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.

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...