Newsletter - Fall 2013

Transition Tips: Childhood to Adulthood

We Created a Movement

Seizures Don’t Stop Me

Thanks For Strolling With Us

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Learn About EpilepsyMidwest Seizure Smart Fall Conference on November 2 – see page 6

A qUArTErLy pUbLiCATion oF ThE EpiLEpSy FoUnDATion oF MinnESoTA FALL 2013

WWW.EFMn.org

M i n n E S o T A

2 | Epilepsy Minnesota www.efmn.org

The epilepsy FoundaTion oF MinnesoTa is a nonprofit organization and one of forty-eight affiliates of the National Epilepsy Foundation. Serving Minnesota and Eastern North Dakota, the Foundation works to educate, connect and empower people affected by seizures.

1600 University Avenue West | Suite 300 | St. Paul, MN 55104www.efmn.org | 800.779.0777

Mission The Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota leads the fight to stop seizures, find a cure and overcome the challenges of living with epilepsy.

oFFicersPresident Brett BoyumPast President Ann S. Kelly JonesVice President Tim GallagherTreasurer Elizabeth Beastrom

Appointed MeMbers

Jason Engkjer – Legal CounselTabitha Fields Marcus Fischer Brandon MegalMichael Gonzales Deb MeyerMike MurrayWendy OsterbergJim SilburnTom SpiczkaJessica Stoltenberg Trudi TryslaChristopher Turoski Randy UnzickerBill Walsh

designAted MeMbers

Tess Sierzant – PAB ChairMark Lenhardt –Central MN RepresentativeJosh Malnourie – Northwestern MN & Eastern ND Representative

proFessional advisory BoardChair | Chair | Tess Sierzant, MS, RN, ACNS-BC, CNRN | Saint Joseph’s HospitalAnne Barnwell, MS, CRC | Epilepsy Advocacy & Employment GroupJeannine Conway, PharmD, BCPS | University of MinnesotaArmantina Espinosa, MD | Minneapolis Clinic of NeurologyTimothy Feyma, MD | Gillette Children's Specialty HealthcareMiguel Fiol, MD | University of MinnesotaDouglas Heck, PhD | Duluth Psychological Clinic, IncThomas Henry, MD | University of MinnesotaIlo Leppik, MD | University of Minnesota & MINCEP Epilepsy CareDonna McKenny, PHN, LSN, MEd | Centennial SchoolsKatherine Nickels | Mayo ClinicPatricia Penovich, MD | Minnesota Epilepsy GroupKathleen Rieke, MD | CentraCare Health SystemFrank Ritter, MD | Minnesota Epilepsy GroupJoanne Rogin, MD | Midwest Center for Seizure Disorders Teresa Tran, MD | Park Nicollet

Thank you to the thousands of you who answered the recent call to stand up to local media suggestions that gopher Football Coach Jerry Kill was unworthy of his job due to his seizures.

We started a movement together and we’re working to continue the momentum into 2014, when EFMn celebrates 60 years of serving people with seizures.

This issue contains a number of educational opportunities…from school nurse trainings, to Seizure Smart Community Workshops, to our fall conference and more! There are plenty of ways to get involved and connect with others this fall.

your feedback is always welcome: [email protected] or 651.287.2314.

Vicki KopplinExecutive Director

“We started

a movement,

right here in

our community,

that people with

epilepsy need

education and

awareness,

not pity.”

www.efmn.org Epilepsy Minnesota | 3

Clinicians Corner Transition Tips: Childhood to AdulthoodBy Professional Advisory Board Member Jeannine Conway, PharmD, BCPS and Katherine Nickels, MD

The transition of children into adolescence and adulthood

can be exciting for children and their parents. however,

this can also be a time for anxiety, especially for children

with chronic health conditions. preparing children and their

families is important to make this transition a success.

When does my child need to transition to the

adult clinic?

While the age for transferring to the adult clinic varies, most

children do so between the ages of 18-21 years. however,

the transition process should be gradual and start around

the age of 12 years. This allows the child to take on steadily

increasing responsibility for their medical condition, while still

being supervised by their parents.

Who should be involved in the transition process?

This transition process should be a joint effort involving

the child, parents, primary care physician, and specialists.

parents and children should start planning for life after high

school. They should consider the degree of independence

they expect from their child: whether their child will live at

home, independently, or in supported housing and whether

their child will be able to work or have more education after

high school. The physicians need to work together to ensure

that the adult care team has all the important information

regarding your child’s health.

Continued on page 4


often, a social worker can help identify needs you may have

and programs available, such as insurance coverage and

legal documents that may need to be signed once the child is

18 years.

How can i prepare my child?

As children become adolescents, they often want more

independence. This includes managing their medical needs.

in order to do this, adolescents need to have a better

understanding of their medical conditions, which may include

more than epilepsy.

one of the most important responsibilities is managing

medication. This includes remembering to take medication

regularly. There are many ways to remember your

medications. pills boxes, while not glamorous, serve two

important purposes: 1. you can see if you forgot to take

your medicines (and if you did forget you can make them

up as directed by your prescriber) and 2. you can see if you

took your medicines (so you don’t accidently take too much

because you forgot you already took them). There are many

other alternatives including apps for smart phones that help

people track medications, calendars, alarms or custom

packaging by the pharmacy. The only right method is what

works for you.

once children show they can do this, they should also begin

interacting with the pharmacy and staff to get prescriptions

filled. here are some key points to help with this process:

• the pharmacy staff is available to help you and

answer any questions you have.

• Most prescriptions are refillable for a maximum

of 12 months from the day they are written. if

the medication is a controlled substance it is only

refillable for 6 months.

• the dates are on the bottle so you can always

tell how many refills are available and when the

prescription expires.

• do not run out of pills before calling the

pharmacy to request a refill.

• it is best to call when you have 5 days of

medicine left. if you call with too many pills left,

insurance may not allow the prescription to be

filled. if you call when you are out of pills, you

may miss doses if the prescriber needs to

authorize more refills or if the pharmacy doesn’t

have your pills in stock.

• Keep your bottle. it has all the information

needed to get a refill.

• Having the phone number for the pharmacy

and the prescription number allows you to use

the automated refill phone systems that most

pharmacies have.

• You may also find signing up for auto-refills

makes it more convenient to get your refills.

Adolescents also need to feel comfortable calling their

physicians’ offices and speaking to their physicians. They

should start calling to schedule appointments on their own

and should be the one to talk with the physician during visits

as much as possible. Adolescents must able to identify any

symptoms or concerns for which they should be contacting

their physician and know which physician to contact. This

can be a particularly challenging step for children and their

parents, but will become easier with practice.

How can my child’s physician help?

good communication between providers is essential. your

child’s neurologist may be able to identify potential adult

providers to provide your child’s ongoing care and make the

appropriate referrals. he/she can also provide a summary

letter introducing your child to the new provider. Finally, you

should also be provided with a copy of your child’s medical

record.

Transition Tips: Childhood to Adulthood(Continued from page 3)


EFMN in ActionProudly serving people across MN and ND

rally at tCF bank- stadium

over 500 people joined us on September 21 to show our support for Coach Kill and the 60,000 people in our community with epilepsy.

rep. Kline Award includes eFMn

representative John Kline was awarded for his work championing healthcare issues, and invited EFMn to take part in the ceremony for its work on behalf of people with seizures.

Young Adults at Mill City

Several young adults gathered at Mill City Museum and enjoyed making connections with others.


Education Opportunities

MIDWEST SEIZURE SMART FALL CONFERENCE

saturday, november 2

9am – 4pm

radisson blu Mall of America

Free to people with epilepsy;

$40 registration for others

Five CEUs are awarded to professionals! includes breakfast,

lunch, educational materials and parking. Topics include:

• What to know about “obamacare”

• To service animal, or not to service animal?

• An attorney talks workplace rights

• healthy ideas beyond medication

• information panel on the rare Epilepsies

register at www.efmn.org or call 800.779.0777, ext. 2310.

SEIZURE SMART SCHOOLS

School is back in session - is your school seizure smart?

We provide free in-person training (where available) for staff

and students. you can also get a FrEE classroom kit to

share with your child’s classroom. Visit www.efmn.org and

select “Seizure Smart Schools” under the progrAMS

section to find helpful forms to use with your school.

We train school nurses too! A school nurse and health

staff webinar is scheduled for Wednesday, oct 2 from

4:30-6:30pm. These webinars are available throughout

the year – contact [email protected] for more information.

SEIZURE SMART COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS

brainerd/baxtertuesday, october 8, 6-8 pMCentral Lakes College: 501 W. College Drive in brainerd

thief river FallsMonday, october 14, 6-8 pMnorthland Community & Technical College: 1 highway 1 East

red Wing saturday, october 26, 9:30-11 AMSoutheast Technical: 308 pioneer road

grand rapidstuesday, november 5, 6-8 pMgrand itasca hospital: 1601 golf Course road

The otto bremer Foundation awarded a $10,000 grant with a $10,000 matching grant opportunity

for Seizure Smart Communities in brainerd/baxter. For information contact hannah baines at 651.287.2319 or [email protected].

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CONFERENCE


MEDICAL MARIJUANA AND EPILEPSY

recently Cnn's chief medical correspondent, Dr. Sanjay

gupta, hosted a special report on medical marijuana. one

of the families profiled was the Figis of Colorado. Their

daughter, Charlotte, lives with Dravet Syndrome – a rare

and severe form of epilepsy with seizures that cannot be

controlled by medication. Matt and paige Figi, after many

failed treatments, turned to medical marijuana as a potential

treatment for their 5-year-old daughter.

The Epilepsy Foundation is open and committed to exploring

and advocating for all potential treatment options for

epilepsy -- assuming they are proven safe and effective. This

includes medical marijuana (cannabis). however, research

into medical marijuana and seizure control is not complete.

Visit the LoCAL nEWS section of www/efmn.org to read the

Foundation’s full article about cannabis and epilepsy.

“OBAMACARE” NEWS

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was signed into law in 2010

to make preventive care—including family planning and

related services—more accessible and affordable for many

Americans. While some provisions of this law have already

taken affect, more provisions will be implemented in this

next year.

Starting october 1st 2013, enrollment for the health

insurance Exchange will begin. in Mn, the Exchange is

accessed via an online tool called the health insurance

Marketplace (which helps people find, compare and

purchase health insurance).

in 2014, most people must be enrolled in a health

insurance plan either through their employer or through the

Marketplace. Additional changes to be aware of include:

• individuals with a pre-existing condition cannot

be denied coverage

• eligibility for Medical Assistance will expand

• Affordability will be increased through premium

tax credits and cost sharing reductions

Contact our information & referral service for resources

regarding the Mn health insurance.

Epilepsy in the News

Thief River Falls

Grand Rapids

Red Wing

Brainerd/Baxter


We Created a MovementThe Foundation was disappointed by media reports, after

Coach Kill’s September 14th seizures, that he and people

with epilepsy are not capable of high-profile careers. The

misinformed statements of select media called us ALL to

action!

We created www.efmn.org/nopity to mobilize all of us to

advocate for people affected by epilepsy. Thousands of

letters poured into media, hundreds of you contacted the

Foundation to ask how you could help raise awareness and

educate. our social media spaces were buzzing!

EFMn organized a public rally before the September 21st

gopher game to show our support for Coach Kill and the

60,000 Minnesotans with epilepsy. over 500 people turned

out and donned “Jerrysota” t-shirts. The Foundation heard

from people in Colorado, West Virginia and Canada…

wanting to know how they could join the movement.

our work continues…people with epilepsy need public

awareness and education, not pity. We are working to

continue our momentum into 2014, when EFMn celebrates

60 years of serving people with seizures. Stay tuned for

more ways to get involved, check out a video from the rally

on our youTube channel.


AboUt MY seiZUres: i started having absence seizures

when i was five years-old. Friends and family would notice

me making a quick funny face or rapidly blinking my eyes.

Teachers never really noticed. The seizures began to

increase, so my parents brought me to a neurologist. At

eight-years-old, i was officially diagnosed with absence

seizures. My seizures would last 5-10 seconds. i was “on

pause” – my eyelids would rapidly blink and roll back.

before any intervention, one study showed i was having 100

episodes during a two-hour period. i am never aware before,

during or after a seizure. i return to my usual self and my

place in conversation as if nothing happened. My seizures

are subtle. yet i miss key information during those seconds.

it took a while, but my seizures seem to be managed well. i

take nine pills a day. i also have dysgraphia, which can make

written school work a little harder. i have a 504 for epilepsy

and dysgraphia, which helps with accommodations as

needed.

AboUt MY FAMiLY: i am the oldest of three boys. i live

with my parents and brothers. My aunt and grandfather have

tonic clonic seizures.

in MY FreetiMe, i LiKe: hanging with my friends,

listening to music, playing video games, cards and watching

movies.

HoW do i oVerCoMe seiZUres: Even though i don’t

like having epilepsy, i accept it and make the best of it. i still

want to play football, lacrosse, ski, wrestle and longboard. i

do wear a helmet and try to be as safe as i can. but really, i

want to live my life and have fun.

ACtiVities i enJoY: football, wrestling, lacrosse, skiing,

longboarding, archery, waterskiing, hunting and fishing.

FAVorite VACAtion MeMorY: i have been able to

go on some amazing family trips. but my favorite trip was

away from family, with my friends. Five of us were able to

go to Canada where we spent a long weekend at a friend’s

cabin with his parents. it was a great guys getaway. The log

cabin had no electricity, no plumbing. We were on a crystal

clear lake and the sky lit up at night. We went waterskiing,

wakeboarding, dove off a cliff, had some airsoft wars and

enjoyed the hot tub. i managed my own meds.

WHY i WAnted to be Winning Kid: As the Winning

Kid this year, i am glad i can represent and fight for other

kids living with epilepsy. i believe anyone with a seizure

disorder should be able to live life and have fun. no one

should be treated differently or isolated.

We all deserve the same rights. i think the more people learn

about seizure disorders and talk to people with epilepsy,

society will have a much better understanding and barriers

will hopefully disappear. i am not thrilled to have a seizure

disorder. but it’s nice to know i am not alone. i am glad there

is an organization that supports us. i liked the opportunity to

go to Camp oz and

Seizures Don't Stop MeQ&A with Alex Fischer, EFMN’s Current Winning Kid


Every donor makes a difference. Every dollar counts. Last year, donors brought our programs and services to

over 101,000 people across Mn and nD. you supported

children, adults and seniors. you supported people with

epilepsy and people connected to people with epilepsy.

This year, make your year-end tax-deductible gift to EFMn

and with your generosity we can help people with seizures

realize their full potential. The time to give is now, and the

need to educate the community.

Support EFMn by:

• Mail in the pledge form below (check)

• give online at: www.efmn.org/giving

• support eFMn through a planned gift

(in your will/irA/estate plans)

• designate eFMn in your workplace giving

campaign

Don’t forget to look into employer matching gift programs and

double the impact of your gift! For more information contact

hannah baines at 651.287.2319 or [email protected].

enclosed is my tax deductible gift of: ❏ $2,500 ❏ $1,000 ❏ $500 ❏ $250 ❏ $100 ❏ other Amount $ ________________

name(s) __________________________________________________________________________________________________

Address __________________________________________________________________________________________________

City ____________________________________________________________ State ____________________ Zip ____________

Designate my gift to: ❏ Educate ❏ Connect ❏ Empower ❏ i would like to remain anonymous

My gift is payable by: ❏ Cash or Check (payable to: EFMn) ❏ Visa ❏ MasterCard ❏ American Express ❏ Discover

Card # ___________________________________________________________________________ Exp. Date: __________Security Code # _________________

name on Card: _________________________________________________________ Signature: ___________________________________________________

Email Address: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

(email address required for gifts made by credit card)

Making a difference by honoring or remembering someone special. this gift is:

❏ in honor of______________________________________❏ in memory of ___________________________________________

Make an impact – Leave a Legacy – Learn More About planned giving opportunities

❏ i have included EFMn in my estate plans, please contact me at _________________________________________________

❏ i would like more information, please contact me at ____________________________________________________________

✂Mail this pledge form to: Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota, 1600 University Ave. Ste. 300, St. paul, Mn 55104


Steve Stoterau – paying it forward and making a difference. in 2013, Steve Stoterau decided to give a generous gift in

honor of his father, Donald Stoterau, to support Camp oz by

providing full scholarships to campers. Steve became involved

with the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota in 1979 through

Adult Connect support groups. he made lasting friendships

within the group, and with Foundation staff.

Steve grew up on a farm near hamburg, Mn, never thinking

about his epilepsy and what he “couldn’t do.” he participated

in wrestling, baseball and basketball and was chosen as

“Citizen of the year” in his 1972 high school graduation class.

his participation in team sports made Steve feel supported.

Everyone knew he had epilepsy but it didn’t impact his

friendships or his abilities on or off the field.

Steve attended summer camps through his church while

growing up, but he was certain nobody knew about his

epilepsy. in making his decision to give to Camp oz Steve

said, “i know i have gone through so many years of this

[epilepsy], and i know young people need to feel supported.

Camp oz does that.”

Looking back on his life, Steve believes his epilepsy made him

a stronger person. This summer, Steve toured Camp oz with

Vicki Kopplin, executive director of EFMn, and was able to

see the real impact of his gift. he also spent time with camp

medical and leadership staff, to learn more about the care

provided to campers. Steve said, “The kids at camp are so

happy. They will remember their days at Camp oz for the rest

of their lives.”

in addition to Steve’s generous camp support, he is

passionate about epilepsy awareness and education. he has

engaged local lawmakers and media in epilepsy education

workshops in glencoe, Mn, where he resides. in 2011, Steve

served as a key volunteer in hutchinson during the Seizure

Smart Communities program.

Engaging with EFMn as a donor and seeing the impact of his

giving, Steve said, “this brought me closer to the Foundation.

i am a part of the Foundation, and the Foundation is a part of

me.”

Michael Frost, MD nikki baker Steve Stoterau


Thank You For Strolling With UsThank you to the 275 teams that Strolled with us in 2013!

The stories/loved ones represented by each team are

empowering and extraordinary. Five locations across Mn and

nD were packed with people helping support our vision to

help people with epilepsy realize their full potential.

THANK YOU GRAND CLUB TEAMS AND THEIR CAPTAINS, WHO RAISED OVER $1,000:

THANK YOU TITLE SPONSORS:Lundbeck, inc.

Upsher-Smith

Team and event photos from each location are available at

www/efmn.org/stroll.

Abby's AvengersAdam's LKS Super heroesAlison LAll for AlyssaAllie's Armybeen Walking for ben-jaminbraden's pitcrewbraegelmann brigadebrenden's believersbrief pausebright Sparksbrynn's backersbSE Epilepsy StompersCoaches Wives go-pher Epilepsy AwarenessCoco's CrewColton's All-StarsCultivating a CureEhresmann End to EpilepsyElectric EnergyElena's StrollersEpiTrekkersErin's Entouragegabe & Josh's Football Teamgillette Super Strollersgoal gettersgreen Cheesehannah's bananashArLoW'S hopEhayden's heroesJenna bear's paw poundersJordan buisman Memorial TeamJordan's JammersJourney for JessKayla's KrewLiam's Lucky Charms

Lovely LilyMartice's MauraudersMinnesota Epilepsy groupMore CowbellMovers and Shakersneon ninjasneuronsUnitenolan's Crewnorah's pink Tigersone in A Millionpeterson possepeyton's platoonroaring ThunderSara's StrollersSauntering with Schindler SpiritSaversSergeant Cecilia's All Star TeamSpike & WaveSteph AtwellTeam brandalynTeam CaitieMaeTeam CardinalsTeam hhTeam LTeam LincTeam MaddieTeam Mathew and hunterTeam TannerTeam TravisTeam TrEnTThe Movers and ShakersTootsie's TrekkersWalk with graceWinge WarriorsWyatt's WarriorsZ power


november is national epilepsy awareness month. This

newsletter contains pAgES of events and ways to get

involved during awareness month. here are some additional

ideas:

- Attend the Midwest Seizure Smart Fall Conference or

our Seizure Smart Community Workshops to learn

more about epilepsy (see page 6 for details).

- Catch the october go-pher Epilepsy Awareness

football game on october 26! it’s our second year

partnering with rebecca Kill to help raise awareness

among the fans at TCF bank Stadium, and thousands

more watching on TV.

- participate in our Creative Arts program! october

31 is the deadline to submit a written work to the

Epilogues collection. And see the talents of artists,

writers and performers with epilepsy at the Creative

Arts program Showcase on Sunday, november 10

at patrick’s Cabaret in Minneapolis.

- Ask your friends and family to follow us on social

media spaces to increase the reach of our awareness

and education efforts.

November Awareness Month

We think all youth with epilepsy are special – in fact we think they are Shining Stars! The Shining Star program, our largest youth program, recognizes youth with epilepsy, making them feel less isolated by connecting them with other youth with epilepsy.

There is no cost to be a Shining Star and ages 18 and under are welcome. Join Shining Stars at www.efmn.org and complete the registration form, or call 800.779.0777, ext. 2310. We’ll help you shine!

Shining Stars receive:

• A star medallion• program certificate• Special invitations to EFMn events throughout the year• bEST oF ALL – opportunities to connect and meet other Shining Stars and their families.

Events CalendarTwin Cities Area

rsVp :800.779.0777, ext. 2310 [email protected]

shining sTar annual evenTsunday, october 611 aM – 1:30 pMComo Park Zoo and Conservatory1225 Estabrook Drive in St. Paul

Shining Stars from across MN and Eastern ND, please join our annual celebration! Enjoy lunch and mingling with others, then a scavenger hunt and exploration of the Como Zoo and Conservatory. Free for Shining Stars and 1 parent; $10 for each additional attendee. Meet in Bullard Rainforest Auditorium. RSVP encouraged, space is limited.

easT MeTro adulT connecTMeets the 1st Thursday of each monthoctober 3, november 7, december 56:30-8 pMEFMN Office1600 University Ave. W., Suite 300 in St. Paul(16, 21, 50 & 84 bus lines)

Connect with other adults affected by seizures in St. Paul, or join us from the comfort of your own home via GOTO Meeting. December is a holiday potluck celebration. RSVP required for GOTO meeting.

WesT MeTro adulT connecTMeets the 2nd Thursday of each monthoctober 10, november 14, december 126:30-8 pMSouthdale Library7001 York Avenue South in Edina

Join us and connect with other adults affected by seizures. In October Erica Egge will share her memoir “Living in a Brainstorm.” December will be a holiday potluck. RSVP encouraged.

MidWesT seiZure sMarT Fall conFerencesaturday, november 29 aM – 4 pMThe Radisson Blu Mall of America2100 Killebrew Drive in Bloomington

Topics include: What to know about “Obamacare”, is a service animal right for you, workplace rights and healthy ideas beyond medication. Registration is $40 and FREE to people with epilepsy. Five CEUs are awarded to professionals! Includes breakfast, lunch, educational materials and parking. Register at www.efmn.org or call 800.779.0777, ext. 2310.

creaTive arTs prograM shoWcasesunday, november 102-5 pM (program starts at 3)Patrick’s Cabaret3010 Minnehaha Avenue S. in Minneapolis

Our annual Creative Arts Program Showcase celebrates artists, writers and performers affected by seizures. Hear their inspiring stories and enjoy their talents Light refreshments are provided at this free event. RSVP encouraged.

TWin ciTies parenT connecTTuesday, november 126:30-8 pMEFMN Office1600 University Ave. W., Suite 300 in St. Paul(16, 21, 50 & 84 bus lines)

Ryan Hoffman, special needs representative from UCare, will join us to discuss special needs basic care plans, designed for people with a diagnosed disability. We’ll discuss options, benefits, wellness benefit, enrollment requirements and ways to enroll. RSVP encouraged.

young adulT MeeT-upThursday, november 217:45-9:45 pM ComedySportz3001 Hennepin Ave in Minneapolis

Join other young adults for a night of fun and laughter during an improvised show! FREE to people with epilepsy; $6 per additional guest. RSVP required by November 18.

epilogues WriTing collecTionFinal call for entriesseptember 1 – october 31Submit your written works to [email protected]. Details at efmn.org.

DuluthadulT connecTMeets the 2nd Thursday of each monthoctober 10, november 14,december 125:30-7 pMEssentia Health - SMDC400 East 3rd Street in Duluth

Join us in the Minnesota Room across from the 1st floor cafeteria with facilitator Kyah Altiere, for conversation, support and connection.

Fun on The FarMsaturday, october 121-4 pMSimek’s Farm8997 Arkola Road in Kelsey

All ages invited! Enjoy the corn maze, hayride, s’mores and barnyard fun! FREE for people with epilepsy; guests over age 2 are $3. RSVP required by October 10.

Mary giese - Duluth outreach [email protected]

Diane White - Twin Cities program [email protected]

Amanda pike - Twin Citiesprogram Manager [email protected]

nikki baker - Twin CitiesSenior program [email protected]


Lori braegelmann - St. Cloud outreach [email protected]

Vicki Snyder - rochesteroutreach [email protected]

Fargo

Amy haugen - Fargooutreach [email protected]

adulT connecTMeets the 3rd Tuesday of each monthoctober 15, november 19 6:30-8 pMRochester Area Family Y709 1st Avenue Southwest in Rochester

October’s topic is Ketogenic diet, Laura Rohrbaugh is the featured speaker. November is a discussion about seizure recognition and response. RSVP encouraged.

open house Wednesday, november 20 9-10:30 aM Press Coffee and Tea 315 S. Broadway in RochesterTake home up-to-date information on the latest seizure information. Free beverages and refreshments provided while connecting with other families. RSVP encouraged.

FesTival oF Treesnovember 27-309-10:30 aMMayo Civic Center30 Civic Center Drive S.E. in Rochester

Come and admire the first-ever EFMN tree at the Festival of Trees. View over 100 glittering trees and feel the holiday spirit! $5/person.

day WiTh sanTaFriday, november 2911 aM - 2 pMMayo Civic Center Drive30 Civic Center Drive SE in Rochester

Enjoy your visit with Santa, playing games, making crafts and having a snack. Pictures will be taken in front of the EFMN holiday tree! Meet at 10:45 a.m. in front of the Civic Theatre entrance. $5/person. RSVP

Rochester

rsVp :800.779.0777, ext. 2310 [email protected]

parenT connecTMeets the 1st Tuesday of each monthoctober 1, november 5, december 37-9 pMPediatric Therapy Partners3060 Frontier Way South in Fargo

October we’ll discuss “taking care of you.” In November, Heather Werdel from Cyberonics will speak about Vagal Nerve Stimulators. December is our annual holiday celebration for the whole family - bring a treat to share! RSVP encouraged.

adulT connecTMeets the 1st Monday of each monthoctober 7, november 4, december 26-8 pMSanford Health South University CampusConference Room 1A-1

October topic will be art and epilepsy. In November, Heather Werdel from Cyberonics will speak about Vagal Nerve Stimulators. December is our annual holiday celebration for you and your support system - bring a treat to share! RSVP encouraged.

WoMen connecTMeets the 4th Wednesday every other monthnovember 206:30-8 pMSt. Luke’s Hospital 915 East 1st Street in Duluth

Please join us for an evening of conversation and connecting at our holiday social! Bring an appetizer to share and meet in room 337. Take elevators to 3rd floor across from cafeteria entrance. RSVP by November 9.

St. CloudadulT connecTMeets the 1st Thursday of each monthoctober 3, november 7, december 57-8:30 pMGreat River Regional Library, first floor meeting room1300 West St. Germain Street in St. Cloud

Adult Connect is open to all adults living with epilepsy, including parents. Join us for a time of support, conversation and information on living well with epilepsy. RSVP encouraged.

Boo aT The Zoosaturday, october 121-3 pMHemker Park and Zoo26715 County Road #39 in FreeportDress in your Halloween costume and enjoy autumn at the zoo, while connecting with families affected by seizures! Snacks are provided. Free to people with epilepsy; $3 per additional guest. RSVP required.


1600 University Avenue West, Suite 300Saint Paul, MN 55104www.efmn.org

Nonprofit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDTwin Cities MN

Permit No. 32600

Cleaning Your Closet supports people with epilepsy

The Foundation collects used clothing and home items, with 100% of the proceeds supporting our programs/services. please consider us anytime you’re cleaning closets, as nearly hALF of our budget comes from our used clothing operation.

schedule a convenient pick up at www.efmn.org or call 651.287.2300, ext. 3 today!

Connect with us!Sign up for an email version of this newsletter and to receive the latest news and information from the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota. Visit www.efmn.org today to connect with us via email.

Documents

Newsletter - Fall 2013