September 2021
Welcome, Fall!
Greetings from the Chief Executive Officer
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Hello Purple Warriors!
We hope you had a safe and enjoyable summer and that this newsletter finds you well! We have enjoyed seeing all the pictures on social media of our little warriors heading back to school! As a reminder, ESWO is here to support the transition back to class, to offer teacher and classroom presentations, assist with safety planning and of course…to help pump your school up for Epilepsy Awareness Month! If you have questions or need some help…please let us know!
On another note, my favourite ESWO event is right around the corner…the Annual Seize the Day walk/run! I am not a runner, but do enjoy walking with my family in support of people living with epilepsy. I truly miss seeing everyone in person and am hopeful that next year we can gather as a sea of 600 purple t-shirts again! You will find all the details within this newsletter!
Warm regards,
Michelle Franklin
Chief Executive Officer
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Living With Epilepsy
Brenda Ann Vale
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My name is Brenda Ann Vale, and this is my story on how epilepsy is a part of my daily life and why it matters to me and my family.
One of the people I love most in this world lives with epilepsy, my 15-year-old son Colton. Through an unexpected diagnosis, our lives were altered and disheartened. Our entire life changed at that very moment. When I heard the words “your son has epilepsy” my heart dropped, and my questions arose. Why now? How could this happen? What are we going to do? It felt so unfair that life had thrown this screwball at my son, and in turn our family.
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Colton began having seizures at the young age of 2, now 15 we have managed to survive 12+ years with this ongoing daily fight. We have endured various medications, shared tears and heartbreak all due to the fear of the unknown especially with the fact Colton has drug-resistant epilepsy. The feeling as a mother, helpless at times and sadness for my son who just wants to go through a day not having to worry about his epilepsy and all that comes with it. That being said, as tough as it has been, Colton and the support around him have never and will never give up. We will keep pushing through and always do it with positivity.
If Colton is any example of what people living with epilepsy go through, and how they deal with this challenging diagnosis I realize how resilient each person really is. They get up every day not knowing what or when something might happen at any time or place! For our family, we remind each other that we are not alone, we do not have to do this by ourselves. We are here for you Colton!
Together as a community, we need to bring awareness and honour all Purple Warriors!! We need to do this for those battling now, those who will battle and those who lost their battle. My son may have epilepsy, but epilepsy doesn’t have him!
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Upcoming Events & Fundraisers
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The Annual Seize the Day
2.5K Walk/5K Run
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ESWO is asking you to Seize the Day your way by helping us spread epilepsy awareness in our communities.
Our Annual Walk/Run is being held September 24-26, 2021 virtually. Although we will not be gathering in person this year, the goal is the same….to raise funds to provide support and educational services for individuals and families affected by epilepsy.
Registration for the 8th Annual London and Area event
Registration for the 5th Annual Windsor event
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Make the walk fun! Visit our Event Resources to find event activities including a Spotify playlist to listen to while you run, a nature and neighbourhood scavenger hunt, suggested trails, geocaching (outdoor treasuring hunting) and more. Plus, we’ve put together a ton of great resources like social media graphics and fundraising toolkits.
Visit our ‘Walking For’ Wall to recognize our ESWO community. If you haven’t done so already, tell us who you’re walking for: https://epilepsyswo.ca/im-walking-for-wall/
This year we’re hosting an online silent auction, which is set to close following our Closing Ceremony. Get your bids in! Visit https://trellis.org/seize-the-day-silent-auction
- Mark your calendar to tune into the Opening Ceremony via Facebook Live on Friday, September 24, 2021, at 6 pm.
- Celebrate with us! Join us for the Closing Ceremony via Facebook live on Sunday, September 26, 2021, at 4 pm. Total raised, and prize winners will be announced.
Check out more frequent updates on our Event Page.
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Our Generous and Valued Sponsors
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Middlesex Egg Farmers – Zone 2, Techdoz Incorporated
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Purple Pumpkin Project
Help Raise Awareness About Epilepsy
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Get ready for Halloween by participating in the Purple Pumpkin Project. We encourage you to decorate your pumpkin purple and display it at your front door to help raise awareness about epilepsy. When someone asks "why is your pumpkin purple?", how will you answer? Do you have a personal connection, are you living with epilepsy yourself? Whatever your reason, we hope you will share your personal story and help spread epilepsy awareness.
Use the hashtag #PurplePumpkinProject2021, tag @epilepsyswo in the photo or email to melissa@epilepsyswo.ca and we will be sure to share them!
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Take A Chance For Epilepsy
Province Wide Monthly 50/50 Raffle is Back!
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IT'S BACK! The PROVINCE WIDE MONTHLY 50/50 RAFFLE to support Epilepsy Agencies across Ontario. #EPILEPSY5050
Tickets are available online only at www.epilepsy5050.ca
Tell your friends to get their tickets! Don't let them miss out!
Proceeds from this monthly online 50/50 raffle will help provide education, advocacy, information, and support services to the almost 95,000 people living in Ontario with epilepsy.
The next draw date is September 30th. The winner will be contacted by email. The raffle is open to 18 and older residents of Ontario ONLY.
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SAVE THE DATE – Friday, October 29, 2021
Join us virtually for our 5th Annual Ghouling Pianos event. This Halloween themed piano show is an interactive all-request event, featuring a selection of your favourite hits. Enjoy your requested songs played live by world class entertainer, Joe from Main Street Dueling Pianos, plus some fun Halloween games included throughout the night.
For more information, or to become a sponsor, please email bailey@epilepsyswo.ca
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Share Your Love of Chocolate and ESWO
Rheo Thompson Chocolate Fundraiser
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Christmas wouldn’t be the same without chocolate! Fill your stockings with Rheo Thompson chocolate and mint smoothies, while supporting individuals and families affected by epilepsy.
Purchase some very sweet stocking stuffers, teacher gifts or treats for yourself this holiday season with approximately 25% of proceeds being donated back to ESWO.
Orders due November 16, 2021.
More information: https://epilepsyswo.ca/rheothompson2021/
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THIRD PARTY EVENT – We are so grateful to be the recipient of the funds for the 3rd Annual Teeing Off For Epilepsy Golf Tournament which will be held Friday, September 17, 2021, and Saturday, September 18, 2021, at White Squirrel Golf Club. The event is hosted by Team Oke.
For more information, visit our event page.
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New Lavender Merchandise
Shop Online at our Purple Store
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We’re excited to add new lavender products from Steed & Co. Lavender Farm to our Purple Store. Lavender is a purple flowering plant, which has positive effects on mood, stress and anxiety. This calming scent also helps to improve sleep and today herbalists regard lavender as one of the most useful and versatile essential oils for therapeutic purposes.
Steed & Co. Lavender Farm is located in our service region, and their products in our store include calming balm, hand lotion and soap, sanitizer, lip balm, and a variety of jams.
Shop here: https://epilepsyswo.ca/shop/
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Epilepsy Links
What's Happening on the Internet
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