Issue 3 / June 2014

Summer at Last!Letter from the Executive Director

It felt like summer would never come, but it’s finally here! Summer at The Centre means lots of activity.  We have summer students starting this month, new camp counsellors, and an energetic group of camp volunteers ready for our amazing little campers! You’ll notice a few changes in our camp program this year. 
 
There are still volunteer opportunities available for the summer camp.  To volunteer or get more information contact Tabitha at gameon@epilepsysupport.ca or by calling (519) 433-4073. 
 
I hope you enjoy the June edition of Spikes & Waves!

Donna Pammer
Executive Director

 

Special Film Screening On the Edge: Living with Epilepsy

Epilepsy Ontario and Epilepsy Support Centre are proud to present the London screening of the documentary On the Edge: Living with Epilepsy at the London Public Library’s Wolff Performance Hall on Monday, June 26 at 6pm.
 
Director Louis Stanislaw, a U.S. filmmaker who has coped with epilepsy his whole life, says the purpose of the film is to gain greater insights into the world of epilepsy and its impact on those who have the condition, their friends and families, and society.
 
“I wrote ‘On the Edge: Living with Epilepsy’ to describe the social impact of epilepsy from multiple perspectives,’ Stanislaw said. “Having grown up with seizures and the related misperceptions and isolation that this condition creates, I wanted to help others realized they are not alone. My goal is to increase the public’s awareness and understanding of this disorder and to stimulate a broader discussion and to pierce the stigma of epilepsy.”
 
On the Edge looks at the alienation, depression, and loneliness that epilepsy can bring. Told through the stories of the director and people with epilepsy and their families, this film documents the difficulties and misunderstandings at every turn: from family life to school and friends, to leaving home and starting a career and forming lasting bonds.

After the film, Global News reporter Mark McAllister will facilitate a conversation with a medical clinician, an individual who lives with epilepsy, and other notable guests. A reception will follow.
 
Those interested in complimentary tickets should contact Elizabeth Wagdin at ewagdin@globalpublic.com. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
 
Click here for more details.



Brian Happy Camper at Wacky Wednesdays Summer Camp

Eleven-year-old Brian is returning to Epilepsy Support Centre’s Wacky Wednesdays Summer Camp for the third year in a row. Apart from having tonic-clonic and absence seizures, Brian also has intellectual and physical disabilities. The one-on-one care Brian receives from camp staff is just one of the reasons his mother Joan is happy he attends Wacky Wednesdays.
 
“He’s well supported and loved, and more catered to at Epilepsy Support Centre camps,” she says. “They have great volunteers. They’re totally prepared for every type of seizure.”
 
Wacky Wednesdays, a seizure-safe summer camp, is one of Epilepsy Support Centre’s most successful children’s programs. The Centre designed the camp to cater to the specific needs of children (ages 4 to 12) who have seizure disorders as well as their siblings.
 
Brian’s sister Kayleigh attends camp with him. Joan says that both kids look forward to Wacky Wednesdays. It’s a bonus that she can drive both children to one camp, rather than separate ones.
 
Thanks to his camp experiences, Joan notes that Brian’s confidence has improved. A horse-back riding trip was especially memorable for both mother and son. Brian “had an absolutely fabulous day,” Joan says, and she was pleased with the experience because the camp leaders stayed with Brian the entire time he was on the horse and took every precaution with him, as well as other campers, to ensure they had a safe, fun time.
 
For more information about Wacky Wednesdays Summer Camp or to register your child, visit www.epilepsysupport.ca/camp2014 or call (519) 433-4073.



Seeking Participants for Young Adult Epilepsy Summit
The Epilepsy Foundation and the North American Region International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) are seeking epilepsy champions for a three-day leadership summit.
 
During the summit, young adults will gather to network, share epilepsy experiences and brainstorm ideas for a regional epilepsy project.

• Are you a young adult (21-29) who is affected by epilepsy?
• Are you passionate about epilepsy?
• Are you dedicated to impacting the future of those living with epilepsy?

This may be the summit for you!

Download the application and return your complete packet before 5:00 p.m. ET, Friday, June 20, 2014 to one of the addresses below:

Epilepsy NewsThe Connection Between Autism and Epilepsy

Busting Myths About Epilepsy
 
An Ingredient of Pot May Help People with Epilepsy
 
Demanding diet helps control 10-year-old’s seizures
 
The roots of an unlikely hope for epilepsy

 Hope, and one big if
 
Jake is a dream come true

 

Regional News & EventsFor up to date information about upcoming events, visit www.epilepsysupport.ca.

  RSVP for any event: epilepsychatham@epilepsysupport.ca
 
Mini-Golf
Monday, June 16
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Chatham Golf & Fun Centre
936 Charing Cross Rd., Chatham
Across from T-Bones
Cost: $4/person
RSVP by Friday, June 13
 
BBQ & Beach Day
Sunday, July 27
1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Mitchell's Bay Splash Pad
We'll provide burgers, hotdogs and drinks.
What to Bring: Salad or dessert, lawn chairs, towels, bathing suits, sunscreen
RSVP by Friday, July 25
 
Support Groups for Adults with Epilepsy
Last Monday of each month
July 28, August 25, September 29, October 27, November 24
Residence on the Thames
850 Grand Avenue West, Chatham
7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
 
Sundaes and Splashes
Tuesday, August 26
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Kingston Park, Chatham
RSVP by Friday, August 22
 
 
London-MiddlesexRSVP for any event: support@epilepsysupport.ca.
 
Bowling Party
Date: TBD
7 pm to 9 pm
Palasad North - Adelaide and Oxford
London, ON
Cost: Free
 
Social Coffee Club
June 5, July 3, August 7, September 4
1 pm to 3 pm
Epilepsy Support Centre
690 Hale St
London, ON
Free, Snacks and Drinks provided
 
Annual General Meeting
Wednesday, June 18
5:30 - 7:30pm
London Public Library East Branch
2016 Dundas St. East
Everyone welcome!
 
On the Edge: Living with Epilepsy
Monday, June 23
London Public Library, Wolf Performance Hall
251 Dundas Street, London
Doors open: 6:00pm
Opening Remarks: 6:30pm
Screening of Film: 6:45pm
Panel Discussion: 7:40pm
Reception: 8:20pm
RSVP to Elizabeth Wagdin at ewagdin@globalpublic.com. Complimentary tickets are limited and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
 
Member BBQ
August 27
3:30 – 5:00 pm
London Life Field
Near Oxford & Talbot
London, ON
Pot luck event, some food provided
 
Seize the Day 5K Walk
Epilepsy Support Centre
Sunday, September 28, 2014
Kiwanis Park North, Hale St. Entrance
Registration: 10:30am, Walk Start: 11:00am
BBQ Lunch & Live Music Event: 12pm
$20 in advance, $25 day of the event.
Free for anyone submitting at least $100 in pledges by race day.
Parking available at The Centre or Kiwanis Park.

 
Oxford CountyTillsonburg Turtlefest
Epilepsy Awareness Booth
Saturday, June 14
Downtown Tillsonburg
 
Cowapolooza
Epilepsy Awareness Booth
August 15-16
Southside Park, Woodstock
 
Norwich Health & Wellness Fair
Epilepsy Awareness Booth
Wednesday, October 29
2:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Norwich Community Centre, Norwich
 

Sarnia-LambtonSarnia Artwalk
June 7 & 8
11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thumbs Up for Epilepsy and Info Table
Booth 87 on Christina Street (between Lochiel and Cromwell streets)
 


Windsor-EssexMeet, Play, Laugh: Game Night
Tuesday, June 17
6:30 - 8:30 pm
United Way
300 Giles Blvd., East
 
The Epilepsy Support Group
Tuesday, June 17
6:30 - 8:30 pm
United Way
300 Giles Blvd., East