February 2022
Epilepsy Awareness Month
Greetings from the Chief Executive Officer
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Hey Warriors!
Our favourite part of the calendar is here already…Epilepsy Awareness Month! This is what we work so hard for all year and it's our time to shine! The ESWO team has created plenty of interactive initiatives for you and your family to get involved and help spread epilepsy awareness. So dig out your purple and tell your family, friends, neighbours, classmates, coworkers (ok…really anyone and everyone) about epilepsy! Your voice is important! Epilepsy awareness…pass it on!
Warm regards,
Michelle Franklin
Chief Executive Officer
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Living With Epilepsy
The Couch Family
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Hello, we are the Couch’s! We are a fun-loving family of 5 that enjoy the outdoors, crafting and spending as much time together as possible.
Our beautiful daughter Nevaeh was diagnosed with focal onset seizures in 2019 at the age of 7 years old. Although, doctors think that she had been having seizures for a few years before being diagnosed.
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We first became connected with Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario in 2019 when Nevy received a diagnosis. It is a great organization that is always helpful and knowledgeable If they do not have the answer to our questions, they do everything they can to help find answers. They always treat us with dignity and respect.
Epilepsy has changed our lives. It affects everyone close to Nevy. At times we feel worried, lost, scared, and sad. We want more than anything for Nevy to know that she is more than her diagnosis and that we will love her always. We try to keep ourselves busy to distract us from thinking and feeling about her diagnosis. It can be A LOT. We have found out who our supportive friends and family are. We find comfort in spending time together, being grateful for the little things, and taking one day at a time. Nevy is the best hugger in the world, and we hug each other as much as possible. Our hope for Nevy is that she can one day lead a full life and be medication-free. A life without fear and anxiety, knowing she is supported by family, friends, and community.
We want others who are living with epilepsy to know that you should never give up. There are no small feats. Try to stay strong, try not to let epilepsy define you. Stand tall and proud! To quote our little warrior Nevy, “I have times of feeling sad, but I don’t let epilepsy get me down!”
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March is Epilepsy Awareness Month
Ways To Get Involved
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March is National Epilepsy Awareness Month and it’s just around the corner. We encourage our community members to get involved in raising awareness about epilepsy, seizures, and seizure first aid in as many ways as possible. Epilepsy Awareness Month is an excellent opportunity to begin a discussion about epilepsy, educate the public and break down the stigma of epilepsy.
Looking for ideas on how to get involved?
- Participate in our #PurpleDoor2022 campaign. Decorate your door purple and share with us.
- Encourage and register your classroom or school to participate in an awareness event.
- Promote awareness at your workplace or host a purple dress down day. Everyone makes a donation to participate.
- Register your workplace for a Seizure 101 presentation with an Educator to ensure your workplace is seizure safe.
- Collect pledges to dye your hair purple and join the #PurpleHairRevolution.
- Hold a Walk-a-thon, Read-a-thon, Dance-a-thon, or a Thumbs Up for Epilepsy Initiative.
- Share your story. We want to hear how epilepsy has affected your life. Connect with local Educator to discuss.
- Epilepsy affects 1 in 100. Collect pledges for doing 100 of something (100 sit ups, walking for 100 minutes, baking 100 cookies) or set a goal to raise $100 to support ESWO.
- Encourage your local sports team to incorporate purple into their uniform to show their support.
Register your campaign and tell us how you plan on spreading awareness. Click here to register and share.
Don’t want to register on this platform? If you plan on using Facebook Fundraising, a pledge form, or another platform, please complete the following form. *Note: to send funds through Facebook, please search “EPILEPSY LONDON & AREA”
To find out more about how to get involved with Epilepsy Awareness Month and see how ESWO is celebrating, visit our website.
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Shop the Purple Store
New Merchandise for Epilepsy Awareness Month
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Shop our Purple Store for new merchandise including Steed & Co. lavender items, brain mugs, and more!
Don’t wait, RUN! Our exclusive March Epilepsy Awareness shirts are ONLY AVAILABLE for pre-order until February 22, 2022, at 9 a.m! Pickup locations: Chatham-Kent, London, Seaforth, Tillsonburg/Norwich, Windsor/Essex County. Shirts come in Light Grey as well.
Click here to shop all items: www.epilepsyswo.ca/shop
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Mad Hatter Tea Party
36th Annual Gala
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Don’t be late for this very important date! Join us down the rabbit hole on Saturday, April 2, 2022, for our 36th Annual Gala “Mad Hatter Tea Party”.
This hybrid event will include a silent auction, dinner for those in person, recognition of our H.O.P.E. award recipient, Ava Pitre, and entertainment from magician Keith Brown. Our goal is to raise $35,000 to support our Public Education Programs throughout Southwestern Ontario. We’re excited to welcome guests back in person but have also included a virtual aspect for this annual fundraising event.
When: Saturday, April 2, 2022. Doors open 6:00 pm.
Where: Hellenic Community Centre (note: venue has been changed to accommodate social distancing of tables) OR join us virtually.
For more information, and to purchase your tickets, visit: https://epilepsyswo.ca/annual-gala/
Do you know a business that may be able to donate items for our upcoming auction or sponsor the event? If you do, please consider contacting bailey@epilepsyswo.ca for more information.
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Our Generous and Valued Contributors
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Cheshire Champion Sponsors:
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Queen of Hearts Sponsors and Participants:
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Coolest Caterpiller Sponsor:
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Technology Sponsor:
Techdoz
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Virtual Epilepsy Awareness Month Party
Our virtual Epilepsy Awareness Month party is open to all ESWO clients who may not be able to attend one of our in-person events, as well as those who would like to attend both! Epilepsy Warriors, this is YOUR month, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you! Join our team for an evening of conversation and games and you’ll have a chance to meet new people and reconnect with the familiar faces you’ve missed. We look forward to welcoming everyone who can join. (Date and time – TBD). Connect with holly@epilepsyswo.ca for more information and to RSVP.
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Epilepsy Links
What's Happening on the Internet
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Purple Daisy Days
The Purple Pansy flower boutique has teamed up with ESWO to raise money for epilepsy education and support services in Chatham-Kent. Purchase a bunch of purple daisies for $12 and the proceeds will be donated back to ESWO.
Pick-up is March 26, 2022! Order yours today by calling 519-354-5555!
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Seize the Paw
For many of us, pets play an important role in our lives. Imagine how impactful having a specially trained Seizure Response Dog or Emotional Support Animal would be!
Join other Epilepsy Warriors for an afternoon of togetherness while supporting the animals of our local Chatham-Kent Pet and Wildlife Rescue (PAWR). Play with kittens or take a puppy for a walk! Let’s give these sheltered animals some love! Hope to see you there!
Date: Tuesday, March 15 (March Break)
Time: 2pm – 4pm
Location: 405 Park Avenue East Chatham, ON
RSVP to sandra@epilepsyswo.ca
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Purple Game: Sarnia Legionnaires vs. Chatham Maroons
There are some hockey teams in the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (GOJHL) showing their community support for ESWO by hosting a PURPLE GAME. During this regular-season game, the team and their coaching staff will be wearing purple clothing or sporting purple tape on their sticks to raise epilepsy awareness.
One of our local Epilepsy Warriors will be part of the Ceremonial Puck Drop, and fans can support ESWO by purchasing merchandise or by donating.
Information about what ESWO provides to the communities will be available in the lobby.
So, join the Sarnia Legionnaires on Thursday, March 17th at 7:15 pm at the Sarnia Arena for their PURPLE GAME in support of ESWO.
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London In-Person Client Party
All ESWO clients and families are invited to our Epilepsy Awareness Month party in London! We invite you to celebrate your epilepsy journey and milestones with others who can understand and appreciate your experiences. This family-friendly event will have light refreshments, some games, and a collective art activity for everyone to participate in. Please contact Holly O’Neill at holly@epilepsyswo.ca to register. We are excited to see all of you soon! (Tentatively scheduled for Wednesday March 23 from 6-8pm. Location TBD)
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Third Party: Sam Jam
An annual event held in memory of Sam (Fen) Richmond with donations going to Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario and Open Closet.
The event will be held on March 20th starting at 4 pm at Storm Stayed Brewing Company (169 Wharncliffe Rd S, London, ON N6J 2K7). There will be a small art auction. Entrance by donation.
Follow updates on their Facebook event page.
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Tropical Togetherness Day
On March 16 we will be holding a Tropical Togetherness Day. Join us for a beautiful day at Colasanti's Tropical Gardens. More information to follow. Please contact sarah@epilepsyswo.ca to register.
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