In This Issue

• Education
• Support Groups
• Advocacy
• Activities

Upcoming Programs

Camp Achieve, the EFEPA's annual overnight summer camp for children aged 8-17 with a primary diagnosis of epilepsy/seizure disorder, will be held August 23rd-28th.  We are currently accepting applications for campers.  We are also looking for counselors, medical personnel, and volunteers.  If you would like more information on Camp Achieve or receive a camper application please contact Jean at (215)629-5003 x110 or camp@efepa.org.

It's Important to Vote

In order to strengthen our visibility as a disability organization, it is important that anyone needing to register a change of address or change of party, contact our office for the appropriate form. If the form is supplied by us, the Department of State registers this information. While it is too late to register for the Primary Elections on 5/19, people may still register to vote now in order to be able to vote in the General Election in November.  Contact Susan for more information and to obtain a voting form at (215) 629-5003 x103 or adultservices@efepa.org. 

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Register Today

June 20, 2009

www.strollforepilepsypa.kintera.org

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In-Kind Donations

In-kind donations are needed for Summer Stroll, the Golf Invitational, Camp Achieve and Mardi Gras.  The Foundation is looking for gift certificates to restaurants, spas, stores, hotel stays, sports memorabilia, tickets to sporting events, shows, and theme parks, vacation rentals. The Foundation utilizes the in-kind donations for a silent auction, for fundraising prizes and for their dedicated volunteers.  

If you are not sure what you have is appropriate call Julia at (215) 629-5003 x107.

School Programs

With only a little under two months left of school, it's still not too late to have an epilepsy education, for teachers or students, school program at your school.  If you are interested in having our Education Coordinator visit, please contact Sue Livingston at (215) 629-5003 x102 or slivingston@efepa.org.

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Spring's Here!  Check out what is going on at the Epilepsy Foundation Eastern Pennsylvania

NEWSWEEK : “The Mystery of Epilepsy, Why We Must Find a Cure.”

If you missed the April 20th issue of Newsweek about epilepsy make sure to visit the Newsweek website.  The articles were excellent in terms of raising awareness about the catastrophic impact of epilepsy and the need for research. Furthermore, it confronted the stigma that too often limits access to employment, education and other areas of life for people with epilepsy.

This week you can see the Letters to the Editor including notes from Greg Grunberg, star of NBC’s “Heroes” and Chair of the National Walk for Epilepsy, and Tony Coelho, former congressman. To read the Letters to the Editor, please click here.

Facebook -  Become a fan of the Epilepsy Foundation Eastern PA on Facebook.  Login under your own Facebook account, search for the Epilepsy Foundation Eastern PA and click become a Fan.  Check back often for informational updates, events and articles. 

IMMEDIATE ACTION NEEDED: Staff of the Epilepsy Foundations of Pennsylvania spent time earlier this month meeting with key legislators regarding the 2009/-2010 budget and the allocation for epilepsy services statewide. 

Again the most important thing we have to pass on to our constituency is the impact that you who live with seizure disorder on a daily basis make on the legislators………we need you to call, email and/or visit the district office of your state representative and senator. 

For every 10 calls a legislator receives about autism, there is only one received about the need for services for those with epilepsy/seizure disorder.  Many offected by autism also experience seizures.  Legislators need to know that there are constituents in their districts who are affected by the funding for epilepsy services in the form of camp, support groups, one-on-one, educational programs, information & referral and more.

In this very tight budget year, those agencies whose constituencies are very pro-active are the ones that will be seriously considered for continued funding.

Please contact your legislators…………. a sample letter/script is at http://www.efepa.org/news/view/35 for your use.

To locate your legislator visit www.legis.state.pa.us/

Activities  

Sunday, May 17^th - Young Adult Bowling Party -  Call or email the Foundation if you are interested in attending a Social Outing for Young Adults with Epilepsy. We will be bowling at Lucky Strike from 3-5pm in Center City.  $20/guest. Numbers are limited.  Please RSVP ASAP at (215) 629-5003 x105 or amccartin@efepa.org. 

Saturday, June 20 - Summer Stroll - Join the Foundation and 500+ walkers on June 20^th on Forbidden Drive for our 5-mile fundraising walk. The Stroll focuses on strengthening the epilepsy community and showing those living with epilepsy they are not alone. You can do this all while having a fabulous day of exercise, entertainment and special appearances. For more information, check out the Stroll website and register today!

www.strollforepilepsypa.kintera.org

Have you seen Stroll brochures or posters in your neighborhood? If not, help us spread the word and volunteer to distribute posters/brochures. Contact Julia at (215)629-5003 x107 or jgreenberger@efepa.org.