Indianapolis, IN 46268
1531 13th Street, Ste 2210
Columbus, IN 47201
1.800.526.6618 fx 317.876.0606
info@indianaepilepsyfoundation.org
Not another moment lost to seizures
Series of epilepsy walks takes place across Indiana
Three walks benefiting the Epilepsy Foundation of Indiana took place during 2011. Two of them, in Anderson and South Bend, were new this year and together raised more than $4500 during June. In October, the Central Indiana Epilepsy Walk raised over $27,000 – more than triple the amount raised by this walk last year!
The Central Indiana Epilepsy Walk –
October 1, Central Park, Carmel, IN
Despite a chilly start to the day, more than 200 walkers and runners turned out to show their support for this 4th annual event, held for the first time in Carmel.
Many different groups and individuals came together to make this event a huge success. Shown below are just a few examples:
One of the teams on hand this year was called “Christopher’s Crusaders,” (above) walking on behalf of Christopher Trent who passed away about 20 years ago at the age of 13 after suffering a seizure. This group was led by Roxanne Trent of Morgantown.
Shellby Martin of Fishers (above, right) made sure to bring along her Labrador retriever named Kiba to the walk. Although the dog has not been specially trained, she says her pet that was obtained from an animal shelter responds to her seizures in much the same way as a service dog would. Shellby attended the walk with her mom, Dorothy, and sister, Christina (at left).
“Liam’s People” (above) was a group represented by 15 supporters of Liam Lawyer from Martinsville. Liam, age 18 months, was just diagnosed with epilepsy in August 2011. His mother, Beth Lawyer, learned about the walk during a visit to a neurologist’s office.
Besides offering a brisk 5K walk on a chilly autumn morning, the event also featured healthy snacks, face painting, giveaways and prizes for the top runners and fundraisers.
A big thanks to Franciscan St. Francis Health for sponsoring this event, along with St. Vincent Neuroscience Institute, CareFusion, Indiana University Health, Incredible Pizza, Lundbeck, Wing’n It, Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation, Culligan Water of Indianapolis and Piazza Produce. Special thanks also to Kia Humphrey and Stephanie Williams for coordinating the walk, as well as all the volunteers who donated their time.
The North Central Indiana Epilepsy Walk –
June 18, Central Park, Mishawaka, IN
The first-ever epilepsy walk for north central Indiana attracted more than 100 walkers who took a stroll along the picturesque Riverwalk in Mishawaka. Starting in Central Park, the 2-mile walk wound along the St. Joseph River where participants enjoyed beautiful landscaping, sunny skies and lots of camaraderie.
Below: Event coordinator Jennifer Dolezal attended the wa
lk with her sons Chancellor (standing) and Brandon (seated) along with other family members. She expressed the hope that the walk would raise awareness about epilepsy and serve as a springboard for programs like support groups and medical training.
A big thanks to Jennifer Dolezal and Heather Pena for organizing the location, door prizes and refreshments. They also worked with Chuck E. Cheese on an online fundraiser, and helped bring the mouse himself to the event, who was a big hit with young and old alike.
Posing with Chuck E. Cheese, left to right, are Chloe, Marc & Joshua Parker (in stroller), along with Robin Toepp, all of Granger.
Special thanks to all the sponsors of the North Central Indiana Epilepsy Walk, including the South Bend Clinic, A Rosie Place, Chuck E. Cheese, Krispy Kreme and Culligan. Thanks also to Steve & Lisa Gerber of Granger for their generous donation.
The LivRite Fitness 5K Walk/Run –
June 11, Shadyside Park, Anderson, IN
Although this was the third year for a LivRite Fitness walk/run in Anderson, it was the first time that the proceeds benefited the Epilepsy Foundation of Indiana.
Approximately 75 people, including runners and walkers, participated in this event, more than doubling the number who turned out for the first LivRite walk in 2009.
Above: Volunteers recorded official times for the runners.
Above: The “Fight & Succeed” team came out in support of Stacey Burns, who was diagnosed with epilepsy as a baby and has been seizure-free since 2008 following brain surgery. They are (left to right) Barbara & Phil Bruzzese of Anderson; Anita Blackmond & Brenda Juday, both of Frankton; Jim Mougeotte of Anderson; and Jason & Stacey Burns of Frankton. Stacey was also one of the event coordinators and wanted to be involved to help educate others about epilepsy.
The walk also featured prize drawings, trophies for the top runners and goodie bags for all participants. A big thanks goes out to the local coordinators, Stacey Burns and Bethany Bolt, as well as LivRite Fitness, the main sponsor of the event. Thanks also to the following sponsors – Hoosier Park Racing Casino, Great Deals Savings Magazine, GNC, Weihe Engineers, Meijer, Advanced Physical Therapy, Ink Heads, Cyberonics and Mentoring Warriors. Finally, thanks to April Milam of Moxtography, Inc. for her photography services. Her gallery of pictures from this event can be viewed by clicking here.
has excellent turnout
More than 120 generous golfers participated in our 5th annual charity golf tournament on September 14 at the Golf Club of Indiana in Zionsville. Known this year as the Liberty Mutual Invitational Benefiting the Epilepsy Foundation of Indiana, our 2011 event successfully raised more than $20,000 to benefit people affected by epilepsy throughout the state.
As title sponsor for the second year in a row, Liberty Mutual provided extra incentives for golfers to enter the tournament by donating “goodie bags” containing golf-related items valued at approximately $200 for each player. In addition, the winning foursome earned the right to compete against tournament winners from around the country for the Liberty Mutual Invitational National Finals at Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina from March 7 to 11, 2012.
Signs like this displaying facts about epilepsy were placed at each hole of the golf course to help raise awareness about seizure disorders. Most of the players represented the business and health care sectors. About 10 employees of Safeco, a member agency of the Liberty Mutual Group, participated in the tournament as well.
Besides the 18-hole scramble, the tournament also featured a putting contest, raffle, awards dinner and an auction of themed gift baskets like those seen here during tournament registration. Notable auction items included a Colts football autographed by Robert Mathis as well as a pair of seats in the owner’s suite for an upcoming Colts game.
A big thanks to board member Sandra Pollard for coordinating this event and to all the volunteers who helped make it happen. Special thanks to everyone who participated and to all of our generous sponsors!
Awareness Day features
epilepsy education, resources
Our 2nd annual Community Awareness Day on July 16, 2011 at Central Park’s Monon Community Center in Carmel was enjoyed by about 75 people who learned more about epilepsy through literature, speakers and interactions with one another. The event featured 20 different exhibits with a variety of information and resources.
Each person in attendance was given a card to be stamped at various stations where there were activities that emphasized such topics as seizure safety and first aid, school and work issues, sources of support and more.
After visiting all the stations, people could then exchange their card for a free T-shirt and became eligible for a raffle of Indianapolis Indians tickets. There was also a silent auction of tickets related to the Colts, Children’s Muse
um, Great Times, the Eiteljorg Museum and yoga lessons.
At right:
A dog especially trained to assist a person having a seizure accompanied Kate Dolan as she visited one of the booths.
At left: Madison Barnes of Garrett, Indiana, shows off her new look after visiting the face-painting section of the children’s area.
Keynote speaker for the event was John Haskins, J.D., who spoke about employment rights and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Gordon Homes, Jr., an executive with MetLife, was also on hand to speak about special needs financial planning. Also in attendance was Rocky Delucenay of Smokey’s Daylily Gardens, who coordinated a daylily fundraiser to benefit the Epilepsy Foundation of Indiana for the first time this year. She presented a check in excess of $1500 to Jeff Rubenstein, EFI president, from the fundraiser.
A big thank you to board member Kia Humphrey for coordinating this event, as well as all the volunteers who helped plan and host the event. Thanks also to the vendors and exhibitors who shared information about the resources they have available to benefit people with epilepsy in Indiana.
Special thanks to Katie Strauss and Chris Yiesla for creating a video of this event.
TO SEE THE VIDEO OF
COMMUNITY AWARENESS DAY 2011, CLICK HERE.
