December 17, 2008

THIS ISSUE
Learning and Sharing With Epilepsy Experts
American Epilepsy Society 2008 Conference

Reflecting on Success
Partners in Teaching

Make a Difference
Celebration Gifts

Learning and Sharing With Epilepsy Experts

American Epilepsy Society 2008 Conference
To better serve and represent you, BC Epilepsy Society staff Kathryn Sykes and Elvira Balakshin participated in the annual American Epilepsy Society conference in Seattle this December.  We had access to over 70 different lectures about the medical and social aspects of epilepsy and were part of an audience of thousands. 

The BC Epilepsy Society also displayed at the Epilepsy Northwest and the Epilepsy Foundation Exhibition Tables during this event.  We were happy to partner with our American counterparts to provide information about our resources and services to people from Canada, and around the world.  We got great feedback from attendees about our resources, particularly our information sheets available in Cantonese, Punjabi, Vietnamese, and French. 

The conference included topics as diverse as enhancing the quality of life of people with epilepsy, sleep and epilepsy, genetics, women's issues (pregnancy, medication choices, menopause, and bone health), transition from youth to adult services, depression, pediatric concerns, epilepsy in developing countries, along with a variety of sessions and debates on new and upcoming research and treatments to help control and eliminate seizures.     

This valuable educational opportunity allowed us to learn and network with epilepsy experts.  It was inspiring to see the dedication and enthusiam of the presenters and participants, working together to improve the lives of people with epilepsy.

Reflecting on Success

Partners in Teaching
With the end of the year almost upon us, it's time to reflect upon the successes of the BC Epilepsy Society's programs and services.  One of the highlights is our Partners in Teaching program.  This program provides workshops about epilepsy and seizures to school staff, students, childcare providers, and community organizations.  Notable achievements include:

  • A 73% increase in workshops 
  • For the first time workshops were presented in school districts and organizations on Northern Vancouver Island (Campbell River, Comox Valley, and surrounding communities), Northern Sunshine Coast (Powell River), and the Southern Okanagan (Pentiction, Oliver, and surrounding communities) 
  • Workshops were presented to a wide variety of audiences including students, supported child development staff, community living support workers, as well as teachers, school support staff and administrators 

A letter of appreciation from a student who attended one of our workshops is a testament to the importance of providing this education to the community. 

Make a Difference

Celebration Gifts
Do you really need another box of chocolates from a guest coming to your Christmas, Hanukkah, office, or New Years party? Do you really need to wrap another argyle sweater to go under the tree at Christmas?

Please consider having your party guests bring a donation for the BC Epilepsy Society to your upcoming party or make a donation to the Society in lieu of a gift to that hard to buy for friend or family member.

These in celebration gifts can go a long way in helping the BC Epilepsy Society deliver programs, services, and resources to the nearly 40,000 British Columbians living with epilepsy.

Tax receipts will be available for all donations.

Happy Holidays! Thank you for thinking of us. We’ll see you in 2009 – our 50th anniversary year.