The Epilepsy Association of Calgary
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Adult Support Group Meetings
Wednesdays - 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Held at the Epilepsy Association of Calgary
4112 - 4th St. N.W. Calgary, Alberta
- April 9, 2008
- May 14
- June 14, 2008 – Celebrate Summer Picnic – DETAILS BELOW – 3:00 p.m. at Glenmore Park
- September 10
- October 15
- November 12
Once diagnosed with epilepsy, many people feel anxious, vulnerable and uninformed. By talking with one another in support groups, the fear and misunderstanding can be replaced with caring concern and accurate information.
Our support groups meet once a month at our office. There is no preregistration and no charge. We welcome anyone interested in listening, learning, and sharing. We focus on providing information, support and encouragement.
For more information about the Epilepsy Support Group meetings, contact Janice at 230-2764, 1-866-EPILEPSY, during office hours (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) and or by email.
Upcoming Information Sessions
Anyone with or concerned with epilepsy (parents, friends, spouses, peers) is welcome to attend.
All sessions are from 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm and held at the Epilepsy Association of Calgary office.
Self Care for the Care Giver – PART 2
Guest Presenter: Charlene Retzlaff, RSW, Family Care Giver Centre
Janice Shaw, Support Coordinator, Epilepsy Association of Calgary
Wednesday – April 23, 2008
7:00 to 9:30 p.m.
Are you a spouse, parent, partner, friend or significant other to someone affected by epilepsy? Have you forgotten to ‘put on your oxygen mask’ before attempting to assist another? This evening will follow up to the November 2007 workshop on learning to care for ourselves while having to care for another. It will provide more tools and tips on proper self care for those who are busy caring for others.
Wagging the Tail on Seizure Dogs – What You Should Know
Guest Presenters:
Dr. Adam Kirton – Division of Pediatric Neurology, Alberta Children’s Hospital/Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary
Laurel Wierstra – Alberta Seniors and Community Supports (the Ministry responsible for implementing the new Service Dogs Act, effective January 2009)
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
We are thrilled that Dr. Adam Kirton will be with us to discuss his findings on research he and his colleagues have conducted around the behaviors of seizure alert dogs and seizure response dogs. Much was learned about the responses of dogs before, during, and after a seizure. Interest in the use of dogs, types of dogs that are beneficial, access to dogs, and training of dogs has been extremely high lately, a trend that will likely continue, especially since the “Service Dogs Act” will be coming into effect in January of 2009. Dr. Kirton’s research suggests that seizure dogs may improve the quality of life for those living with epilepsy and can offer insights around the training requirements needed for an assistive dog. In addition, Laurel Wierstra from Alberta Seniors and Community Supports will give a brief overview on the upcoming “Service Dogs Act” and will both share and gather information about how the new act may affect you. You won’t want to miss this!
Epilepsy “Spokes” Dad Does More Than Talk – He’s Pedalling 8100 Miles in Support of His Cause
On April 28th, 2008 Glenn Fenster will begin a demanding, 8100 bicycle journey from Denver, Colorado to Miami, Florida – although he’ll be taking the long way home – travelling via Phoenix, Los Angeles, Seattle, and into Canada via Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto before heading south to Miami. Glenn’s mission - to raise funds and awareness for epilepsy – a cause he has been passionate about since his own son Nyle, now 14 years old, was diagnosed with epilepsy as a toddler. We were thrilled to learn that Glenn will pass through Calgary again. If you didn’t get to meet this inspirational dad last year – please plan to join us when Glenn is in Calgary (estimated late May 2008).
This year, the 47 year old father is adding another 2000 miles to his third annual epilepsy trek – challenging both himself and others to help make a difference in the lives of those living with epilepsy. Carrying all his supplies with him, he’ll pedal 8100 miles over approximately 68 days - through mountains, wind, snow, rain, and stifling heat. He’ll experience exhaustion and isolation, and mostly, he’ll miss Nyle. By sharing his son’s story of optimism and courage, he wants to ignite the hopes and dreams of others living with epilepsy, he wants to reduce the stigma – which he has painfully witnessed far too often – and he wants to raise money – about $250,000 to support services for people living with epilepsy in the places he visits. As Glenn emphatically states, “Epilepsy is something my son has – not who he is. I ride to show my son and others that epilepsy should not prevent you from reaching for your destiny”.
The Epilepsy Association of Calgary will join our colleagues from across the country in welcoming Glenn, cheering him on, and supporting his journey. Funds raised in Canada will go to the Canadian Epilepsy Alliance/ Alliance canadienne de L’ épilepsie, a Canada-wide network of organizations dedicated to the promotion of independence and quality of life for people with epilepsy and their families.
You can go to Glenn’s site at www.destinymaker.org and post a message in his guestbook. He says these messages really do help get him through the long, difficult days of cycling. We’ll keep you posted about the day and time of his Calgary visit (it will be morning), through our office, e-mail network (let Kathy know if you’d like updates) and website. Let’s cheer Glenn on and plan to give him the hero’s welcome he deserves!
Celebrate Summer Picnic
Saturday June 14, 2008
3:00 p.m. at Glenmore Park
“Snowy Owl” Pavillion
All welcome! Volunteers, program participants, and friends.
RSVP to Kristy at 230-2764 and advise her of the number coming no later than June 9, 2008.
Food and refreshments provided. See you there!
Taking Control of Your Wellness Skills Development Program
On-going registration is available for this program based on the work of Joel Reiter, MD., Donna Andrews, and Charlotte Janis, who developed a book and program, "Taking Control of Your Epilepsy".
Taking Control of Your Wellness Skills Development is a holistic health approach that considers the entire individual including the physiological, psychological, and interpersonal, dimensions of the person. The program provides a variety of skills and tools that help participants learn to minimize the negative impact of epilepsy their life, while enhancing an overall sense of wellness. The program consists of weekly individual sessions over 12 to 15 weeks. If you'd like to make some positive changes in your life, then this could be the program for you!
For more information contact Janice at 230-2764, 1-866-EPILEPSY, or by e-mail.
4112 - 4th Street N.W.
Calgary, Alberta
T2K 1A2
Calgary and Area: (403) 230-2764
Toll Free: 1-866-EPILEPSY
Fax: (403) 230-5766
Email: epilepsy.calgary@telus.net