March 2012 E-Newsletter

Governor Corbett Proposes Elimination of Epilepsy Funding in Budget

These appropriation dollars allow both the Epilepsy Foundation Eastern Pennsylvania (EFEPA) and the Epilepsy Foundation Western/Central Pennsylvania the ability to support seven offices across Pennsylvania.

The EFEPA urges all epilepsy supporters to contact members of the General Assembly, particularly those on the House & Senate Appropriations Committee to urge them to maintain the line items for epilepsy services and to continue funding for epilepsy programs into the 2012-2013 fiscal year. Ask your local representative or senator to let the leadership know how important epilepsy programs are to you and your family.

You can find contact information for your legislator by clicking here.

Abington Memorial Hospital – Wednesday, March 14 – 6:30 pm – 8 pm – Mood & Memory

Come hear Pat Anasiewicz, RN, MSN, MBA, a Community Health Outreach Nurse from Lansdale Hospital discuss the effects of epilepsy/seizure disorder on your mood and memory. For questions or to register, contact Sue Livingston at [email protected].

Park City Mall – Lancaster – Tuesday, April 17 – 6 pm – 7 pm – Young Adult Epilepsy Meeting

This special hour-long meet and greet program, specifically for ages 14-22 will concentrate on group interactions and discussion on age-appropriate topics of interest. The group will meet in the Food Court outside of JC Penney. Refreshments and dessert will be provided. To RSVP, contact Kerri Michnya at [email protected].

Lehigh Valley Health Network – Saturday, April 28 – 8 am – 1 pm – Lehigh Valley Epilepsy Education & Information Exchange

Epilepsy experts from the Lehigh Valley area and Philadelphia discuss a range of topics including, the basics of epilepsy and the cognitive effects of epilepsy. There will be two tracks, one concentrating on children and epilepsy and the other specifically for adults and epilepsy. For more information or to register, please visit www.lehighvalley.kintera.org.

Lancaster Farm & Home Center – Wednesday, May 16 – 6 pm – 8 pm – Epilepsy & Research: A Focus on the Future

The EFEPA is pleased to announce their fourth annual conference in the Lancaster area. This evening conference welcomes Dr. Brian Litt of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and Penn Engineering Program, who will provide the most current information about epilepsy/seizure disorder, research and future treatment options for people affected by seizures. For more information or to register, visit www.lancastercounty.kintera.org.
Events

Saturday, May 12 – 5:30 pm – Phillies Fundraiser -Citizens Bank Park

The Philadelphia – Main Line Alumnae Club of Pi Beta Phi is holding their annual Phillies game to benefit Camp Achieve. Join them on May 12th as they watch the Phillies take on the San Diego Padres. There will be a pre-game tailgate at 5:30 and the game begins at 7:05 pm. Tickets are $80 per person and include the pre-game tailgate. For more information and to purchase tickets, please contact Madeline Bergman at [email protected].

Saturday, June 16- 9:00 am – Summer Stroll 2012 – Forbidden Drive

Come join over 700 walkers as they stroll along Forbidden Drive, raising money and awareness of epilepsy. One of the Foundation’s largest events, Summer Stroll features a 5 mile walk in beautiful Fairmont Park and a picnic filled with food, games and fun. It is the perfect time for you to come and meet other members of the EFEPA family and network. For more information and to register visit: www.strollforepilepsypa.kintera.org.

Sunday, August 19 – August 24th – Camp Achieve 2012  – Camp Green Lane

Children and Teens, ages 8-17 with a primary diagnosis of epilepsy are invited to apply to attend Camp Achieve, a week-long overnight camp in Green Lane, PA. Camp Achieve, staffed with nurses and neurologists, is the perfect place for your child or teen to swim, canoe and participate in fun activities while being educated and meeting others with a similar diagnosis. Please note that applications will be mailed out to all previous campers, you do not need to contact the EFEPA. For more information, contact [email protected].

Osberg Family and Barbara Beck, CRNP

The EFEPA brought New Orleans’ most famous celebration to Philadelphia with our 5th Annual Mardi Gras Gala, held on Friday, February 10, 2012. We had over 400 guests join us to celebrate the coronation of 2012 Mardi Gras King, Greg Osberg. The night also served as the premier of our educational awareness video, “Faces of Epilepsy.” Dan Dougherty, a Foundation volunteer, played a pivotal role in the evening by introducing the video and speaking about how the EFEPA has played a part in his life. Dan said, “As a person with epilepsy for 30 years, my life has had many struggles, including not being able to drive since my seizures are uncontrolled. I have been encouraged by the Foundation to be an advocate and lift the mask of epilepsy to educate the public.”

Mardi Gras Party People

In addition to the video, EFEPA honored two volunteers who have worked decades to further our mission. Jeanne LeBuhn was awarded the Charley and Peggy Roach Founders Award for her 20 years of service. CHOP nurse practitioner and Camp Achieve nurse, Barbara Beck, CRNP was given the Eric Burton Osberg Award for being a medical professional dedicated to both the medical and non-medical needs of her patients.

Besides being a night of revelry, the Foundation netted over $70,000, our highest total to date! This could not have happened without the efforts of our sponsors, Mardi Gras Kings, both past and present, and all of their supporters. To view pictures from the Gala, please visit www.jonathanmeter.smugmug.com.

To register, please visit Epilepsy Foundation’s National Walk for Epilepsy homepage. When you register, make sure to join our team, the Epilepsy Foundation Eastern PA or create your own team, but sign up under the Epilepsy Foundation Eastern PA as the company. By joining the Epilepsy Foundation Eastern PA’s team or company, all fundraised dollars will go directly to support epilepsy programs in our service area. Can’t make it to DC? Join in the fun and fundraise for this important cause, by registering as a “Virtual Walker.” Looking forward to seeing you in Washington, DC!