Save the Date!

Our biennial conference on Parkinson's will take place on Saturday, April 14th and will feature J. Eric Ahlskog, Ph.D., M.D., Professor of Neurology at the Mayo Clinic, and Dr Matthew Farrer, Canada Excellence Research Chair in Neirogentics and Translational Neuroscience at the University of British Columbia. Watch for information in the new year!

VEPC Seeks New Board Members

Are you someone with epilepsy or Parkinson’s? Are you a friend or family member of someone with epilepsy or Parkinson’s? Do you have skills that could contribute to a nonprofit Board?

The Victoria Epilepsy and Parkinson’s Centre (VEPC) is a vibrant and welcoming non-profit society whose purpose is to strengthen clients’, families’ and communities’ ability to manage the physical, psychological and social effects of Parkinson’s and epilepsy. VEPC is managed by a volunteer Board of Directors made up of people living with epilepsy or Parkinson’s and professionals with an interest in the two disorders. Board members are appointed for an initial one-year term followed by two-year terms. Each Board member is expected to serve on at least one Board committee. The Board of Directors provides overall direction for the organization and is responsible for ensuring VEPC’s programmatic and fiscal health and accountability.

VEPC is currently seeking new Board members. We are particularly interested in individuals with backgrounds in finance, fundraising, and public relations. We are seeking people with strong ties to the local community and an interest in epilepsy and/or Parkinson’s. Board members are typically selected by the current Board of Directors and approved by the General Membership at VEPC’s Annual General Meeting.
If you have knowledge and experience that will assist VEPC as it grows to meet the needs of growing populations of individuals with epilepsy and Parkinson’s in the Victoria Capital Regional District, we encourage you to apply to join VEPC’s Board of Directors by contacting us to request an application.

You can reach VEPC at (250) 475-6677, help@vepc.bc.ca, or visit our website at www.vepc.bc.ca

For Teens & Families

teen girl and boy

Looks like I have epilepsy... Can I still have a life?

If you are like most teens with epilepsy, you have lots of questions. Sometimes you may not really want to talk to adults, not at first anyways. To help, we've taken the questions teens seem to ask the most, and put together a booklet called Looks like I have Epilepsy...
Can I still have a Life?

The booklet talks about things like driving, drinking, working, friends, dating, sexuality, sports, and school. To download your free copy, click here. If you want a regular printed copy of our booklet, and/or have any questions we didn't answer, you can call us for some free and confidential information.

If you're having some trouble at school, we can help. If you want us to, we can talk with your teachers. Other teens with epilepsy tell us it helps. You can Send us an email.

Students with Epilepsy - Tools for Success

Our tutoring program -- Tools for Success -- for elementary, middle and high school students with epilepsy is now in its fourth year. Thanks to a grant from United Way of Greater Victoria and in partnership with the University of Victoria we are offering weekly tutoring sessions beginning in September 2010.

Tutors are new teachers with special education focus. If your child could benefit from extra help with their school work, please let us know right away. Spaces are limited. Phone Jennifer Morgan at 475-6677 or email her.

Dr. Robert Mittan's Epilepsy Education Articles

Direct from Dr. Mittan's Seizures and Epilepsy Education website, six articles that every parent of a child with epilepsy should read. Dr. Mittan explains what parents need to know about seizures and epilepsy, how to get optimum seizure control, and how to raise a child without shame, guilt or fear.

Beating Bad Seizures: Part 1
Beating Bad Seizures: Part 2
Beating Bad Seizures: Part 3

How to Raise a Kid with Epilepsy: Part 1 Coping with Fear
How to Raise a Kid with Epilepsy: Part 2 Coping with Stigma
How to Raise a Kid with Epilepsy: Part 3 Coping with Guilt

Summer Programs

Summer Camp for Kids with Epilepsy - Each year, the Zajac Ranch for Children hosts hundreds of children with chronic illnesses or disabilities who might not otherwise have a chance to enjoy a summer camp experience. The Ranch, located in Mission BC, gives young people with extraordinary needs a chance to make friends, to try new things and above all, to have fun. The summer camp for children with epilepsy will be offered the week of July 10-16, 2007. There is also a sibling camp that week. Campers range in age from 7 to 17. There is a great variety of activities offered at camp, and the ratio of staff to camper is 3:1. Excellent 24 hour medical care is provided.

The Zajac Foundation offers a significant subsidy to cover a portion of the $1,500 cost. The Victoria Epilepsy & Parkinson's Centre will provide additional funds to assist two families to send their children to camp. Please don't hesitate to get in touch with us if you are interested.

For further details, please visit the Zajac Camp website, www.zajacranch.com

Recreation Integration Victoria - This community organization is dedicated to providing the support needed to enable those with disabilities to fully participate in recreational activities. RIV is once again publishing their Summer Services Booklet - a compendium that lists a variety of summer programs for children and teens with disabilities. For those who require it, RIV offers one-on-one supports to children in community recreation programs.

Their services are for everyone - adults, teens and children. Take the "Leisure Assistant's Pass", for example. This pass eliminates the financial barrier encountered by a person with a disability who requires an assistant. The pass permits the assistant to be given free adminisstion to facilities and attractions, when accompanying the person with the disability. For details about this and all other programs, please phone 250-477-6314, or visit www.rivonline.org

Youth Resources

End Trash Talk - Website dedicated to raising awareness of epilepsy among young people.
Youth Volunteer Connections Program - Free individualized volunteer placements for youth. One-on-one support and assistance. Over 250 agencies - call 386-2269 or drop by #306-620 View Street. Email youth.connections@volunteervictoria.bc.ca
Youth Line 386-TALK

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