Epilepsy Canada and Idic15 to work together

Today, Epilepsy Canada announced an agreement with Idic15 Canada, to cooperate on awareness initiatives to promote the connection between epilepsy and the Idic15, otherwise known as Chromosome 15q11-13 Duplication Syndrome. Idic15 Canada is a recently established Canadian Non-Profit Society, which provides collaboration, advocacy and research to families living with the condition.

Gary Collins, Executive Director of Epilepsy Canada says, “Initially our involvement will be to assist in creating awareness for Idic15 Awareness Day and providing online fundraising resources to the Idic15 organization.”

Idic15 is a rare chromosomal disorder involving an extra copy of genetic material from the long arm of chromosome 15 in the region 11.1-13.2. The type and severity of symptoms are determined by the amount and location of the duplicated genetic material. Many, affected children and adults have seizures at some point in their lives. These may be occasional or frequent, short or prolonged. There is increasing evidence that SUDEP is a risk in Idic15, so management of the epilepsy is crucial.

There are currently 40 Idic15 families registered with Idic15 Canada.  Co-founder Theresa McKirdy believes that there are many more that have not been properly diagnosed because of the lack of information that has been available to the medical community. The organization has been formed to advance awareness, resources and clinical research for those living with the condition. Ms McKirdy said, “Partnering with Epilepsy Canada is an important element of our strategy to raise overall awareness about the Idic15 disorder.”

Epilepsy Canada Announces a Call for Research Funding Submissions

Epilepsy Canada today announced that it is again accepting submissions to support research trainees in any area of research pertaining to epilepsy.  Executive Director Gary Collins says, “With this particular call, we are seeking to fund a post-doctoral researcher and a summer studentship associated with a Canadian university or hospital.”  He added research activities must be conducted within Canada to qualify for the funding.

Epilepsy Canada's mission is to support research (in the biomedical, clinical or social sciences) that is focused on improving the lives of people with seizure disorders.  The association is very proud of the high quality of young researchers and the research projects it sponsors.

 A rigorous grant review process headed by Epilepsy Canada President Dr. W. McIntyre Burnham, is carried out by individuals from the medical and scientific communities across Canada. Mr. Collins says the peer review process ensures that Epilepsy Canada is making the best possible use of research dollars and investing in the most promising research.

Research Fellowships are intended to develop expertise in clinical or basic sciences epilepsy research and improve the quality of care for epilepsy patients in Canada. Each year, funds are available to young Canadian researchers with an M.D. or Ph.D. degree.

Summer student bursaries are intended for third and fourth year undergraduates earning a B.Sc., graduate students in psychology, sociology, biochemistry, and medical students. The purpose of this bursary is to encourage individuals to pursue careers in epilepsy, in research or practice-settings.

Interested parties can submit a proposal via email to Mr. Collins at the following address, garycollins@epilepsy.ca. The deadline for 2013 submissions is June 14.  Further details can be obtained by visiting the Epilepsy Canada website www.epilepsy.ca  and following the links to 2013 Call for Submissions.