Thank you for visiting our team page! This year, the Walk will include a virtual way to connect with others and an opportunity to walk in your neighborhood with family, friends, and neighbors to honor and celebrate those living with epilepsy.
As we navigate through a pandemic in 2020, we recognize that this has been a year with many unknowns, unpredictability, and changes. Those living with or caring for someone living epilepsy face unknowns every single day as they navigate through life without knowing when the next seizure will occur, if those around them will know how to respond, and if they will stay safe. Although some people who live with epilepsy are well controlled with medication, many people with epilepsy continue to have seizures despite available treatment options. The impact of seizures and side effects of medications can have an impact on daily life, mental health, work, education, driving, safety, finances, and relationships. Epilepsy hasn't been postponed during the pandemic and neither has the impact.
The Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota has adapted to current situation to offer a variety of virtual programs and services to educate, empower, and connect with people affected by epilepsy. Through this time, the EFMN is hosting virtual support groups, social events, webinars, seizure trainings, and meetings with individuals and families affected by epilepsy. Please consider a donation to help the EFMN continue to provide education, resources, and opportunities to stay connected during a time that many people are feeling more isolated than ever.
As I approach the 18th anniversary of my right front temporal lobectomy that successfully eliminated my seizures, I know firsthand how great the need is. Although I had seizures for 21 years, my seizures were misunderstood and misdiagnosed from Kindergarten - 11th grade until I had a seizure while driving and was put back on medication. I can distinctly remember the overwhelming feeling that I would experience during focal aware seizures that no one understood at the time because I was no longer having convulsive seizures that most people think of when they hear the word seizure. With greater education and understanding, more people who have seizures will be recognized. I could share story after story of schools who have received Seizure Smart School education for staff and students where school staff have learned how to recognize potential seizures that have ultimately led to a child's diagnosis. Not only does the education help prepare people to respond to those who have a known epilepsy diagnosis, it often raises awareness to recognize when someone is having a seizure who is not yet diagnosed. It is impossible to measure the true impact of the work done at the EFMN to improve the lives of those living with epilepsy through the many ways that people's live are touched.
1 out of 26 people will have epilepsy and some point in their lifetime and 1 out of 10 people will experience at least one seizure. Your donation will help raise awareness and funds to continue to help those who are living with seizures. If you are able to give, your generous donation will make a difference as we continue to work to improve the lives of those who are living with epilepsy.
YOU CAN HELP!
Please support our team goal by making a secure, tax-deductible donation to my team.
WAYS TO DONATE
1. You can donate safely and securely on this website.
2. You can make a cash or check donation payable to EFMN Neighborhood Walk, and write Seizure Stigma Stoppers in the memo. Please mail your donation to Lisa Peterson 5540 E Koenen Rd. South Range, WI 54874.
3. You’re also welcome to join our team or form your own team at efmn.org/walk!
Thank you for your support of the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota and our community!
Lisa Peterson
Regional Coordinator – Northland
Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota
218.624.1330
lisa.peterson@efmn.org
