Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota

Virtual Parent Connect Group 04/14/2020
2020-04-14 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago)
As we are all learning ways to work and live in our own “safe at home” settings, EFMN is offering a new Virtual Parent Connect Group option for anyone in MN and eastern ND. This 60 minute meeting time will provide opportunities to connect and share with one another the challenges and victories that you are experiencing along this part of your epilepsy journey.

In order to ensure we can provide the best experience possible, we need a few things from you. Before registering for this group, please make sure you have the following:

– A device that has a camera: a web camera or phone camera are the most common options. You must be able to be visible during the group meeting.

– Pair of headphones and a quiet space in your home. This is to ensure confidentiality and to provide you with the best experience as a member of the group.

– Emergency Contact Information: Should a seizure or other medical situation arise for you during the group time, we need to have access to an emergency contact (name and phone number), and your physical location address. This information is not shared outside of EFMN staff unless they need to contact EMS services to respond to your home to provide medical care.

Virtual Teen Connect Group 04/09/2020
2020-04-09 16:00 - 17:00
As we are all learning ways to work and live in our own “safe at home” settings, EFMN is offering a new Teen Virtual Connect Group option for any teens (13-18 years old) living with epilepsy in MN and eastern ND. This 60 minute meeting time will provide opportunities to connect and share with one another the challenges and victories that you are experiencing along this part of your epilepsy journey.

In order to ensure we can provide the best experience possible, we need a few things from you. Before registering for this group, please make sure you have the following:

– A device that has a camera: a web camera or phone camera are the most common options. You must be able to be visible during the group meeting.

– Pair of headphones and a quiet space in your home. This is to ensure confidentiality and to provide you with the best experience as a member of the group.

– Emergency Contact Information: Should a seizure or other medical situation arise for you during the group time, we need to have access to an emergency contact (name and phone number), and your physical location address. This information is not shared outside of EFMN staff unless they need to contact EMS services to respond to your home to provide medical care.

Community Webinar
2020-04-07 10:00 - 18:56
In response to the cancellation of our in-person events through the end of April, we invite you to a special EFMN Community Webinar – A virtual gathering of the epilepsy community with special guests and people impacted by epilepsy.

We welcome those across Minnesota and eastern North Dakota to join us for a conversation about the time we are living in and how together we can support one another in overcoming challenges, gaining independence, and empowering the fight.

Special Edition Webinar: Epilepsy and COVID-19 - hosted by VNS Therapy
2020-04-02 19:00 - 20:00
As the access to healthcare professionals is limited during these unprecedented times, we invite people with epilepsy and caregivers to join a special edition webinar about epilepsy and COVID-19.

These programs aim to:

Inform on the current COVID-19 situation and provide recommendations for people with epilepsy
Educate attendees on the risk factors of contracting COVID-19
Advice on precautions and ways to mitigate risk and public exposure
Alleviate misconceptions and ease concerns from misinformation
Answer questions about epilepsy, VNS Therapy and/or COVID-19

These two webinars will be led by Drs. Katie Polovitz and Angus Wilfong – hosted by VNS Therapy.

Register Here

CANCELED - Family Connect Group - Fargo
2020-03-20 17:30 - 18:30
Parents, please join us for open conversation and to share your journey with other parents and caregivers. To help alleviate childcare concerns, we will have supervised gym activities for children. Light snacks will be provided. RSVP here or contact Amy Haugen at amy.haugen@efmn.org or (320) 203-9722 with questions.

CANCELED - Adult Connect Group - St. Paul
2020-03-19 18:00 - 20:00
Adults affected by epilepsy, connect, share stories and support each other. Please feel free to invite family or friends. No one should face seizures alone. Refreshments provided.

Adult Connect Group - Duluth
2020-03-12 17:30 - 19:00
Join us to connect with other adults affected by epilepsy. This month our discussion topic is “Treatment Options for Epilepsy.”

The MN Room is located on the first floor, across from the cafeteria. Light refreshments available.

Seizure Smart School Personnel Webinar
2020-03-12 16:00 - 17:00
One in ten people will have a seizure in their lifetime. Do you know how to respond? Teachers, school nurses, staff, and families work together to reduce bullying and foster understanding of epilepsy in schools. Learn about seizures, epilepsy, identifying the common seizure types and how to respond appropriately. We’ll also share treatment options and tips for a successful school environment.

Cost: Free
1 CEU will be awarded

Sign-up here: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2104647078436410637

Parent Connect Group - Edina
2020-03-10 18:15 - 19:45
Come and connect for support and resources on topics that deal solely with raising children living with epilepsy. This group is for parents, guardians and caretakers of any age of children with epilepsy, youth or adult. We will also be joined by a special guest advocate speaker who will share her personal journey as a kid growing up with epilepsy and the support she received along the way. Light refreshments will be served. Contact Erik Williams with any questions at ewilliams@efmn.org or 651-287-2319.

Seizure Smart School Nurse Webinar
2020-03-10 16:00 - 17:30
This free training is designed for school nurses and other health staff to refresh their knowledge and learn about new developments regarding epilepsy and seizures. All school personnel are welcome to attend, and those with intermediate levels of knowledge around epilepsy in a school setting. This webinar will begin with a brief epilepsy review, followed by treatment options, rescue medications, new treatments, and helpful tips regarding seizures in the school setting. Speaker TBD.

Cost: Free
1.5 CEU will be awarded.

RSVP here: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/3586839330212570891

Contact jpickett@efmn.org with any questions.

Teen Social Group, Rec Center Games - Minneapolis
2020-03-07 13:00 - 15:00
Join our Teen Social Group (13-18 years old) for a free afternoon of board games, card games, foosball, pool and ping pong at the Armatage Rec Center! Feel free to bring your favorite games and/or snacks along to share with the group.

Please contact Erik Williams with any questions at ewilliams@efmn.org or 651-262-9345

Adult and Caregiver Connect Group - St. Cloud
2020-03-05 19:00 - 20:30 | St. Cloud Business Center, 14 North 7th Avenue, St. Cloud, MN, 56303, United States
We welcome adults, caregivers and parents affected by epilepsy to join us for a time to connect and support one another. In March we will hear from 3 families who have had different treatment procedures to stop intractable seizures. There will be open discussion time as well to share your questions and your journey. Contact Amy Haugen at 320.203.9722 or amy.haugen@efmn.org with questions.

Adult Connect Group - Fargo
2020-03-02 18:00 - 19:30
Join other adults with epilepsy for connection and support. Kaylee Jaeger from LivaNova will provide information on VNS (Vagus Nerve Stimulation) therapy as a treatment for intractable epilepsy. Light snacks provided.

RSVP here or contact Amy Haugen at amy.haugen@efmn.org or (320) 203-9722 with questions. Walk-ins welcome.

Partner Event: The ABCs of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) - Duluth
2020-02-25 18:30 - 20:30 | La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Duluth, 1805 Maple Grove Rd, Duluth, MN, 55811, United States
This workshop will help parents understand how to use the Individualized Education Program (IEP) to benefit their child. We will use a PACER booklet to understand how each required part of the IEP can be developed to meet the child’s needs. Parents will gain knowledge about how to participate effectively in the annual IEP meeting. To participate in the workshop, parents will need to bring a copy of their child’s most recent school special education evaluation report, and their child’s current IEP.

Partner Event: The ABCs of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) - Grand Marais
2020-02-24 18:30 - 20:30 | Cook County Higher Education, 300 W 3rd St, Grand Marais, MN, 55604, United States

Family Connect Group - Fargo
2020-02-21 17:30 - 18:30
Parents, please join us for open conversation and to share your journey with other parents and caregivers. To help alleviate childcare concerns, we will have supervised gym activities for children. Light snacks will be provided. Contact Amy Haugen at 320.203.9722 or amy.haugen@efmn.org with questions.

Connect Group - Eden Prairie
2020-02-13 18:00 - 20:00
Come for connections and support. Whether you are a parent with a child affected, or someone who is living with epilepsy, sharing and hearing everyone’s journey can create a powerful impact. This opportunity to meet others is open to family and friends. Light refreshments will be provided.

CANCELED - Adult Connect Group - Duluth
2020-02-13 17:30 - 19:00
This event has been canceled due to weather.

Online Fundraising Event: Giving Hearts Day
2020-02-13
Givings Hearts Day is a 24-hour fundraising event in the North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota.

Social Event, Ice Skating - Metro
2020-02-08 12:30 - 15:00
All families affected by epilepsy are welcome to join in an afternoon of ice skating at The MN Oval, the largest outdoor refrigerated ice rink in North America! Connect with other families while enjoying a classic Minnesota winter activity and over hot chocolate in the warming house. Cost is $10 per family and rental skates, if needed, are available at The Oval for $3 per pair (paid separately on site). Contact Erik Williams with any questions at ewilliams@efmn.org or 651-262-9345.

Adult and Caregiver Connect Group - St. Cloud
2020-02-06 19:00 - 20:30
We welcome adults and caregivers affected by epilepsy to join us for a time to connect and support one another. February’s meeting will be an open forum. Bring any questions you have about epilepsy, your specific diagnosis, etc. As we share our journeys with seizures, we can learn from one another. Contact Amy Haugen with questions at amy.haugen@efmn.org or 320.203.9722.

Connect Group - Brooklyn Park
2020-01-23 18:00 - 20:00
Come for connections and support. Whether you are a parent with a child affected, or someone who has lived with epilepsy for years, sharing and hearing everyone’s journey can create a powerful impact. This opportunity to meet others is open to family and friends. Light refreshments provided.

Webinar on Epilepsy and Genetics
2020-01-22 19:00 - 20:00
Join the Epilepsy Foundation for an educational webinar where guest speaker Beth Rosen Sheidley MS, CGC, and moderator Elaine Kiriakopoulos MD, MSc, talk about epilepsy and genetics. They will discuss what we know about the genetics of epilepsy, the benefits and limitations of testing, and how to go about getting testing and insurance coverage.

Topics

The basics of genes and genetic testing
What do we know about the genetics of epilepsy?
What are the benefits and limitations of testing?
What genetic tests are available for people with epilepsy?
How do I go about getting testing and insurance coverage?

Adult Connect Group - St. Paul
2020-01-16 18:00 - 20:00

Parent Connect Group - St. Paul
2020-01-14 18:30 - 20:00
Come and connect for support and resources on topics that deal solely with raising children living with epilepsy. This group is for parents, guardians and caretakers of any age of children with epilepsy, youth or adult. Light refreshments will be served. Contact Erik Williams with any questions at ewilliams@efmn.org or 651-287-2319.

Education Event - Eastern Carver County Seizure Smart Training
2020-01-14 18:00 - 19:00
One in ten people will have a seizure in their lifetime. Do you know how to respond? Seizure training for communities is an opportunity to learn about epilepsy and seizures right in your own community. Hear from experts on varying topics and learn seizure basics. EFMN’s Seizure Training is a resource that helps participants identify seizures, learn seizure first aid and overcome the myths surrounding epilepsy.

Please bring $5.00 to class to cover cost of handouts provided.

Please register with Eastern Carver County: https://district112.ce.eleyo.com/course/5830/winter-spring-2020/seizure-smart-training-basic-seizure-recognition-and-response

Family Connect Group - Duluth
2020-01-13 17:30 - 19:30
Join us to connect with other parents and caregivers. This month our discussion topic is “Educating Yourself and Others about Epilepsy.”

Dinner and kid-friendly activities are available.

Adult Connect Group - Duluth
2020-01-09 17:30 - 19:00
Join us to connect with other adults affected by epilepsy. This month our discussion topic is “Educating Yourself & Others about Epilepsy.”

The MN Room is located on the first floor, across from the cafeteria. Light refreshments available.

Adult Connect Group - Fargo
2020-01-06 18:00 - 19:30
Join other adults with epilepsy for connection and support. Light snacks will be provided.

RSVP here or contact Janice Tweet at jtweet@efmn.org or (701) 429-1165 with questions. Walk-ins welcome.

Adult and Caregiver Connect Group - St. Cloud
2020-01-02 19:00 - 20:30
We welcome adults, caregivers and parents affected by epilepsy to join us for a time to connect and support one another. January’s topic is “Mental Health and Epilepsy”. Why are these two things inter-related, and what tips do you have to share with one another about keeping both in balance?

Contact Amy Haugen with questions at amy.haugen@efmn.org. 320.203.9722
