Epilepsy Foundation of Northern California

12/21/2020

To celebrate our success, we are inviting you to a special event. We are adding a little more magic to the holidays with a special guest! Join us on Dec 22nd as we open our After-school program to all our families for a virtual holiday party. We’ll be celebrating and honoring the efforts of every one of you who helped us carry on in 2020.

The virtual event is free to attend but you must register here: https://www.epilepsynorcal.org/events/magic2020/

Abracadabra! The holidays are here!

12/16/2020

La Fundación de Epilepsia del Norte De California, les invita a participar en nuestro grupo de apoyo virtual. El grupo se llevara acabo cada tercer Jueves del mes, a las 4pm de la tarde. Solo haga click aquí para participar por zoom: https://zoom.us/j/6796448783

Si necesita ayuda con su conexión, favor de llamar al 510-922-8687

12/14/2020

Plan to do some of your shopping on Amazon? Whether you're buying gifts, groceries or a treat for yourself, start with our Amazon Smile link and Amazon will donate a percentage of your total to the Epilepsy Foundation of Northern California.

For details and the link visit: https://www.epilepsynorcal.org/amazonsmile-3/

12/12/2020

Do you believe in magic?

We're adding a little more magic to the holidays with a special guest! Join us on Dec 22nd as we open our after school program up to all our families for virtual holiday party.

We'll be celebrating and honoring the efforts of every one of you who helped us carry on in 2020.

Mark your calendars and follow us on social for details. It's going to be a magical afternoon!

12/10/2020

Do you have questions? Looking to share your story? Just need to chat with another adult? We're here for you!

Join us on December 11th at 5pm for the Adult's with Epilepsy Support Group. It's online and easy to access by computer, tablet or phone.

You'll find more information and the zoom link here: https://www.epilepsynorcal.org/events/adult-support-group-2020-12-11/

12/09/2020

There's a lot of excitement in the air about the release of the new Cyberpunk 2077 video game but it has elements that may affect those with photosensitive epilepsy. Read the message from the Epilepsy Foundation of America for more details.

According to media reports, the long-awaited game Cyberpunk 2077 (CD Projekt) contains several scenes with excessive strobe/flashing lights and sustained animated imagery that may affect those with photosensitive epilepsy. For those with photosensitive epilepsy — or are simply sensitive to flashing lights — and are planning to play the game once it is released on Dec. 10, please be advised that the strobe lights may trigger seizures in some people. Read more: https://bit.ly/2Le7b8Z

12/08/2020

Just a reminder, our virtual chat with Epsy - the Seizure Management App is tomorrow, December 9th at 10 am. To join us, please email [email protected] for the zoom link. Hope to see you there.

12/06/2020

The Epilepsy Foundation of Northern California (EFNC) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization leading the fight to overcome the challenges of living with epilepsy and to accelerate therapies to stop seizures, find cures, and save lives.

EFNC is dedicated to providing information, resources, and support to the over 180,000 Northern Californians living with epilepsy.

Our goal is to ensure that people with seizures are able to participate in all life experiences, to improve how the community views epilepsy, and to dispel myths about this condition by providing information through training, events, and programs.

We are currently serving 44 counties from the Oregon border down to Fresno County.

12/04/2020

Do you know Epsy - Seizure Management App ?

We're hosting a virtual meetup with Epsy this Wednesday, December 9th at 10am via zoom. Representatives from the company will be joining us to demonstrate the app and answer your questions.

It's free for all, just reach out to [email protected] to receive the zoom link. Hope to see you there.

12/03/2020

Epilepsy and Stress-Related Seizures | MyEpilepsyTeam

Though the holidays are meant to be merry, they can also be stressful, especially this year with all the new rules and isolation. Since some epileptic seizures can be triggered by stress, it's extra important that you understand how stress affects you and how you deal with it.

An epileptic trigger is anything that brings on a seizure. The seizures that occur in epilepsy, which result from abnormal brain activity, may cause unusual sensations, emotions, behavior, convulsions, or loss of consciousness. While seizures can be triggered by low blood sugar, alcohol, flashing li...

11/30/2020

Cyber Monday is a day for getting great deals online and Amazon makes it easy to support your favorite charity at the same time.

When you start with our link, Amazon will donate a percentage of your order to The Epilepsy Foundation of Northern California. It's free to you and your order remains completely private, but every order helps us provide more programs to the people of our community.

Click here and start shopping: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/94-6128891

11/27/2020

Make the most out of the Black Friday and CyberMonday deals by visiting Amazon through our smile link! https://smile.amazon.com/ch/94-6128891

When you start with our link, Amazon will donate a percentage of your order to The Epilepsy Foundation of Northern California. It's free to you and your order remains completely private, but every order helps us provide more programs to the people of our community.

Please consider the Amazon Smile program when you do your holiday shopping this year.

11/25/2020

Happy Thanksgiving from all your friends at the Epilepsy Foundation of Northern California. We are thankful for your continuous support.

We will be skipping our adult support group on November 27th and December 25th for the Holidays.

11/25/2020

Megan Lynch Spotlight

Talking about epilepsy can be difficult but Megan Lynch found it helpful not only for herself but for others with similar challenges. Listen in: https://youtu.be/cIlaCBDWHrw

"I was surprised at how difficult it was to talk about living with Epilepsy." Thank you Megan for sharing your story with us.

11/24/2020

New TikTok feature allows users to avoid videos with epileptic seizure triggers – TechCrunch

New TikTok feature allows users to avoid videos with epileptic seizure triggers – TechCrunch

TikTok announced today it is rolling out a new feature that will allow people with photosensitive epilepsy to automatically skip videos that can trigger seizures. The “Skip All” option will be introduced to all users over the next few weeks and comes a few months after TikTok began auto…

11/23/2020

Epilepsy Foundation of Northern California - Parent Spotlight

When one person in the family has epilepsy, it's a family affair.

Epilepsy affects not only you as an individual but it also affects the people in your life. From family members, to friends and coworkers, having the support...

11/20/2020

This week, we lost one of the shining lights of our community. Alexandra "Xan" Morris was our expressive arts therapist. She used her talents in both the creative and counseling worlds to help people understand and cope with the challenges in their lives. She ran our art therapy program for adults, and made new friends working with the children at our Camp Coelho.

One of Xan's specialties was using art to help deal with grief. She believed in the power of the arts as a catalyst for healing the mind, body and soul. So we hope that, all of you who knew her, will take some time this week to create a work in her honor; a painting, a craft, a poem. Let's show her what we've learned

11/19/2020

Looking for stylish jewelry and home decor for that special someone on your holiday gift list? You'll find what you're looking for at Kendra Scott - and if you use code GIVEBACK-07NY on November 20th (that's tomorrow) and 21st and Kendra Scott will donate 20% of your purchase to the Epilepsy Foundation of Northern California. Shop online or in-store! https://www.kendrascott.com/

11/18/2020

This year's virtual Seize the Moment Run is going on until the end of the month so there's still time to sign up and run, walk or roll your way down the path to Epilepsy awareness.

All participants will receive by mail a shirt, bib, and finisher medal and can also enter their 5K or 10K time on the leaderboard to see where they end up. You can also create a team and the top three fundraising teams and top three largest teams will win a custom purple blanket!

Registration will stay open through the end of November! Sign up today and help fight the stigma and spread awareness for Epilepsy! https://www.stmrun.com/

11/17/2020

This week we're cooking up a delicious meal with the kids in our virtual after school program. Our favorite chef will stop buy to teach us all how to make a lettuce wrapped burger with apple coleslaw -- a perfect combo for the fall.

That's Thurs. Nov 19 between 3:30 and 5:00.
Not signed up yet? There's still time: https://www.epilepsynorcal.org/events/after-school-program-art-2020-11-10/

11/16/2020

Are you experiencing memory issues due to epilepsy? Check out HOBSCOTCH: a FREE behavioral program designed to address memory and attention problems in adults with epilepsy.

The program consists of 8 sessions delivered by a certified HOBSCOTCH Memory Coach. The sessions occur weekly and last 45-60 minutes. The first session is conducted either in-person, in a private office setting, or virtually while the participant is at home using a computer or tablet and a webcam. It is up to the Memory Coach and participant to decide if an in-person or virtual approach is more appropriate.

HOBSCOTCH has been shown to be effective for adults with epilepsy who are experiencing memory problems. The program is appropriate for those with controlled and uncontrolled seizures.

Interested in learning more? Visit our website for details: https://www.epilepsynorcal.org/hobscotch/

11/13/2020

EFNC Sierra Spotlight

Weird Girl with a Tumor - that's what people called Sierra when she was in school. Now it's the name of her book. It's a look at what life is like when you have a Hypothalamic Hamartoma. It's also a book about triumph over adversity.

“Even though you can’t see my disability,” Sierra says, “I want to put the word out there and help others going through the same thing." Here she is to talk about life, writing and how the support of the Epilepsy Foundation of Northern California helped her find independence.

https://youtu.be/FaX39zin25k

11/11/2020

Wow the people on your holiday gift list while supporting the Epilepsy Foundation of Northern California when you shop for jewelry or home goods at Kendra Scott. Use the code GIVEBACK-07NY on November 20th and 21st and Kendra Scott will donate 20% of your purchase to the Foundation. Shop online or in-store! https://www.kendrascott.com/

11/11/2020

This week, LivaNova will be presenting a short slide show on VNS Therapy and will be answering your questions during our virtual adult support group session.

Interested? It all happens on November 13th at 5pm via zoom.

For details visit: https://www.epilepsynorcal.org/support-groups/

11/09/2020

It's ART WEEK for our kids after school program and there's still time to sign up and join us virtually tomorrow, Tues. Nov 10 between 3:30 and 5:00.

Art Therapist Kiona Medina will be working with the kids on paper crafts that help them deal with their daily epilepsy challenges.

Sign up now at: https://www.epilepsynorcal.org/events/after-school-program-art-2020-11-10/

11/09/2020

There's still time to sign up and run, walk or roll your way down the path to Epilepsy awareness.

Declare your intentions then hit the road for this year's virtual Seize the Moment Run.

All participants will receive by mail a shirt, bib, and finisher medal and can also enter their 5K or 10K time on the leaderboard to see where they end up. You can also create a team and the top three fundraising teams and top three largest teams will win a custom purple blanket!

Registration will stay open through the end of November! Sign up today and help fight the stigma and spread awareness for Epilepsy! https://www.stmrun.com/

11/06/2020

This year's event can be run from anywhere, anytime during the month of November, which is Epilepsy Awareness month! Whether you want to walk or run we are excited to have you join!

All participants will receive by mail a shirt, bib, and finisher medal and can also enter their 5K or 10K time on the leaderboard to see where they end up. You can also create a team and the top three fundraising teams and top three largest teams will win a custom purple blanket!

Registration will stay open through the end of November! Sign up today and help fight the stigma and spread awareness for Epilepsy! https://www.stmrun.com/

11/05/2020

Robin Roberts

Robin Roberts

For years Brazilian beauty influencer and businesswoman Camila Figueiredo Coelho kept her neurological disorder secret – but now she’s speaking out to help others understand what #Epilepsy is. With over 50 million followers combined on social media she wants to tell her story of epilepsy and break the stigma.

11/04/2020

Epilepsy Foundation NorCal Spotlight - Jose

His mom's simple song of encouragement. The watchful eyes of his sisters on the playground. Being surrounded by other teens who have the same challenges at camp. For Jose, having the support of those around him means everything.

Take a moment right now to give thanks to the supportive people in your life by mentioning them in the comments below. Then watch as Jose tells his story in his own words: https://youtu.be/Ddwz4aU4NYU

11/02/2020

Epilepsy Foundation of America

Time to get your purple on. It's National Epilepsy Awareness Month.

It's National Epilepsy Awareness Month! Put that Halloween costume aside, wear some purple, and get excited to raise some #EpilepsyAwareness with us this month. #NEAM2020 #SeizureFirstAid
Get involved: Epilepsy.com/NEAM
Find gear for #NEAM2020: Epilepsy.com/Shop

11/02/2020

November is Epilepsy Awareness Month

Who are we? We are the Epilepsy Foundation of Northern California. We work very hard supporting the Epilepsy Community in our region, from Fresno County to the Oregon border. Help us talk about Epilepsy to raise awareness about the challenges associated with this neurological disorder. Visit www.epilepsynorcal.org to learn more about our Foundation and Epilepsy in general.

11/02/2020

Are you a parent or caregiver of a person with epilepsy? Join our virtual support group this Wednesday, November 4th. This week, we will have a special guest from LivaNova
joining us to answer your questions about VNS Therapy.

This support group aims to provide emotional support to parents who need it, as well as a sense of belonging to a community. Care giving for someone with epilepsy can be very isolating, therefore this group is designed to provide a sense of belonging, and friendship. We also want to be a source for resources a family might need- specifically families who have a loved one who is newly diagnosed.

For more information and the link to join visit: https://www.epilepsynorcal.org/events/parent-caregiver-support-group-2020-11-04/

10/31/2020

Epilepsy Foundation of Northern California's cover photo

10/31/2020

Epilepsy Foundation of Northern California's cover photo

10/29/2020

Moms, do you have a child with epilepsy between the ages of 9 and 17? Sign them up for our new After School Program running from November through May 2021 (Yes, 2021 will be here soon!). Each week, we'll have new activities in art, music and cooking. We'll also have some very special guests coming by to entertain and teach your kids something new and exciting.

The program is free for children with epilepsy but we do ask that your child participate on a regular basis is our spaces are limited. Sign up now at: https://www.tfaforms.com/4858100