Click on our Calendar above for upcoming events!
Register for our Upcoming Golf Tournament!
Come to the Peninsula Co-op Charity Golf Tournament on June 1st to have some fun and raise funds for the Victoria Epilepsy and Parkinson's Centre! Registration information is available at www.co-opgolf.com. We promise you a good time at this Traditional Golf (Scottish)-themed tournament.
VEPC Seeks New Board Members
Are you someone with epilepsy or Parkinson’s? Are you a friend or family member of someone with epilepsy or Parkinson’s? Do you have skills that could contribute to a nonprofit Board?
The Victoria Epilepsy and Parkinson’s Centre (VEPC) is a vibrant and welcoming non-profit society whose purpose is to strengthen clients’, families’ and communities’ ability to manage the physical, psychological and social effects of Parkinson’s and epilepsy. VEPC is managed by a volunteer Board of Directors made up of people living with epilepsy or Parkinson’s and professionals with an interest in the two disorders. Board members are appointed for an initial one-year term followed by two-year terms. Each Board member is expected to serve on at least one Board committee. The Board of Directors provides overall direction for the organization and is responsible for ensuring VEPC’s programmatic and fiscal health and accountability.
VEPC is currently seeking new Board members. We are seeking people with strong ties to the local community and an interest in epilepsy and/or Parkinson’s. Board members are typically selected by the current Board of Directors and approved by the General Membership at VEPC’s Annual General Meeting.
If you have knowledge and experience that will assist VEPC as it grows to meet the needs of growing populations of individuals with epilepsy and Parkinson’s in the Victoria Capital Regional District, we encourage you to apply to join VEPC’s Board of Directors by contacting us to request an application.
You can reach VEPC at (250) 475-6677, help@vepc.bc.ca, or visit our website at www.vepc.bc.ca
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Information for Sinemet Users
There have been some recent announcements regarding Sinemet that our Parkinson's clients should be aware of. Please read about those changes here as well as about Merck Canada's Sinemet Patient Assistance Program.
Purple Day A Great Success
Purple Day 2012 was a great success! On March 24th Victoria's first annual Plane Pull for Epilepsy- presented by Viking, was held at the Viscount Aero Centre. Teams raised funds in support of the Victoria Epilepsy and Parkinson's Centre Society (VEPC) and joined in a fun and engaging day of competition and camaraderie. The winning team was Carla's Funky Chickens with special recognition going to Dean Park Pet Hospital (Fastest Pull), Purple Power Pullers (Most Funds Raised), and Elias is Exceptional (Most Enthusiastic). A special thanks to CHEK-TV for MC'ing the event, and to our other sponsors Viking, Pacific Sky, UCB - THe Epilepsy Company, Brad Clarke of Raymond James, Victoria International Airport, Viscount Aero Centre, Sportball, Braefoot Centre, The Q 100.3, The Zone 91.3, HBL Events, and Island Parent. Watch for pictures soon on the website at www.victoriaplanepull.ca.
Class Action on Neurontin
Individuals with epilepsy who have taken Neurontin, should be aware of a Class Action law suit currently underway. Please read more here.
Newly Diagnosed
If Parkinson’s is in your life, we can help!
Most people newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s have lots of questions:
- what to expect down the road with Parkinson’s
- pros and cons of taking medications earlier, or waiting a while
- how to minimize the impact of symptoms
- what about complementary & alternative therapies
- implications for ability to work or carry out other daily functions
With so much information available online these days, where does our agency fit into the picture? While the internet can provide a wealth of information, sifting through that information can consume a great deal of time. With busy lives in early stage Parkinson’s, it can be so helpful to “cut to the chase” and gain perspective quickly. In a 90-minute appointment, our knowledgeable, professional staff will reduce your stress by answering your questions, and create an individual action plan to maximize your function and enhance your quality of life. We will also orient you to important local community resources that can be hard to pinpoint online.
For those who want an opportunity to learn about Parkinson’s and are comfortable in a small group setting, we offer a three week program of two hours weekly, specially designed for people with early stage PD and their families. Participants have the opportunity of learning more about Parkinson’s through the professional group facilitator, and learning from each other. Sample topics include:
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The roles of the GP and neurologist
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When/how to tell others about PD
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Complementary medicine
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Driving safety and PD
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Exercise needs and options
Our Clients Tell Us...
“I had felt so alone with my worries about Parkinson’s. I really enjoyed the early stage group. It was wonderful to meet others who, like me, are in the early stages of Parkinson’s, and to learn that others had the same questions and concerns I had. I learned a lot of useful things. We have even arranged to meet again!”
If you are under 65 years of age, you might be interested in our semi-annual evening educational sessions that deal specifically with issues for those under 65 and their loved ones. These popular sessions also offer opportunities for networking with others who share similar issues and concerns. Click here for information about upcoming topics or see a full listing of services offered through our Parkinson's Program.
Our Clients Tell Us...
“I was reluctant to come to the agency when I was newly diagnosed, because I really didn’t want to be with older people with advanced Parkinson’s. I was so relieved to learn I could have a private consultation! The session answered so many questions, and gave me lots of useful suggestions. Being informed about Parkinson’s, and learning about all the things I can do to help myself, has been SO valuable!”
“Involvement with the agency has given me a whole new perspective in dealing with my Parkinson’s. It has really helped me change my attitude to positivity from my past state of depression.”
