It has been an exciting few months since our last post, all of the events we have held have been successful thus far. So, lets rewind.
Fall, 2011
UEA was definitely a success, we were able to speak with many educators about Epilepsy Awareness and we invited them to join our interest lists as well as sign up for a free Seizure Smart Presentation. As teachers and students continue to receive instruction from the presentations, they will have gained a knowledge of how to deal with seizures in the classroom. That comes with the ability to discourage oppressive and stigmatizing actions as well as comments made by classmates, which allows students to become "Seizure Smart" as well! Another thing that teachers are equipped with when they learn more about Epilepsy and seizures is the ability to give rescue medication, as directed, for long-lasting seizures. Lastly, as all people gain from the presentations, they will have gained an awareness for Epilepsy and seizures, connections to activities, events and conferences the Epilepsy Association of Utah hosts, such as Whispers in the Park.
Whispers in the Park was our first Halloween carnival this year. It was simply amazing how much fun everyone had. Costumes were worn, games were played, costume contests were strutted through, prizes were won, vendors offered their items for sale, and the food was scrumptious. A pair of Star Wars bounty-hunters even made an appearance. A good time was had by all! What was so awesome was that it was a festival where people with Epilepsy and seizures could come and be in a safe place to enjoy each others company. Free from any sorts of stigma or oppression, people are were very understanding. Through those gentle whispers, the Epilepsy Association of Utah took the superstition and mysticism out of living with Epilepsy and put those thing where they belonged: Halloween.
November brought a busy month for the EAU, the month of awareness began with our second annual Artilepsy art gallary. Artilepsy is a art gallary dedicated to all types of artists who are affected by Epilepsy or have loved ones who are affected by Epilepsy. We had a fair few people enter their artwork for Artilepsy. We had photography, paintings, drawings, quilts, and even faberge eggs! One of the artists, Kimmie (age 13), submitted a beautiful photo of the "Up" house and won first place in the teen photography category. Well done!
The next day, our second annual Gala was held, this time it was at Noah's event center. Several persons very close to persons affected by Epilepsy or affected by Epilepsy themselves spoke at the Gala, including, Dr. Afrah (a U of U Epileptologist), Glenn Fenster (Destinymaker), Mayor JoAnn B. Seghini of Midvale, the parents of Lynsay Lynch (of Laps for Lynsay), Jeremy Anderson (see right) and his comedic performance, Ryan Barnes, and two collegiate scholarship recipients as well as many others who were recognized for their service and support of the Epilepsy Association of Utah. It was a great night to review what the EAU has been doing and it was encouraging to see how the potential for the Association is growing, as are our programs. Thanks to the funding raised from the Gala as well as a few grants that have been awarded, the EAU is looking to start a Transportation Assistance program and Prescription Medication Assistance program. There is even more that is being developed now, but you will just have to keep an eye out for more news!
And the morning after Gala was held, we headed up to the Univerisy of Utah's Neuroscience building for our Seizure Smart Education Conference. Speakers included Glenn Fenster, Dr. Afrah, an AEEG specialist, Holly E. Ferrin, as well as a specialist of natural oils and their benefits with seizures and Epilepsy.
We've got a spring that is buzzing with activities and events, including Purple Day, Caroline's Spine Concert, Crop Because You Care, and our NEW Camp Neuro Reveolution! Be on the lookout for our next update (coming soon!). I am sure that it will be easy to "Spring Forward" in 2012 with the Epilepsy Association of Utah!
"Like" us on Facebook (Epilepsy Association of UT page); "Friend" us on Facebook (Epilepsy Utah); and follow our Twitter feed for live updates!
Thanks everyone, for your continued support!
Fall, 2011
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| Bounty-Hunters and little Luke Skywalker! |
Whispers in the Park was our first Halloween carnival this year. It was simply amazing how much fun everyone had. Costumes were worn, games were played, costume contests were strutted through, prizes were won, vendors offered their items for sale, and the food was scrumptious. A pair of Star Wars bounty-hunters even made an appearance. A good time was had by all! What was so awesome was that it was a festival where people with Epilepsy and seizures could come and be in a safe place to enjoy each others company. Free from any sorts of stigma or oppression, people are were very understanding. Through those gentle whispers, the Epilepsy Association of Utah took the superstition and mysticism out of living with Epilepsy and put those thing where they belonged: Halloween.
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| Kimmie at Artilepsy |
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| Jenn, Jeremy, & Kris after Jeremy's comedic performance |
And the morning after Gala was held, we headed up to the Univerisy of Utah's Neuroscience building for our Seizure Smart Education Conference. Speakers included Glenn Fenster, Dr. Afrah, an AEEG specialist, Holly E. Ferrin, as well as a specialist of natural oils and their benefits with seizures and Epilepsy.
We've got a spring that is buzzing with activities and events, including Purple Day, Caroline's Spine Concert, Crop Because You Care, and our NEW Camp Neuro Reveolution! Be on the lookout for our next update (coming soon!). I am sure that it will be easy to "Spring Forward" in 2012 with the Epilepsy Association of Utah!
"Like" us on Facebook (Epilepsy Association of UT page); "Friend" us on Facebook (Epilepsy Utah); and follow our Twitter feed for live updates!
Thanks everyone, for your continued support!
