August 2022
Happy Fall!
Greetings from the Chief Executive Officer
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We hope you had a wonderful summer full of sun and relaxation! I am happy to report that our staff team will be back in the office Monday – Thursday (with virtual Fridays) beginning September 12th. It has been so long…we would love for you to stop by to grab a coffee and have a visit! Thank you so much for your patience as we have navigated through the pandemic. We are looking forward to in-person programming and events! Find out what you need to know inside this newsletter!
Warm regards,
Michelle Franklin
Chief Executive Officer
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Living With Epilepsy
Client Reflection
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"My seizures are not something that I can recognize as a seizure, so my diagnosis was a complete surprise. I went into the EEG assuming it was out of an abundance of caution, and I was eager to have the test because it was a part of the process required to clear the medical suspension on my driver’s license.
I had an image of what a seizure looks like, I had some understanding of some of the more typical symptoms of epilepsy, and I was so certain that I was not having seizures, so I didn’t really pay attention to any of the information connections and referrals provided to me during my stay at the Epilepsy unit. While it is possible that I had been having seizures my whole life, I had no idea I had epilepsy.
My diagnosis really hasn’t changed my life very much, but I am incredibly thankful for the resources now available to my family. Being engaged with the substantial and widespread hub at ESWO made finding relevant information for so many of the facets of my life. Having Epilepsy didn’t change the goals I have for my life, it just brought some of them into a clearer focus. I don’t particularly enjoy talking about my health, but since there are inherited risks, I will pour out my soul if that means the world my kids inherit doesn’t have the same image of what epilepsy looks like that stopped me from looking for help. I don’t really want to be involved in future research, but I will do just about anything asked of me right now if it means that my grandkids don’t wonder if this is part of their future. I don’t really want to have Epilepsy but having Epilepsy has not changed any of the things that matter to me, it hasn’t changed any of the people that matter to me, and it has not stopped me from living for all the reasons that matter most." - Anonymous client
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Back to School
Education for Teachers, Classmates and School Staff
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Back to school means #ThinkingAboutEpilepsy! Did you know that ESWO and community epilepsy agencies provide free education to teachers, classmates and school staff about Seizure First Aid, epilepsy and the brain!
Contact your local agency or info@epilepsyswo.ca to book a free education session or learn more.
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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 #PurplePumpkinProject2022, tag @epilepsyswo in the photo or email to info@epilepsyswo.ca and we will be sure to share them!
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Share Your Love of Chocolate and ESWO
Rheo Thompson 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 are due November 14, 2022.
More information: https://epilepsyswo.ca/rheothompson2022/
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Making Mindfulness Matter
Online Mindfulness Program
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Epilepsy affects the whole family. Children and parents often experience stress, anxiety and a rollercoaster of emotions. Participants are needed for a LIVE online mindfulness-based intervention for children and their families in Ontario living with epilepsy.
The Making Mindfulness Matter©- Epilepsy (M3-E) study aims to improve stress and build resilience in children, ages 4-10 and their parents. See if you and your child qualify for this 8-week program!
GET CONNECTED: M3-E Study
(https://epilepsyswo.ca/mindfulness-study/)
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Fall Programming
Support Groups & UPLIFT Sessions
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Our online support groups for teens and adults living with epilepsy will resume in September. As well, upcoming sessions for UPLIFT will be announced shortly. If you’re interested in either of these programs, please contact holly@epilepsyswo.ca receive fall information.
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We’re excited to share the highlights from 2021-2022 in our Annual Report. Just released, read it here.
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OTF Funding Announcement
Resilient Communities Fund
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ESWO is grateful to be the recipient of Ontario Trillium Foundation's Resilient Communities Fund in the total of $104,200! OTF’s generous grant, given over 12 months, will allow ESWO to improve program accessibility and create a new revenue-generating stream through an e-commerce platform.
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SUDEP Memorial Event
Save the Date
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October is SUDEP Action Month, with October 19, 2022 designated as SUDEP Action Day. This is a time to learn about what sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is, what the risk factors for SUDEP are and how to lower those risks. It is also a time to understand what actions are already in place to prevent SUDEP, to advocate for the need for more research, and to recognize and remember those who have lost their lives to SUDEP.
ESWO will be hosting a memorial event for our clients who have lost a loved one to SUDEP on October 23, 2022. If you’d like to receive information about this event, please contact info@epilepsyswo.ca.
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Epilepsy Links
What's Happening on the Internet
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Seize the Day - Graham Family Eco Park
Grab your running shoes, put on your favourite purple shirt, and gather your friends and family!
This year we are excited to be gathering in person to walk and raise awareness for people living with epilepsy. On Sunday, September 25, 2022 ESWO will host its 9th Annual Seize the Day Event at the Graham Family Eco Park. Unable to join us in person? Register for the virtual run/walk.
- Raise $100 in pledges and your registration fee will be waived.
- Don’t forget to tell us who you’re walking for. Contribute to our Walking For Wall: https://epilepsyswo.ca/im-walking-for-wall/
- We’ve put together some great resources for you including fundraising tips and social media graphics.
- We’re hosting an online auction which is set to close following the event! Don’t miss your opportunity to bid on some great prize packages. More information on our social media.
Let’s make every step count! Register today:
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Our Generous and Valued Sponsors:
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Third Party - Tee'in Off for Epilepsy, Oke Golf Tournament
Join us at the White Squirrel Golf Club for the 4th Annual Tee’in Off For Epilepsy Golf Tournament on Friday, September 16th and Saturday, September 17th, 2022.
Cost: $600 for 4-person team registration. Fees include shotgun start, golf & cart. There will be lunch, prizes, and games.
For more information, please contact Joanne Oke at teamokeinfo@gmail.com
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Tee’in Off for Epilepsy Golf Tournament 2022
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Welcome our newest Epilepsy Educator and team member in Windsor-Essex!
Lori has spent her life residing in Windsor/Essex County. She has an educational background in Human Resources and Child and Youth Worker studies. She has spent the last 5 years working in medical office administration. She also serves on various committees and has held various volunteer positions advocating within the community. Lori holds experience planning and delivering various community events, finding her joy in giving back. She is dedicated to her community and is honoured to share this passion with Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario. In her downtime, Lori enjoys early morning quietness- finding time for the perfect cup of coffee and a walk with her golden doodle, Sully. Taking family vacations with her husband and two daughters is also high on the priority list. Lori is thrilled to join the team and promote epilepsy awareness in our community.
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Seize the Day - Malden Park
Seize the day & make every step count at our 6th Annual Seize the Day Walk/Run in Windsor. On Sunday, September 25, 2022 ESWO will host its 6th Annual Seize the Day Event in Windsor at Malden Park to raise funds to provide support and educational services for people living with epilepsy, their families and their communities throughout Southwestern Ontario.
- Raise $100 in pledges and your registration fee will be waived.
- Don’t forget to tell us who you’re walking for. Contribute to our Walking For Wall: https://epilepsyswo.ca/im-walking-for-wall/
- We’ve put together some great resources for you including fundraising tips and social media graphics.
- We’re hosting an online auction which is set to close following the event! Don’t miss your opportunity to bid on some great prize packages. More information on our social media.
Join us in person or register to participate virtually:
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Our Generous and Valued Sponsors:
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Save the Date - Crowfest: October 15, 2022
“Crow Your Boat” Race at Chatham-Kent’s first annual Crowfest. Chatham-Kent has an overabundance of crows who make their home in our fields and yards… Instead of complaining Chatham-Kent is celebrating all things crow related.
One of the activities planned is the “Crow Your Boat” Race. This activity allows people to purchase “crows” and send them down the Thames River in boats to potentially win prizes.
The “Crow Your Boat” race will be taking place on Saturday, October 15th. There will be 4 flights of races happening from 12 noon-4pm. The top 10 winners will receive prizes valued from $1000 to $10,000. Proceeds to support ESWO services.
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