Epilepsy Canada Announces Partnership with Code4Armour™ to Bring a Ground-Breaking Service to Benefit People during a Seizure

TORONTO, Ont., March 19, 2015 – Epilepsy Canada announces a unique partnership with Code4Armour™ to bring a life-saving service to the Epilepsy community that can literally speak for those who are unable to speak for themselves during an aura, ictal and postictal phases of a seizure.

Code4Armour™ is a wearable device and mobile app that gives emergency response professionals instant access to your Vital Personal Health Information (VPHI), controlled and managed by your caregiver, family member or by yourself. As or when your condition changes, the system allows for immediate update to the profile. These factors give the family the peace of mind that loved ones are protected in case of an emergency.

March is Epilepsy Awareness Month. Through this most important month Epilepsy Canada and Code4Armour™ are offering this wearable device free of charge to Canadian families with any donation of $25 or more. Recipients can purchase an annual subscription for as little as $48/year.

“Our community often tells us that their biggest concern during an episode is that their loved one is safe and treated appropriately,” explains Gary Collins, Executive Director, Epilepsy Canada. “Code4Armour™ actually tells professionals who you are, who to call, your typical seizures length and any other pertinent information.”

No other solution in today’s market speaks for you when you are unable to speak for yourself. Code4Armour VitalSpeak literally announces, through the speaker of a smartphone or tablet, life-saving information about your condition to emergency response professionals that can improve outcomes.

Code4Armour Co-founder and VP of Marketing Justin Phillips emphasizes, “We’ve developed breakthrough technology that surpasses existing current static medical bracelets and additionally provides a live and dynamic medical profile accessible 24/7/365.”

About Epilepsy Canada: Epilepsy Canada is a non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance the quality of life for persons affected by epilepsy through promotion and support of research and facilitation of education and awareness initiatives that build understanding and acceptance of epilepsy. Epilepsy Canada is governed by a national board with national representation. Founded in 1966, Epilepsy Canada depends entirely upon public and corporate support for the continuing development of its research and education programs. For more information, please contact garycollins@epilepsy.ca.

About Code4Armour:™ Code4Armour is a social enterprise, healthcare technology company. Code4Armour’s subscription service provides a live and dynamic medical profile triggered by a shock and water-resistant, battery-free alert wearable bracelet. Our service was designed to literally speak for those that can’t in an emergency situation. To order the service, please visit us at www.code4armour.com

Niagara Falls and the CN Tower Light-it-up Purple for those living with epilepsy

Two of Canada’s most famous landmarks will be bathed in purple light on Purple Day, March 26. Toronto’s CN Tower and Niagara Falls have both agreed to an Epilepsy Canada request to Light-it-up Purple to create awareness of the need for epilepsy research.
Purple Day is an international grassroots effort dedicated to increasing awareness about epilepsy worldwide. On March 26th annually, people in countries around the world are invited to wear purple and host events in support of epilepsy awareness. Last year, people in dozens of countries on all continents including Antarctica participated in Purple Day!
Epilepsy Canada will be asking everyone to acknowledge and support the 300,000 Canadians living with the epilepsy by posting pictures of the landmarks on Epilepsy Canada’s Facebook page and by tweeting pictures with the message #lightituppurple @epilepsycanada.

2014 Research Report Now Available

Research funded in whole or in part by Epilepsy Canada is making significant strides in advancing knowledge about the treatment of epilepsy. Read about LaFora disease- shortcut to a cure, and how VBR technology is helping doctors better manage patient care. All in the latest edition of Epilepsy Canada’s Research Report.

Team Epilepsy to run in The 2014 Scotiabank Charity Challenge

Runners can raise money for epilepsy research when they participate in the Scotiabank Toronto Water Marathon on October 19. The annual event is popular with all levels of runners from those attempting their 5K to veterans of half and full marathon distances. Epilepsy Canada will reimburse the entry fee to runners who raise a minimum of $250 for its epilepsy research fund. To register as part of the Epilepsy Canada team and begin fund raising click the Toronto Waterfront Marathon link.

Katie's Run set for July 5.

The 3rd Annual Katie’s Run for epilepsy research is being held on Saturday, July 5th. We invite you to join us. Registration for the 10km run and and 2.5 km family walk is open at www.katiesrun.ca.
All funds raised will be donated to the Epilepsy Canada research fund, which supports research into epilepsy therapies at Canadian universities and medical centres.
Come for the day, or come for a relaxing weekend. A variety of accommodations are listed on the Katie’s Run website.
Learn more...

Gary Collins, Executive Director of Epilepsy Canada shares his personal epilepsy journey.

Purple Hair 4 Epilepsy draws attention to the need for research funding

If later this month you see a middle-aged executive with purple hair on the streets of Toronto, chances are it will be business consultant Gary Collins, who also serves as Executive Director of Epilepsy Canada.

March 26 is International Epilepsy Awareness Day and Gary has committed to dye his hair purple on that day to raise money for epilepsy research.   

Gary Collins, Executive Director Epilepsy Canada

Over 300,000 Canadians, including Mr. Collins, have been diagnosed with epilepsy. Another 15,000 will be diagnosed this year. Children and seniors are the two most frequently diagnosed groups.

Epilepsy affects one of every 100 people worldwide. Gary was diagnosed with epilepsy at age 30.  The diagnosis immediately raised safety concerns and impacted his job and family.  “I worked in sales and immediately my driver’s license was suspended and I was unable to fly to see customers alone.” 

Gary volunteered to help at Epilepsy Canada because he considers himself extremely fortunate.  He says, “Things turned out OK for me. After a short trial, my doctors were able to find medication that controlled the seizures and allowed me to resume my career and a normal life. That’s not the case for many.”

With correct diagnosis and medication up to 70% of epileptics are able to live productive lives, seizure free.  But much more needs to be done to find therapies to help the 30% who have seizures that are resistant to drug therapies.

During March, Epilepsy Awareness month, people are being encouraged to donate to Epilepsy Canada’s research grants program.  Since 1966, Epilepsy Canada has annually funded important epilepsy research projects at major Canadian hospitals and universities.  Money raised by the Purple Hair 4 Epilepsy and other initiatives will contribute to keeping the funding program alive.
Those who wish to sponsor Gary or others who have pledged to colour their hair purple can do so online at Purple Hair 4 Epilepsy.com