EDUCATION ADVOCACY EMPOWERMENT
Digital Epilepsy Awareness Newsletter Volume 16 Issue 4 April 2021 Edition
From the Executive Director’s Desk
A Message from Jeannine Garab [email protected] 518.456.7501 - Ext: 106 April 1, 2021 Dear Friends, As we begin April, we are very excited for our 33rd Annual Confections in Chocolate, a Virtual Brunch for Hope. This event will be held on Sunday, April 18th at 11:00 a.m. Confections in Chocolate will look a little different this year compared to our previous galas. Let’s face it, we are all used to thinking differently these days! This year’s event is all about “Chocolate Re-imagined”, as we were not about to let COVID-19 take away CHOCOLATE-21! Truthfully, we are so thankful to be able to carry on the tradition of this long-standing signature event in our community! While much has changed over the past year, two things have not changed: First, we are still here for people with epilepsy, providing our programs and services to help those with epilepsy in our community. And second, we still need your support. Our programs, including counseling, support groups, art therapy, education, service coordination and our summer camp scholarships depend on the revenue raised at our Confections in Chocolate event. If you haven’t registered, there is still time. Please visit: https://bit.ly/ChocolateGala2021. Registration includes a brunch box filled with lots of goodies including chocolate truffles, Prosecco and hot chocolate. Our virtual event will include Benita Zahn of NewsChannel 13 as our Master of Ceremonies, along with our special celebrity guest, Greg Grunberg. Some of you may remember Greg from the NBC series Heroes. Others might remember him as Snap Wexley in Star Wars. Greg is also the parent of a child with epilepsy. Some other highlights of the event will include a chocolate pairing/tasting demonstration from our Chocolate Sponsor, Barkeater Chocolates, and the recognition of our Flame of Hope recipients – Greenwich Biosciences and Derrick Rumenapp. We will also introduce our 2021 Winning Kids – Giovanni LaBate and Sophia Olsiewski. I hope you will all consider joining us for this event. Our Committee has worked hard to bring this event to you in the most fun and special way possible!
Sincerely, Jeannine S. Garab Executive Director
Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern New York Connect With Us! 3 Washington Square - Albany, NY 12205 Phone: 518.456.7501 l Fax: 518.452.1282 THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT AS WE CELEBRATE 40 YEARS OF PROVIDING PROGRAMS AND SERVICES IN NORTHEASTERN NEW YORK! We appreciate the support we have received from our donors and sponsors that have enabled us to provide programs and services to those affected by epilepsy and to the community since 1981. As we celebrate our 40th Anniversary in 2021, we would like to thank those donors and sponsors that have chosen to support us during this special year! Listed below are the donors and sponsors who signed on in March 2021. GOLD SPONSOR
SILVER SPONSORS
BRONZE SPONSORS
SPECIAL FRIENDS Shelly Connolly in honor of our 2021 Winning Kid, Sophia Olsiewski John and Pam Eberle in honor of our 2021 Winning Kid, Sophia Olsiewski Faith Nielson To view the complete list of donors and sponsors that have chosen to support us during this special year, click here. If you would like to support our programs and services during this special year and be featured, please contact Susan at [email protected] or by calling 518.456.7501 - Ext. 114. Click here to make an online donation.
- Page 2 - Information You Will Find In This Month’s Issue
We made our newsletter easier to navigate. If you see an article that is of interest to you, simply click on that page number to navigate right to it!
Page 2 - It’s our 40th Anniversary! Find out who joined the celebration in March and how you can help support our mission! Page 3 - News from our Board of Directors and Professional Advisory Board News from our Page 4 - Please Join Us! Board of Directors 33rd Annual Confections in Chocolate - A Virtual Brunch for Hope and Professional Advisory Page 5 - Mark Your Calendar for these April Webinars Board Live Webinar on Epilepsy & Employment Learn about Camp EAGR As we celebrate our The Ketogenic Diet for Medication-Resistant Epilepsy 40th Anniversary in 2021, we would like to thank the Page 6 - Community Educator’s Corner members of our Teens Speak Up! / Public Policy Institute Conference 2021 Board of Directors and Professional Advisory Board that have chosen to support us Page 7 - Epilepsy Education during this special year. 40 Districts for 40 Years Education Online SILVER SPONSORS A Note on COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Kevin Volk
Page 8 - College Scholarship Opportunities BRONZE SPONSORS Have You Signed Your Child Up for Kids Crew Yet? The Beaudoin Family Page 9 - News You Can Use! Marjorie Bunch, MD Transportation Options Betty DiMaria Lindsay Ferraro, MD Page 10 - Calling all Adults with Active Seizures: Michelle Hebert Introducing Two Exciting New Programs Stephen Lansing PACES in Epilepsy: Program of Active Consumer Engagement Marie McCabe, PhD in Epilpesy Self-Management Catharine Potvin Project UPLIFT: Using Practice and Learning to Increase John Pugh, MD, PhD Favorable Thoughts Rusty and Sueann Senecal Page 11 - Find Your Support Gerald and Robyn Silverman TBI Support Group Marianna Spanaki-Varelas. MD, PhD Men’s and Women’s Support Groups Studio e Art Therapy Support Group SPECIAL FRIENDS Richard and Valerie Brooks Page 12 - Epilepsy Awareness Events and Jeffrey Burdick, MD Fundraiser Updates Andrew Hess, PhD 40th Anniversary Special Raffle Karen Wachs Purple Day®: Friday March 26, 2021
- Page 3 - Please Join Us! Our Mission The mission of the Epilepsy Foundation is to lead the fight to overcome the challenges of living with epilepsy and to accelerate therapies to stop seizures, find cures, and save lives. ctors EFNENY Board of Directors Jerilee Beaudoin, President Sunmark Credit Union 33rd Annual Confections in Chocolate Denise Sullivan, Vice President A Virtual Brunch for Hope Lynne Longtin, RN, DNP Secretary Sunday, April 18th 11am – Noon SUNY Polytechnic Institute Master of Ceremonies Kevin Volk, Benita Zahn, DPS Immediate Past President Retired - New York State Senate WNYT NewsChannel 13 Ashley Biggs Special Celebrity Guest Appearance LivaNova, PLC Greg Grunberg Matthew Dahl Parent/Actor/Advocate and Co-Founder, TalkAboutIt.org Pioneer Bank Registered guests will receive a link to the event and a Brunch Box Melissa D’Andrea to enjoy during the event, which includes a box of chocolate truffles Oracle provided by our Chocolate Sponsor, Barkeater Chocolates, Betty DiMaria maple syrup, jam, biscotti, and more! Wojeski & Company CPA’s PC Flame of Hope Awards Presented to Shelley Friel Greenwich Biosciences and Derrick Rumenapp Rockefeller College Recognition of our 2021 Winning Kids Michelle Hebert Giovanni LaBate and Sophia Olsiewski School Administrators Association of NYS Harriet Kang, MD Amazing Auction items will be available Mount Sinai School of Medicine to bid on at https://event.gives/efneny Stephen Lansing RSVP by April 9th New York State Technology Enterprise For more information and to register, visit H. Michael Okby Morgan Stanley https://bit.ly/ChocolateGala2021 Or call the office at 518.456.7501 Catharine Potvin Stragility, LLC Rusty Senecal Ellis Hospital Christopher Shelanskey National Grid Gerald Silverman Retired - Bloomberg BNA Karen Wachs Greenwich Biosciences Nicholas Zarrelli Proceeds from all of our events support our programs and services we continue to Saratoga National Bank & Trust Company provide during the pandemic. More information is available on our Facebook page and website, or contact Susan at [email protected] | 518.456.7501 - Ext: 114.
- Page 4 - Mark Your Calendar for These April Webinars
Live Webinar on Epilepsy & Employment! What Comes Next? Finding Your Career Path - Job Search Advice, Resources & Training for Various Stages of Your Work Life
Date: Monday, April 5, 2021 1:00 - 2:15 PM Serving all people with Guest Speaker: Allison Nichol, Esq., epilepsy in the Capital Director of Legal Advocacy, Epilepsy Foundation Region, North Country Register in advance here: and Upper Hudson Valley https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_IUyxOQMcRB-IndJHXqfi4w Albany, Clinton, Columbia, Dutchess, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Montgomery, Rensselaer, St. Learn about Camp EAGR! Lawrence, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Sullivan, Ulster, Warren, A Summer Camp for Kids with Epilepsy and Washington counties. Join us on Thursday, April 15th from noon - 1:00 PM to learn about Camp EAGR, a summer camp run by the Epilepsy Alliance of West/Central NY for kids between 8 and 17 years old living with epilepsy!* EFNENY Staff Darcy Below Camp Director, Michael Radell and Laurie Seltzer, DO of the University of Office Manager Rochester Department of Neurology will lead this session to provide more Mary Beth Champagne details about the camp and answer questions from parents and caregivers. Accounting & Human Resource Administrator Our Director of Community Education and Advocacy Coordinator, Erica, will be hosting this session, and will provide information about EFNENY’s Camp Erica DeNicola-Scher, MS Scholarship program and how to apply for funding. Director of Community Education & Advocacy Coordinator
We hope you’ll join us! Jeannine Garab Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/87080256864 Executive Director
*Parents and guardians interested in learning about other camp-related programs/ Jenny Guerette, MSEd opportunities available for young adults over the age of 17 are encouraged to attend as well! Director of Medicaid Programs & Waiver Services
Susan Kaczynski Director of Development
Aaron Kent, MSEd The Ketogenic Diet for Medication-Resistant Epilepsy TBI Service Coordinator
Join us on Thursday, April 29th from noon to 1:00 PM to learn about the Lori Kidd, BSW ketogenic diet and other dietary therapies for medication-resistant epilepsy Director of Information, Referral in adults and children. Our speaker will talk about the different types of dietary & Special Projects therapy, including focusing on the Low Glycemic Index Therapy (LGIT) and Katelyn Markellos will discuss the safety of dietary therapy and things that people need to keep Marketing, Communications & in mind if they would like to consider modification of their diets as a part of Special Events Coordinator their epilepsy treatment plan. There will be time provided for Q&A at the end of the lecture. Jodi Radler, MS Community Integration Counselor Speaker: Inna Hughes, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Child Neurology Jeff Riccio, MSEd and Epilepsy at the University of Rochester TBI Service Coordinator Register here: Diana Voss https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ Administrative Assistant tZYtcO6hqzMqE9eWFdNdcIaD63IVU9kYgDEs
- Page 5 - Community Educator’s Corner Erica DeNicola-Scher, MS Director of Community Education & Advocacy Coordinator [email protected] 518.456.7501 - Ext: 107 Teens Speak Up! / Public Policy Institute Conference 2021 Every year, teens affected by epilepsy across the nation attend this conference to learn how to use their personal stories to advocate on federal issues that affect others with epilepsy. Then they put these skills to real-world use, meeting with their US Senators and Representatives. Usually this takes place in Washington, DC, but this year, all meetings have been conducted virtually throughout March. On Tuesday, March 23rd, I was joined by our 2021 TSU/PPI team, led by Molly Foote (15), met with lawmakers and their staff virtually to discuss key federal priorities, including increased funding for the @CDC’s National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion’s Epilepsy Program. This is the only public health program specifically related to epilepsy with a national scope and community programs, and legislation that would allow for safe and legal access to and medical cannabis and cannabidiol, and the promotion of medical and scientific research of medical cannabis and cannabidiol. We were joined by Molly’s mother, Kris Foote, volunteer; and a founder/member of the AMC Epilepsy Allies Service Learning Program, Janvie Naik. A comment from Molly! “During this year’s virtual TSU I was able to meet two amazing teens from the Long Island Affiliate. Sadly because of the virtual aspect, I wasn’t able to create many memories with the teens from other states. Overall, it was a lovely experience and I was able to personally meet Congressman Paul Tonko who is very nice. I am glad I was able to participate and advocate for not just me but all teens with epilepsy in New York!” Thank you to each of the Members of Congress and staffers who took time out of their schedules to speak with us, including: • Representative Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) • Laura Bart from Representative Sean Patrick Maloney’s Office (NY-18) • Matthew Gerson from Representative Antonio Delgado’s Office (NY-19) • Ben Nyce from Representative Elise Stefanik’s Office (NY-21) • Jasmin Palomares from Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s Office • Grace Magaletta from Senator Chuck Schumer’s Office Molly has volunteered and supported our agency for years; she was one of our 2016 Winning Kids, served as our 2019 TSU Teen, has served on event committees, organized fundraising events, and is an Awareness Ambassador with the national Epilepsy Foundation. Now that TSU 2021 is complete, she will embark on a Year of Service to continue her efforts in support of our agency and those we serve who are affected by epilepsy, and hopes to work on moving Seizure Safe School legislation forward in New York State.
- Page 6 - Epilepsy Education Education ONLINE! We hope you are keeping up with our online education efforts!
TEACHING Forty Districts For 40 Years TUESDAY Visit our Facebook page every Tuesday for a new fact In honor of our 40th anniversary, we are setting out to bring our about epilepsy and seizures! education programs to forty school districts in 2021! We have programming for school personnel (including transportation) and TEACHING TUESDAY students in grades K-12! Visit our Facebook page every Tuesday for a new fact about Five school districts down, 35 more to go! Thank you to: epilepsy and seizures! • Gouverneur CSD (St. Lawrence County) • Brasher Falls CSD (St. Lawrence County) • Morristown CSD (St. Lawrence County) • Guilderland CSD (Albany County) • Tupper Lake CSD (Franklin County) We’re keeping a running list, so if you’d like YOUR school district to be included, reach out to request education TODAY! Contact Erica at [email protected]. WEBINAR WEDNESDAY Thanks to sponsorships from Greenwich™ Biosciences and Hannaford® Join us on the FIRST Wednesday Supermarkets, all programs are FREE OF CHARGE for the 2020-2021 of each month from 3-4 PM for school year. a FREE live webinar training on the basics of epilepsy, seizure recognition, and seizure first aid! This training is for general audiences, so anyone and everyone who is interested in learning more about epilepsy and seizure recognition and first aid can tune in! A Note on COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Click HERE to register TODAY! As New York State receives additional supplies of the COVID-19 vaccines, more New Yorkers will become eligible to receive a vaccine. If you are interested in becoming vaccinated, it is important to know where to go to learn if you are eligible. The three best options include: 1. The Am I Eligible Pre-screener: https://am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/Public/prescreener
2. The New York State COVID-19 Vaccination Hotline at 1-833-NYS-4VAX (1-833-697-4829). THURSDAY TRIVIA! 3. You may also seek advice from your Primary Care Provider on Test your epilepsy and seizure your eligibility.* knowledge each Thursday by visiting our Facebook page *There is still no evidence that a diagnosis of epilepsy alone puts individuals at greater and answering our weekly risk for getting COVID-19 or for experiencing severe symptoms; however, there are certain trivia question! The answer and comorbid (co-occurring) conditions that may put certain individuals at greater risk. If you explanation will be revealed each are unsure if your health status and existing conditions make you eligible, speak with your Thursday around 4 PM! Primary Care Provider to help you determine your eligibility for a COVID-19 vaccine.
- Page 7 - College Scholarship Opportunities
Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern New York Scholarships The Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern New York, Inc. is offering three college scholarships to graduating high school seniors or students who will be enrolled at any post high school institution of higher learning: (1) The Nick Birchak Strength of Character College Scholarship and (2)The Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern New York Scholarship each in the amount of $1,000; and (3)The Stephen Piorkowski Scholarship in the amount of $500. Scholarships will be awarded to students who are currently being treated for epilepsy and have plans to further their education. In addition, students must reside in one of 22 counties served by the Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern New York.* The deadline for submitting an application is Monday, April 19, 2021. Students only need to submit one application to be considered for all awards. If you have any further questions or wish to receive an application, contact Lori at 518.456.7501 or via email at [email protected]. NYU FACES College Scholarship Program FACES annually provides partial financial support for the education of incoming freshmen or currently enrolled college students affected by epilepsy and seizure disorders; award amount will vary from a minimum of $500 and will not exceed $5,000 per student, depending on the applicant’s financial need. Info on this scholarship program can be found here: www.faces.med.nyu.edu/events-programs/college-scholarship-program CURE – Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy This program is a one-time scholarship (up to $5,000) for those living with epilepsy, family members and caregivers. The scholarship is to be used toward coursework to advance personal knowledge in research, health education, advocacy and/or awareness in relation to their experiences with epilepsy. Postmark deadline for applications is April 15, 2021. https://www.cureepilepsy.org/about-epilepsy/epilepsy-resources/scholarship
Have You Signed Your Child Up for Kids Crew Yet? The Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern New York Kids Crew 2021 Kick-Off Meeting was held on Monday, March 22, 2021 on Zoom. This inaugural meeting was for Kids Crew members ages 11-13. During this meeting, led by Ella F. and Hannah B., the participants were excited to meet other local Kids Crew members. They discussed ways to raise awareness, educate others, and have fun while earning a themed pin for each event / activity they participate in. The group shared facts about themselves and one thing that made them smile over the past week. Some of their ideas for future activities include a dance party, an art project, a lemonade paint ‘n sip, and a game of Name That Tune. They would also like to have a bowling / pizza fundraiser and participate in the upcoming Walk to END EPILEPSY in the fall. Once it is safe to host events in-person we will transition from our current virtual format. Events offer you the opportunity to meet other local families who are living with the challenges of epilepsy. Only registered members will be invited to our local Kids Crew events. The group would like to meet 3-4 more times this year, and we welcome new members into the group at any time. Kids Crew is open to children ages 14 and under with epilepsy, along with their siblings. There is no cost to join. After you enroll, your child will receive a membership kit that includes a certificate of membership, a lanyard for your child to wear to local events, quarterly newsletters and Kids Crew updates. We encourage you to enroll your child today, at: epilepsy.com/Kids-Crew. We look forward to meeting you in the future, and we will be hosting events for children of all ages!
- Page 8 - News You Can Use! Each month in this new section you will find useful information to assist you in finding answers to frequently asked questions and will help promote independent living. Transportation Options: Transportation is the most frequently reported problem for people with disabilities. Accessible transportation is crucial for independent living and for accessing work, errands, or recreational activities. For people with epilepsy, transportation can be a significant challenge as epilepsy patients with active seizures, or patients who have experienced breakthrough seizures, face restrictions from driving until they meet set criteria set by New York State law and the Department of Motor Vehicles (i.e. seizure freedom for a length of 12 months, with some exceptions). Below are some of the options available in our area for those who are in need of transportation assistance: • Medical Answering Services (MAS) Provides transportation to individuals who are insured under Medicaid and transports to / from medical appointments 1.855.360.3549 • Office for the Aging Each county offers services that include special transportation. Visit the New York State Office for the Aging Transportation webpages for more information. • CDTA Half Fare Card The CDTA’s Half Fare Program is available for seniors (65+), honorably discharged veterans, and individuals with disabilities. Call 518.482.8822 for more information or view the program brochure here. • CDTA STAR Program For individuals unable to use regular public transit. Visit their webpages to find more information about the program, eligibility criteria, and online and downloadable versions of the application. You can also contact STAR at 518.482.2022. • AMTRAK’s Rails to Recovery Program In partnership with Voices of Hope, a nonprofit organization based in Albany whose mission is to support families touched by life-altering conditions, AMTRAK’s Rails to Recovery Programs offers a way to reduce the stress and financial burden of travel for specialized medical care by offering one (1) free companion ticket with the purchase of one (1) regular (full) adult fare. Visit the Voices of Hope webpage for details and to apply. • A+ MediTrans Serves Albany, Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, and Schoharie Counties, offering Curb-to-curb service, door-to-door service, wheelchair transportation, and stretcher transportation. For more information, visit their website or call 518.433.7433. • Amazing Grace Transportation A New York-based Non-Emergency Medical Transportation provider that caters to seniors and wheelchair-bound clients in and around Schenectady, Albany, Saratoga, and Rensselaer counties. For more information, visit their website or call 518.250.4664. • Uber Asist Uber Assist is designed to provide additional assistance to seniors and people with disabilities. Driver-partners are specifically trained and certified to assist riders into vehicles and can accomodate folding wheelchairs, walkers and scooters. Click here to learn more. • Get Your Ride Share Voucher We’re excited to announce a partnership with SK Life Science, Inc., for a first-of-its-kind Uber ride share campaign. Through this initiative, people with epilepsy and their caregivers are eligible to receive a $20 Uber ride share voucher. Simply contact the toll-free Epilepsy & Seizures Helpline (9 AM - 5 PM EST Monday through Friday) to request a voucher. To reach the Helpline, call 1.800.332.1000 (en Español 1.866.748.8008). Terms and conditions apply.* To comment on this article, or suggest topics for future newsletters, please contact Jenny Guerette, MSEd Director of Medicaid Programs & Waiver Services [email protected] 518.456.7501 - Ext: 105 *Terms and Conditions: Uber voucher codes are limited to one code per person and cannot be shared or duplicated. User must have (or sign up for) an Uber account in order to apply the voucher. Vouchers are specifically designated for people with epilepsy and their caregivers. If you or a loved one do not experience epilepsy, please refrain from completing this questionnaire. Note, this voucher will expire on June 30, 2021. The voucher can be applied to one or more Uber rides, pending each individual ride amount. For example, if user’s first ride totals less than $20, the user can apply the remaining amount towards an additional ride. If a ride totals more than $20, the $20 will be applied and the user will be asked to complete payment for the remaining $ amount. - Page 9 - Calling All Adults with Active Seizures Introducing Two Exciting New Programs - SIGN UP NOW!
PROJECT UPLIFT: Using Practice and Learning to Increase Favorable Thoughts
PROGRAM OF ACTIVE CONSUMER ENGAGEMENT IN EPILEPSY SELF-MANAGEMENT
Have you heard about PACES? WHAT IS PROJECT UPLIFT? Project UPLIFT teaches participants skills for PACES is an eight-session, phone-based epilepsy self- managing and improving their mental health management program designed to help individuals and quality of life. living with epilepsy develop coping and goal-setting strategies that improve overall and discrete aspects of THE GOAL: quality of life, epilepsy self-management and efficacy, Empower people with epilepsy to improve their and alleviation of anxiety and depression. own mental health through mindfulness and cognitive skills. Topics include: 1) Epilepsy and Medical Issues WHO IS IT FOR? 2) Dealing with Stress and the Blues Part I People with epilepsy with symptoms of 3) Dealing with Stress and the Blues Part II depression, stress, or anxiety. 4) Compensating for Cognitive Challenges Eligibility criteria may apply. 5) Getting the Most Out of Community Living WHEN: 6) Managing My Epilepsy Care 7) Effective Communication About My Epilepsy Wednesdays: 7:30-8:30pm beginning on April 7, 2021 8) My Health and Wellbeing Sessions will be led by an EFNENY Staff member and WHERE: a peer co-facilitator living with epilepsy. Where you are most comfortable! Small group telephone calls once a week for 60 For more information, please carefully review our minutes for 8 weeks. Using a home or cell phone, one-page program description by clicking here. just call into the phone number provided when you register. No special equipment needed. We are actively recruiting participants for all 2021 sessions. Sessions will run on Tuesday evenings from WHO IS THE FACILITATOR? 7:00 – 8:00 PM during each eight-week program period. The next session begins on April 13, 2021. To Jodi Streich, PhD, sign up, interested participants should contact Lori Clinical Psychologist and member of EFNENY at 518.456.7501 - Ext: 104 or [email protected] Professional Advisory Board This program was made possible with funding from the Centers HOW DO I GET INVOLVED? for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) under cooperative For more information contact: agreement number 1NU58DP006256-03-00, CFDA 93.850. Lori at [email protected] Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do 518.456.7501 - Ext: 104 not necessarily represent the views of the CDC.
- Page 10 - Find Your Support TBI / Epilepsy Support Group We are very excited to announce our first phone support group for individuals diagnosed with epilepsy and traumatic brain injury (TBI). It is open to individuals struggling with epilepsy and TBI-related issues to freely share with and find encouragement from their peers. Please join us on April 23 from 10:00-11:00 AM. The Epilepsy Registration is required. Art Therapy Facilitated by Jodi Radler, MS Support Group Community Integration Counselor and Jenny Guerette, MSEd The Epilepsy Foundation of Director of Medicaid Programs and Waiver Services Northeastern New York is excited to continue to bring you the For more information, questions, or to confirm your attendance, please opportunity to express yourself contact us at 518.456.7501 or you can email through art as part of a monthly Jenny at [email protected] or art therapy program. Jodi at [email protected]. You’ll work with art therapists and other people with epilepsy We are excited to continue our phone support groups for adults in a group setting to create diagnosed with epilepsy. artistic pieces using a variety of mediums. This group develops Men’s Support Group strong bonds and uses their time together as a support group. Join us on the on the last Wednesday of each month from 7:00-8:00 PM Ongoing enrollment. Mark your calendar for the monthly meeting dates listed below: Admission is FREE. April 28 - May 26 - June 30 - July 28 - August 25 Please note that this program September 29 - October 27 - November 24 and December 29 is offered exclusively to adults with epilepsy. Facilitated by Lori Kidd, BSW/QMRP EFNENY Director of Information, Referral and Special Projects No artistic talents required! There is no cost for this program, Women’s Support Group and meetings are currently held on Zoom. Join us on the first Thursday of each month from 6:00-7:00 PM Mark your calendar for the Mark your calendar for the monthly meeting dates listed below: Saturday meeting dates listed April 1 - May 6 - June 3 - July 1 - August 5 below from 10:00 AM - Noon: September 2 - October 7 - November 4 and December 2 April 10 - May 8 - June 12 July 10 - August 14 Facilitated by Jodi Streich, PhD, Clinical Psychologist September 11 - October 9 and member of EFNENY Professional Advisory Board November 6 For call-in information for either the Men’s or Women’s group, Also available are the Thursday please contact Lori at [email protected] meeting dates listed below from 6:30 - 8:30 PM: April 22 - May 20 - June 24 July 22 - August 26 September 23 - October 21 November 18 For more information about joining the 2021 Studio e program, contact Lori at [email protected].
- Page 11 - Epilepsy Awareness Events and Fundraiser Updates
40th Anniversary Special Raffle Winners Announced Congratulations to the winners of our 40th Anniversary Special Raffle! First-prize winner of $4,000; Ellen C. of Albany Second-prize winner of $400: Kathy S. of Loudonville Thanks again to everyone that purchased a raffle ticket! We truly appreciate your support and dedication to our mission to lead the fight to overcome the challenges of living with epilepsy and to accelerate therapies to stop seizures, find cures, and save lives.
World Purple Day®: Friday March 26, 2021 Many friends of EFNENY all wore purple on March 26th, World Purple Day® to show their support of those living with epilepsy. We thank all of you who chose to raise awareness. Your decision to “go purple” will make a difference for people living with epilepsy in our community. To view more photos from World Purple Day®, please vist our Facebook page.
Tamarac School Emerging Nonprofit Leaders going purple for #PurpleDay2021
Katie Paulson Corey Wojeski & Co
Albany Med Lit Up!
A Few of the EFNENY Staff Hill County Cloggers