Epilepsy Timmins & Area Hosts Provincial Conference
by Diane Findlay, Executive Director, Epilepsy Ontario
It was beautiful the weekend of September 26th to 28th in our most northern chapter, Timmins & Area. The occasion that drew us together was the 13th annual provincial conference A Practical Approach to Childhood Epilepsy, hosted this year by Epilepsy Timmins. It was an opportunity to rekindle friendships and learn new ways to help people living with epilepsy remain active, healthy and independent.
The Senator Motor Hotel was a perfect venue. Regina Smith (President of Epilepsy Timmins and Provincial Delegate), Rhonda Latendresse (Executive Director of Epilepsy Timmins) and all the wonderful board members and volunteers from the Timmins area were perfect hosts.
The weekend was launched with a social event of refreshment and networking opportunities. Everyone enjoyed the entertainment. First, the Community Living Association's Amigo Dancers treated us to two lively line dances. This was followed by the Enzia Youth Dancers, associates of the German Cultural Club, who performed two traditional German dances with authentic bells and a maypole.
We are pleased to report that about 10% of the physicians in Timmins attended the Medical Forum on Saturday.
Dr. O. Carter Snead III opened the presentations to the attending health professionals with Basics of Clinical Care. Dr. Keith Meloff again revealed his dedication to the North by joining the forum and addressing problems in Epilepsy Therapy: Drug Side Effects, Breakthrough Seizures and Seizure 'Look Alikes'. Irene Elliott, a Nurse Practitioner, spoke about Behaviour and Learning Problems associated with Childhood Epilepsy. Dr. W. McIntyre Burnham reviewed many issues pertaining to Alternative Therapies: New Anti-convulsants, Vagal Nerve Stimulation, and the Ketogenic Diet. All presentations, except Dr. Meloff's, were repeated in the afternoon for parents, teachers, chapter staff and volunteers.
Presentations running concurrently in the morning were: Living with Epilepsy by Dr. Margaret Moyo; Barriers to Families in the North by Ms. Bertha Bell; and Advocating for your Child by Mrs. Merrily Beachemin.
Everyone agreed that the conference agenda was dynamic and informative. Many people later expressed their appreciation of Epilepsy Timmins & Area for hosting such a worthwhile forum.
Dr. Burnham won an original lithograph by Clavé in a draw of participants during the luncheon break. Instead of our traditional Trillium print, speakers received reproductions of a new coloured ink print, Spirit by Norm Lambert. Norm, whose Blackfoot name is Mooz Niiwiikeweh (Brother of the Moose), is 26 years old and has epilepsy. The original artwork is owned by Thom Appleby of Epilepsy Peterborough & Area who generously permitted Epilepsy Ontario to make prints for these presentations.
The conference ended with a gold mine tour for the adventurous and a wonderful camp-style dinner at the mine location.
We would once again like to thank Ronda and all the members of Epilepsy Timmins & Area for making us feel so welcome and part of the family. And a special thank you to all of our speakers ~ helping to improve the quality of life for all Ontarians affected by epilepsy.
