December 16, 2009

THIS ISSUE
A Golf Fundraiser for Epilepsy
Itching to Scratch

New Seizure Journal
Recording the Facts

Epilepsy Around the World
Closing the Gap

A Golf Fundraiser for Epilepsy

Itching to Scratch
This winter a new brand of golf fund raising emerges.  Itching to Scratch: Score a Cure for Epilepsy is the first pledge-based golf fundraiser of its kind.  Inspired by his mother’s diagnosis with epilepsy following a stroke, Sean Cody developed Itching to Scratch as a stand-alone fundraiser that any golfer could potentially participate in.

Itching to Scratch parallels the highly successful “walk-a-thon” models, but uses fairways instead of crosswalks to fulfill its mission.  In its inaugural campaign this winter, Sean hopes to raise more than $36,000 for epilepsy – $12,000 for each of the community organizations most important to him; the Epilepsy Foundation of Massachusetts & Rhode Island, the Epilepsy Foundation of Florida, and the British Columbia Epilepsy Society.  Funds raised will support local advocacy, education, research, and support services, which are necessary to promote awareness, improve treatment methods, and strive closer to a cure.

Sean will be playing 450 holes (25 rounds) of golf in southern Florida in January and February, 2010.  Sponsors choose one of three epilepsy organizations to support, and pledge to one of four golf score categories over all 25 rounds.  Supporters can track both the golf and fund raising highlights by viewing daily updates on the Itching to Scratch website. 

Looking forward, the goal of developing Itching to Scratch into a fund raising model available to any average golfer wanting to play a round in support of epilepsy is attainable.  However, a successful initial campaign is the first step in proving Itching to Scratch as a fun yet effective model.  Your support and pledge are integral to its success.

Please visit www.itchingtoscratch.com to learn more about Itching to Scratch and to make a pledge or call Shawn Laari at the BC Epilepsy Society at 604-875-6704.

New Seizure Journal

Recording the Facts
In order to help understand seizures, it is important to know when they occur, what they look like, and what factors may be associated with the episodes.  A seizure journal provides a simple and effective way to record this essential information.

For this reason, the BC Epilepsy Society has produced three new seizure journal recording forms: a year chart, a month calendar, and a year calendar. 

By bringing specific information to your doctor about your seizures, the journal will aid in diagnosis and treatment.  It may also help you to recognize seizure patterns and/or triggers.

The Seizure Journal is available from www.bcepilepsy.com or at the BC Epilepsy Society office.

Epilepsy Around the World

Closing the Gap
Earlier this month, one of our staff members, Elvira Balakshin, attended the American Epilepsy Society's Annual Meeting. This is an international forum for the exchange of current findings in epilepsy research.

A major topic discussed at the conference was closing the treatment gap in epilepsy. Substantial progress has been made over the last 15 years in the healthcare community's ability to diagnose and treat epilepsy and its complications. Yet this progress in care and management has not reached most of the 50 million people around the world with epilepsy.

According to Steven C. Schachter, M.D., president of the American Epilepsy Society (AES), there is an enormous gap between what is currently being done and what is possible today to lessen the burden of epilepsy around the world.

Citing data from the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Schachter says, "An astonishing three-quarters of the global population with epilepsy get no treatment whatsoever for their seizures. “

Closing the gap in epilepsy care and treatment in BC, Canada, and beyond will require major efforts on the part of healthcare communities, governments, researchers, and most importantly, affected individuals and families. With your support of epilepsy organizations and research, you can become an advocate for this change. For more information go to the International League Against Epilepsy website.