June 14, 2011


THIS ISSUE
Camps for Kids with Epilepsy
LAST CHANCE TO APPLY

A Meet-Up Just for Teens with Epilepsy
JUNE 29th: 7-9 PM

Feedback for New Epilepsy Medication
PHARMACARE SEEKS INPUT

Camps for Kids with Epilepsy

LAST CHANCE TO APPLY
Planning summer activities for the kids? Definitely consider a camp!

Camps are a great way to foster independence, social and self-management skills, as well as giving kids the chance to explore new activities.

The BC Epilepsy Society assists in funding kids with epilepsy to attend Easter Seal campsZajac Ranch and Eureka Camp.

These are great for kids who need extra support in order to participate in recreational activities. As well, it is great for kids, who tend to be socially isolated, have learning difficulties, and/or whose families are otherwise financially unable to participate in these opportunities. 

Our staff have personally visited and met with the staff of these camps to get an overview of the activities, living quarters, and see the campers in action. As well, we have done seizure awareness workshops for these camps. The staff have advanced knowledge and experience in medical intervention and working with children with special needs. 

Our website has a listing of the camp locations, dates, eligibility, as well as, links to the registration forms, and subsidies available.

Get your applications together ASAP! Many camp dates have already been filled.

For information about receiving financial subsidies for these camps, please contact Shawn Laari at the BC Epilepsy Society at 604-875-6704 extension 12 or at laari@bcepilepsy.com

A Meet-Up Just for Teens with Epilepsy

JUNE 29th: 7-9 PM
Are you a teen with epilepsy? Or, do you know a teen that has it? If so, pass the word on about and/or come out to a night just for teens with epilepsy!

This is on Wednesday, June 29th the BC Epilepsy Society office (#2500-900 West 8th, Vancouver) from 7-9 PM.

This is for teens to connect with each other, as well as share their ideas about other activities and events they want to do this summer and beyond. Snacks and games will also be happening.

Please let us know if you’ll be coming and get more information from Marlyn Chow at 604-875-6704 extension 10, or at info@bcepilepsy.com

Can’t come out to the meeting? Check out this awesome epilepsy website specifically for teens: www.goeyc.org

Are you a parent of a teen with epilepsy? Great information about supporting teens with epilepsy is here.

Feedback for New Epilepsy Medication

PHARMACARE SEEKS INPUT
A new epilepsy medication is being considered for PharmaCare coverage in BC. If approved, this means that it will be fully or partially funded for eligible patients.

This new medication is used for the treatment of partial-onset epileptic seizures in adult patients who are not satisfactorily controlled with their current therapy. The name of the medication is Lacosamide (brand name Vimpat).

PharmaCare is requesting feedback from people affected by epilepsy and their caregivers on whether or not they should fund this medication. This is part of the Your Voice program, a new initiative from the BC government to give patients a chance to share their perspectives on drug decisions that affect them.

To provide feedback you must meet all of the following guidelines:

A BC resident and
- have epilepsy with partial-onset seizures (if you are unsure if this is your seizure type, ask your doctor)
- your seizures are not controlled satisfactorily by your current treatment
- you complete a Conflict of Interest declaration
If so, you can provide your input by submitting this document

A BC resident and
- are a caregiver to someone who has epilepsy with partial-onset seizures
- their seizures are not controlled satisfactorily by their current treatment
- you complete a Conflict of Interest declaration
If so, you can provide your input by submitting this document

The deadline to submit feedback is July 4, 2011 at midnight.

A link with more information about the medication and how to submit your feedback is here.