The appointment of two accomplished researchers strengthens Epilepsy Canada

Epilepsy Canada is proud to announce the appointment of two leading epilepsy researchers to its Board of Directors. Michael O. Poulter Ph.D. and Morris H. Scantlebury M.D., diplomate ABPN, CSCN (EEG) join the Board and assume duties immediately.

In making the announcement, Chairman Jacques Brunelle said, “The appointment of these two esteemed gentleman is indicative of our intention to position Epilepsy Canada to take on larger research funding challenges in the future.”

Michael Poulter is Professor of Physiology and Pharmacology, Roberts Research, Wester University. He obtained his B.Sc. in Pharmacology and Therapeutics at the University of British Columbia in 1985 and then obtained a Ph.D. (Pharmacology) at McGill University in 1990. He was awarded a Fogarty International Fellowship to do post-doctoral training at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD, U.S.A. in 1990. In 1992 he obtained an International Fellowship and moved to Université Louis Pasteur, Strasbourg France.

In 1995, he returned to Canada to establish his own research laboratory at National Research Council in Ottawa and subsequently moved to the Institute for Neuroscience at Carleton University in 2001, becoming head of the institute in 2003. In 2006 Dr Poulter moved to the Robarts Research Institute in London Ontario, taking up a position as a scientist while being cross appointed to the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology at UWO, as Professor. While at the NRC, Dr Poulter was also supported by the Medical Research Council of Canada and since 2002, has had support from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Council. He also currently holds funding from the Ontario Brain Institute (Epilepsy Research Group) and a grant focused on seizures in those with fetal alcohol syndrome (with Peter Carlen, P.I.).In the past he has received grants from the Canadian Foundation for Innovation (2001 and 2007). In 2008, he obtained a NARSAD investigator award from the National Association for Research into Schizophrenia and Depression (U.S.A). Professor Poulter has served on many review bodies including the MRC of Canada, CIHR, NSF (USA), NIH (USA), NSF (Israel) and the ESF (Europe) and recently he has assisted with Grant Reviews for Epilepsy Canada. He is currently a field editor for Frontiers in Science journals (Lausanne, Switzerland). He was an associate editor for the Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences (2007-2014). He helped found the Canadian Epilepsy Research Initiative (CERI) and was president of CERI from 2009-2014.

Dr Poulter’s research is primarily focused on the underlying mechanisms of epilepsy and major depressive disorder. His runs a multi-disciplinary research lab that encompasses a “molecules to systems” approach that seeks to understand how complex neurological disorders arise and may be treated. He is the author of over 65 peer reviewed articles and book chapters and reviews.

Dr. Morris Scantlebury is an assistant professor in the Departments of Paediatrics and Clinical Neurosciences at the University of Calgary. He also is a paediatric neurologist at the Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary and is a member of the Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute for child and maternal health with a lab in the developmental epilepsy research program. Dr Scantlebury has a broad background in pediatric epilepsy research, specifically in the development and characterization of animal models of pediatric epilepsy syndromes.

He pursued postdoctoral studies in the laboratory of Dr Lionel Carmant in Montreal, where he developed a model of atypical febrile seizures induced in rats with a prior neocortical freeze lesion. These studies were supported by a CIHR/Epilepsy Canada fellowship and he was recognized for this research with several awards including an American Epilepsy Society Award for Excellence in Pediatric Epilepsy Research in addition to the AES young investigator award.

Dr Scantlebury’s current research focuses on the validation and optimization of the ketogenic diet in the animal models of infantile spasms and to rapidly translate his results to clinical practice. These studies are currently being funded by the Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute. Dr. Scantlebury is excited to see what the data will show and intends to use the knowledge gained from these studies to develop safer, less toxic treatments for infantile spasms.

The new directors join: Jacques Brunelle Chairman, Gary N. Collins President, and Dr Michelle Demos of BC Children’s Hospital, Treasurer Brian M. Galloway, CFP, FCGA and John E. Goodman of Buscemi, Goodman, Legault Inc.

Epilepsy Canada is a non-profit organization with a mission to enhance the quality of life for persons affected by the neurological disorder. It promotes the support of research and facilitates education and awareness initiatives that build understanding and acceptance of epilepsy. Founded in 1966, Epilepsy Canada has a legacy of continuous support for epilepsy research.

Annual General Meeting

You are invited to participate in Epilepsy Canada’s Annual General Meeting (AGM). It will be held via telephone conference on Wednesday, September 30 at 4 pm EST. Interested persons must register by noon, September 30th to obtain a participation call-in code. You can do so by sending an email to jaime@epilepsy.ca

Epilepsy Canada boosts the next generation of epilepsy researchers.

Epilepsy Canada has awarded two one-time research bursaries under its Summer Studentships Program. The recipients are Owen Wiseman of the University of Ottawa and Sophie Ehresmann of the Université de Montréal.

The purpose of Epilepsy Canada’s summer bursary program is to encourage outstanding students to pursue careers in epilepsy: in research or practice settings. The bursaries are intended for third and fourth year undergraduates earning a B.Sc., graduates in psychology, sociology, biochemistry and medicine.

Ms. Sophie Ehresmann, BA Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine studies described the support from Epilepsy Canada as “Amazing!” Ms. Ehresmann is working at CHU St Justine Montréal under the supervision of Dr. Phillippe Campeau. Recent work there has identified an epileptic syndrome apparently caused by mutations of a gene never before associated with the disorder. The Epilepsy Canada grant will help the study team confirm that the suspected mutations can in fact lead to epilepsy. This will lead to a number of positive outcomes to improve diagnosis and treatment

Mr. Owen Wiseman, BSc – Psychology, is examining the effects of a motivational exercise program, using peer-to-peer support, to increase physical activity and improve the quality of life for children with epilepsy. He is working on the study under the supervision of Daniela Pohl MD PHD at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. He commented, “People’s behavior has always interested me, so neurology became the only career choice for me as I progressed with my education.”

The results from both studies are expected to be known in late 2015.

Renée Colyer, CEO of Forefactor Consulting, appointed to Epilepsy Canada Board of Directors

Jacques Brunelle, President of Epilepsy Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Renée Colyer to the Board of Directors of Epilepsy Canada, effective immediately.

Ms. Colyer is the President and CEO of Forefactor Consulting where she is focused on providing business strategy and research to capital market participants in both developing countries and mature markets. She possesses extensive knowledge of the, insurance, capital markets and banking sectors. Prior to founding Forefactor Ms. Colyer held the position of Director of Research at TSX Group.

With Epilepsy Canada, Renée Colyer will apply her management skills and broad financial services knowledge to the role of Corporate Donor & Major Gift Advocate. She will advise and assist the Epilepsy Canada team to meet its growth targets from major gifts and corporate donors.

Ms. Colyer is a graduate of Guelph University and holds a Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Market Research Analysis from the Sheridan Institute and a Certificate in Market Research from the University Notre Dame. In addition, she holds memberships in the United Nations Registry, the World Association of Opinion and Marketing Research Professionals,(ESOMAR). Epilepsy Canada is a non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance the quality of life for persons affected by the neurological disorder. It promotes the support of research and facilitates education and awareness initiatives that build understanding and acceptance of epilepsy.

Founded in 1966, Epilepsy Canada has a legacy of continuous support for epilepsy research.

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.