grunberg of the television show "Heroes".  Grunberg's son, Jake, is 12 years old, and has epilepsy.  In order to raise awareness about epilepsy, and to build a community to share support, he started a website: TalkAboutIt.org  This multimedia site features various celebrities including, Jennifer Gardner and John Mayer, explaining seizure facts and first aid.  It uses a personable and easygoing approach to engage and inspire viewers. 

The new season of the popular television show, America’s Top Model, featured Kelly “Isabella” Falk, an aspiring model with epilepsy.  This beautiful and vivacious woman spoke about how having epilepsy affects her day-to-day life and modeling career in an episode.  It depicts the successes of an individual determined not to let epilepsy stop her from working towards her goals.

These notable figures and their stories in the media are steadily increasing awareness of epilepsy.  The popularity of the programs and publications are getting the attention of people who need to know about epilepsy – the people who don’t have it.

Register Now to Reserve Your Spot

Parent Education Day: Seizures and Epilepsy
Registration is being accepted for the Parent Education Day: Seizures and Epilepsy.  This event is on Saturday, May 23rd from 9:00am-5:00pm at the Chan Auditorium in the Child and Family Research Institute at the Children's and Women's Health Centre of BC, 4480 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC. 

Speakers include neurologists, nurses, psychologists, social workers, school personnel, as well as individuals and parents affected by epilepsy.  Sessions include: Epilepsy and Seizures 101, Optimal Treatments for Epilepsy, Developing Brains: from Learning to Life Choices, The Impacts of Epilepsy on the Family, Parent and School Partnerships, Transition to Adult Services, and Epilepsy and Genetics.

Registration is $20 per individual or $30 per couple and includes lunch and refreshments.  Pre-registration and advance payment are required for this event.  The deadline for registration is May 15, 2009.  It has sold out in previous years, so please register early!  Click here for a registration form and program schedule.

All interested parties are invited to attend this event.  The majority of the session topics are applicable to all ages – it is also an excellent educational opportunity for school personnel, childcare providers, and healthcare professionals.