Fisher Family and Friends Epilepsy Warriors
Where it all began
As an epilepsy Warrior, Karen Fisher has brought together family and friends and started the team now known as The Fisher Family and Friends for Epilepsy and on an annual basis raises money for Epilepsy Advancement and Research.
Together our mission is to show those with epilepsy they are not alone and to find hope through advancement and research.
Our Events
Since beginning this journey in 2008, the Fisher Family and Friends has raised over $216,060 for Epilepsy Awareness and Research.
We are very EXCITED to announce that Domino's Pizza of Canada will be a continued supporter of our events by matching the money we raise! That means we double every dollar raised by our events!
Stay tuned for more 2022 virtual events!
Epilepsy Awareness
Not just surviving but Living and Thriving!
Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disease that affects people of all ages, young children and people over 65 are most common. It is a chronic disorder characterized by unpredictable seizures caused by abnormal activity occurring in the brain. A person is diagnosed with epilepsy if they have two or more unprovoked seizures that were not caused by a known medical condition.
With over 40 different types of seizures they are commonly classified into two categories of either focal or generalized. Focal (or partial) seizures occur when the activity is limited to one brain hemisphere. Generalized seizures occur when there is widespread activity in both the right and left hemispheres of the brain.
There is much more to epilepsy than seizures and most of these effects are “inside” and that is why it is often known as a HIDDEN illness. The following are just a few of the other impacts of the disorder:
- Depression
- Social activities
- Lifestyle changes
- Cognitive impairment
- Memory challenges
- Limited independence
Having seizures affects a persons relationships, work, safety, driving and many other day to day aspects of life. There is no cure for epilepsy however, most cases are controlled by medication, although these medication may stop seizures they often lead to other challenges such as those listed.
Approximately 30% of people with epilepsy are uncontrolled and may find help with brain surgery, ketogenic diet, vangus nerve stimulator and other alternative medicine.
March is Epilepsy Awareness Month
March is epilepsy awareness month and no better time to help stop the stigma surrounding the disease. Many who have epilepsy do not tell others about their health condition due to the many misconceptions about the disease.
Public misunderstandings of epilepsy cause challenges that are often worse than the seizures and impacts on health. Lets start a conversation, help educate others and ultimately lets stop the stigma of epilepsy.
Understanding Epilepsy
Did you know that epilepsy affects 1 in 100 people? That’s approximately 300,000 Canadians and 50 million world wide. Many who have epilepsy do not tell others about their health condition due to the many misconceptions about the disease.
In general, if someone is having a seizure the most important thing to do is stay calm, create a safe space, time it, provide reassurance, and if the seizures lasts more then 5 minutes or repeats without a full recovery call 911. Do not restrain the person or put anything in their mouth.
Contact Us
With all of us working together, we can accomplish great things. To volunteer or contribute to our fundraiser, send us a message. We will get back to you soon.
Fisher and Friends for Epilepsy
