April 19, 2007
Contact:
Mandy Knill
E-mail: communications@epilepsysupport.ca
519-433-4073
H.O.P.E. Award (Helping Out People with Epilepsy) Gala Honours London Health Sciences Centre Epilepsy Program
London, ON, April 19, 2007 – The Epilepsy Support Centre held its 21st Annual Gala this past weekend. The theme, 1 in 100: A Celebration of Cultures was meant to bring awareness to the fact that no matter what part of the world you come from, one person in 100 lives with seizures. The Gala raised $20,000 for community education.
The Epilepsy Support Centre presented the 2007 H.O.P.E. Award (Helping out People with Epilepsy) to the dedicated staff of the Epilepsy Program at the London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC). The Epilepsy Support Centre acknowledged with gratitude the nursing staff, EEG technologists, electrophysiology technologists, psychology/neuropsychology and secretaries for their commitment to the care of those living with epilepsy. The Program is recognized world wide as a centre of excellence in epilepsy care and treatment.
A member of the Epilepsy Support Centre, Sheilah Hogarth, presented the award to the Program and spoke about her recent epilepsy brain surgery. “I have lived with embarrassing seizures and the fear of injury for 50 years. The Epilepsy Program changed my life. God bless you all.” Sheilah has been seizure-free since her January 2007 surgery at the Epilepsy Program and reinforced that she will be forever grateful for the care and support she has received from both the Program and the Centre.
Patients who experience debilitating seizures come to the Epilepsy Program to determine whether they would benefit from surgery. The Epilepsy Program sees approximately 250 patients per year, making it one of the largest epilepsy centers in Canada.
The Epilepsy Support Centre is a non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance the quality of life of people affected by seizure disorders through counseling and support services. The centre strives to eliminate the stigma and dispel the myths surrounding epilepsy through advocacy and public education.
If you would like more information about the Epilepsy Support Centre, please contact Mandy Knill, Communications Officer at 519-433-4073 or by e-mail at communications@epilepsysupport.ca.
If you would like more information on the London Health Sciences Centre Epilepsy Program, please contact Rachelle Wood, Communications Consultant at 519-685-8500 ext. 77642 or Rachelle.wood@lhsc.on.ca.
