March 2010 Issue

Upcoming Events

Social Security Income 101

Richland, WA - March 11, 2010

Support EFNW

The Epilepsy Foundation Northwest is funded independently by individuals, corporations and foundations. Our fundraising efforts to support northwest people are separate of the national Epilepsy Foundation.

The Epilepsy Foundation Northwest is now accepting Monthly Recurring Donations.

Resource Link

Epilepsy Foundation Northwest

EFNW Upcoming Events

Oregon Community Resouces

Washington Community Resouces

Montana Community Resouces

Alaska Community Resouces

Local Epilepsy Centers

Epilepsy Northwest News & Blog

Volunteer Opportunities

YEA! Youth Epilepsy Advocates©

Youth effected by epilepsy are encouraged to participate in monthly support meetings sponsored by YEA! Youth Epilepsy Advocates. YEA! provides a safe venue for youth with epilepsy to support one another, learn important advocacy skills, learn their rights and how to navigate systems that serve them.

Camp Discovery

Snohomish County, WA
Coming at the end of August 2010!

The annual summer camp presented by the Epilepsy Foundation Northwest, Camp Discovery, is held the end of August each year. The Camp is located at the Camp Fire USA's Camp Killoqua on beautiful Crabapple Lake just east of Lake Goodwin in Snohomish County (Stanwood and Everett), WA. Children will experience archery, rock climbing, canoeing, hiking, swimming, arts/crafts, campfire games and much more.

The Camp is for children with epilepsy age 7-17 for which there is no charge. Siblings are also invited at a cost of $125 per child. Parents are encouraged to be Camp Counselors and participate in this life experience with their children. Other volunteers are also welcomed to help as Camp Counselors and in other capacities.

2010 CAMP REGISTRATION AND VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION FORMS WILL BE AVAILABLE APRIL 1, VIA THIS WEBSITE. PLEASE CHECK BACK FOR UPDATED REGISTRATION FORMS.

EFNW Advocates Head to D.C.!

Brian Wiele, Speak Up Speak Out Volunteer, (Olympia, WA) will lead a team of EFNW advocates to Washington, D.C. for the upcoming Kids Speak Up Conference on March 24 and 25. Tammy Stewart and her son, Alexander, (Spokane Valley, WA) and Kelly Cobb and her daughter, Rachel, (Salem, OR) will join Brian for a full day of advocacy training on March 24, and then will visit elected officials on Capitol Hill on March 25. The team representing EFNW will then participate in the National Walk for Epilepsy held on Saturday, March 27.

PURPLE DAY - MARCH 26, 2010

Purple Day is an international grassroots effort dedicated to increasing awareness about epilepsy worldwide. Every March 26th, people from around the world wear purple to show support

for people with epilepsy.

Purple Day was founded in 2008, by nine-year-old Cassidy Megan (shown above) of Nova Scotia, Canada. Cassidy started Purple Day in order to give people a forum to show support and express solidarity for people who have epilepsy, to show them they are not alone. Cassidy started this by writing to members of Canada's Parliament and asking them to wear purple on March 26th. 95% of the members wore purple and Purple Day was born. Cassidy named the day Purple Day after the internationally recognized color for epilepsy, lavender.

In 2009, over 1000,000 students worldwide wore purple to support epilepsy awareness, and hundreds of businesses and community groups hosted awareness month events.

Light the Flame Dinner Auction

The Light the Flame Dinner Auction recently held in Seattle was a huge success for EFNW. The event will bring in around $85,000 exceeding last year's event. 220 people attended the event where Sen. Patty Murray was honored with the annual Arthur A. Ward, Jr. Achievement in Epilepsy Award. The event is already being planned for 2011, so stay tuned!

______________________________________

Northwest Run/Walk for Epilepsy

Cassidy
The annual Northwest Run/Walk for Epilepsy will be held this coming June 19 in Portland, Seattle, Spokane, Richland and Anchorage. The same will be held in Juneau on Sunday, June 20. Registration sites will be open the end of March and can be located via the www.epilepsynw.org website. Team Captains are encouraged to gather together their work associates, family and friends to join their team to support the Northwest Run/Walk for Epilepsy.

"Can Strenuous Exercise Bring on a Seizure?"

By Nicholas Poolos, MD

If you are asking this because you're actually getting strenuous exercise on a regular basis... then good for you! Getting your heart rate up with vigorous physical activity is an important part of being healthy, and having epilepsy shouldn't be a limitation to exercise. To answer the question more directly-it probably depends on just how "strenuous" the exercise is. In general, exercise should not precipitate seizures, but it's possible that really strenuous activity that left one dehydrated or overheated might provoke a seizure. Also, a small proportion-a few percent-of those with epilepsy can provoke seizures with hyperventilation (breathing rapidly), so these people might be at risk of provoking a seizure with vigorous aerobic activity. If you are just starting an exercise program, our advice is to gradually increase the intensity of your workouts, and stay well-hydrated. And, of course, always consult your doctor first. But don't let epilepsy prevent you from exercising!