Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota

Parent Virtual Connect Group
2021-09-16 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago)
Meet other parents, grandparents, and caregivers who live day-to-day caring for a child with seizures and/or epilepsy. This is an opportunity to meet others, offer peer-to-peer support, share resources and experiences, and talk honestly about the triumphs and challenges of a child’s epilepsy journey. For more information, contact Angela Bowles Edwards at abedwards@efmn.org or 651-368-6209.

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 enables you to communicate with others – through a computer, tablet, or phone. A camera is preferred so that you can see others and they can see you, but it is not required.
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.

United In Epilepsy | Duluth Regional Walk
2021-09-14 17:30 - 19:30 | Duluth Denfeld High School, 401 N 44th Ave W, Duluth, MN, 55807, United States
Epilepsy is what unites us, and together we will walk in solidarity for epilepsy.
In 2021, we are introducing the walk into more communities as we host walks in eight cities across Minnesota – Bemidji, Duluth, Fargo/Moorhead, Mankato, Marshall, Rochester, St. Cloud, and the Twin Cities. The walks are the largest fundraising and awareness event in Minnesota to benefit people impacted by epilepsy.

Join the thousands who will walk across the state this fall to raise awareness for epilepsy, raise funds for EFMN, and raise a sense of community with others impacted by epilepsy.

Registration & Pre-Event Activities | 5:30 PM

Walk | 6:30 PM

REGISTER TODAY!

Open to Everyone Virtual Connect Group
2021-09-11 10:00 - 11:00
All are welcome to come together for peer-to-peer support, connecting with others, sharing resources, and spending time in honest conversation about the epilepsy journey. This group is open to anyone who has a connection to epilepsy, including but not limited to, individuals living with epilepsy, caregivers and parents, those who have loved ones living with epilepsy, and people who work with individuals diagnosed with epilepsy. For more information, contact Lisa Peterson at lisa.peterson@efmn.org or 218-624-1330.

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 enables you to communicate with others – through a computer, tablet, or phone. A camera is preferred so that you can see others and they can see you, but it is not required.
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.

United In Epilepsy | Mankato Regional Walk
2021-09-09 17:30 - 19:30 | Minnesota State University, Mankato, 228, Wiecking Center, Minnesota State University, Mankato, Mankato, MN, 56001, United States

Young Adult Connect
2021-09-02 18:30 - 19:30
A space for young adults with epilepsy to meet others and talk about life updates, challenges, and successes with others who understand the epilepsy journey. This is a young adult-led group looking to create peer-to-peer support and connection. For more information, please contact Erik Williams at ewilliams@efmn.org.

United In Epilepsy | Fargo-Moorhead Regional Walk
2021-09-01 16:30 - 19:30 | Veterans Memorial Arena, Veterans Memorial Arena, West Fargo, MN, 58078, United States
Epilepsy is what unites us, and together we will walk in solidarity for epilepsy.
In 2021, we are introducing the walk into more communities as we host walks in eight cities across Minnesota – Bemidji, Duluth, Fargo/Moorhead, Mankato, Marshall, Rochester, St. Cloud, and the Twin Cities. The walks are the largest fundraising and awareness event in Minnesota to benefit people impacted by epilepsy.

Join the thousands who will walk across the state this fall to raise awareness for epilepsy, raise funds for EFMN, and raise a sense of community with others impacted by epilepsy.

Registration & Pre-Event Activities | 4:30 PM

Walk | 6:00 PM

REGISTER TODAY!

Adult Virtual Connect Group
2021-08-26 18:30 - 19:30
Adults living with epilepsy come together to meet others, share the triumphs and challenges of living with seizures, and connect with those who understand the epilepsy journey. For more information, contact Martin Hernandez at mhernandez@efmn.org or 507-287-2103.

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 enables you to communicate with others – through a computer, tablet, or phone. A camera is preferred so that you can see others and they can see you, but it is not required.
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.

Parent Virtual Connect Group
2021-08-19 18:30 - 19:30, 2021-07-15 18:30 - 19:30
Meet other parents, grandparents, and caregivers who live day-to-day caring for a child with seizures and/or epilepsy. This is an opportunity to meet others, offer peer-to-peer support, share resources and experiences, and talk honestly about the triumphs and challenges of a child’s epilepsy journey. For more information, contact Erik Williams at ewilliams@efmn.org or 651-262-9345..

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 enables you to communicate with others – through a computer, tablet, or phone. A camera is preferred so that you can see others and they can see you, but it is not required.
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.

Loss of Loved One Virtual Connect Group
2021-08-12 18:30 - 19:30, 2021-05-13 18:30 - 19:30
Losing a loved one to epilepsy is a difficult journey. EFMN invites you to attend our quarterly Loss of Loved One Connect Group to find peer support, helpful resources, and to talk honestly about your grieving process. This group is specifically open to anyone who has lost a loved one to an epilepsy-related death.

For more information contact Amy Haugen, Senior Regional Manager at amy.haugen@efmn.org or 320.203.9722.

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 enables you to communicate with others – through a computer, tablet, or phone. A camera is preferred so that you can see others and they can see you, but it is not required.
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.

Teen Virtual Connect Group
2021-08-10 18:30 - 19:30
This space is for teens with epilepsy to meet others who understand the journey they’re on. Join us to hangout, make new friends, and talk about growing up and living with epilepsy. For more information, contact Lisa Peterson at lisa.peterson@efmn.org or 218-624-1330.

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 enables you to communicate with others – through a computer, tablet, or phone. A camera is preferred so that you can see others and they can see you, but it is not required.
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.

Young Adult Connect
2021-08-05 18:30 - 19:30
A space for young adults with epilepsy to meet others and talk about life updates, challenges, and successes with others who understand the epilepsy journey. This is a young adult-led group looking to create peer-to-peer support and connection. For more information, please contact Amy Haugen at amy.haugen@efmn.org.

Adult Virtual Connect Group
2021-07-22 18:30 - 19:30
Adults living with epilepsy come together to meet others, share the triumphs and challenges of living with seizures, and connect with those who understand the epilepsy journey. For more information, contact Angela Bowles Edwards at abedwards@efmn.org or 651-368-6209.

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 enables you to communicate with others – through a computer, tablet, or phone. A camera is preferred so that you can see others and they can see you, but it is not required.
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.

Wellness Wednesday Webinar Series: Navigating Social Relationships
2021-07-21 18:15 - 19:30
Life with epilepsy can be challenging, but having a community of support can help both physically and emotionally. In this webinar, Ellie Wilson, Executive Director of the Autism Society of Minnesota (AUsM), will address why having strong social relationships is important for people with epilepsy, their families and caregivers, how epilepsy can affect a person’s social relationships, and what can be done to develop and improve relationships with others.

Register Today!

Family Camp
2021-07-19 - 2021-07-23 | This is a virtual event
For those that are not able to attend Camp Oz due to the complexity of epilepsy and other conditions, Family Camp is another camp option. Save the dates for July 19 – 23, 2021!

With safety in mind, we’re hosting a virtual at-home Family Camp this summer that spans five days like in years past. Mark your calendars for your camper to make new friends, learn about the outdoors, and have fun!

Register Here

Open to Everyone Virtual Connect Group
2021-07-10 10:00 - 11:00
All are welcome to come together for peer-to-peer support, connecting with others, sharing resources, and spending time in honest conversation about the epilepsy journey. This group is open to anyone who has a connection to epilepsy, including but not limited to, individuals living with epilepsy, caregivers and parents, those who have loved ones living with epilepsy, and people who work with individuals diagnosed with epilepsy. For more information, contact Martin Hernandez at mhernandez@efmn.org or 507-287-2103.

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 enables you to communicate with others – through a computer, tablet, or phone. A camera is preferred so that you can see others and they can see you, but it is not required.
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 Conversation - Rural Central & Southern Minnesota
2021-07-07 17:30 - 19:30
Join other Minnesotans from rural communities to discuss needs around health resources, current gaps, and desired supports. This conversation is specific to those living in rural communities throughout Central and Southern Minnesota.

Together we explore compelling questions and build a collective knowledge to benefit those living with epilepsy and their family. This conversation is for all rural community members, whether impacted by epilepsy or not. This includes people with epilepsy, family members, caregivers, health care providers, and those interested in community health and wellness.

RSVP Here

Wellness Wednesday Webinar Series: Striving for Independence
2021-06-30 18:15 - 19:30
What does independence mean to you and what tools can help you safely work towards your independence goals? In this webinar, Kevin Thomas, MSW and Kelly Mick BA, will help attendees consider different ways independence can look for individuals living with epilepsy. Along the way, they’ll explore aspects of navigating housing and home supports, healthcare, and transportation through two handy websites: DB101 and HB101.

Register Today!

Adult Virtual Connect Group
2021-06-24 18:30 - 19:30
Adults living with epilepsy come together to meet others, share the triumphs and challenges of living with seizures, and connect with those who understand the epilepsy journey. For more information, contact Lisa Peterson at lisa.peterson@efmn.org or 218-624-1330.

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 enables you to communicate with others – through a computer, tablet, or phone. A camera is preferred so that you can see others and they can see you, but it is not required.
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 Camp Oz
2021-06-21 - 2021-06-25 | This is a virtual event
Camp Oz will be from June 21-25, held virtually for an at-home experience. The virtual Camp Oz offers different activities from Monday to Friday that will fit the camper’s interest. Each day is split into two sessions: Art and Nature from 8:45-9:45 AM and Activity Break Out from 10:10-11:25 AM. Even from home, campers can see each other through Zoom to participate as a group. Besides the online activities, campers will receive a Camp in a Box delivery from EFMN that will include the items they may need for their camp experience.

Camp Oz is for youth with epilepsy, and siblings, ages 8-17, who have a level of independence that allows them to participate in virtual activities, move from session to session, and follow the directions virtually.

Technology Requirements:
In order to ensure we can provide the best experience possible, these technology requirements are important. Please make sure you have the following:

A device that enables you to communicate with others – through a computer, tablet, or phone. A camera is preferred so that you connect with other campers, but it is not required.
Pair of headphones and a quiet space in the home. This is to ensure less distraction from Camp Oz, and to provide your camper with the best experience!

DOWNLOAD LIST OF ACTIVITIES
MORE INFORMATION & REGISTRATION

Parent Virtual Connect Group
2021-06-17 18:30 - 19:30
Meet other parents, grandparents, and caregivers who live day-to-day caring for a child with seizures and/or epilepsy. This is an opportunity to meet others, offer peer-to-peer support, share resources and experiences, and talk honestly about the triumphs and challenges of a child’s epilepsy journey. For more information, contact Angela Bowles Edwards at abedwards@efmn.org; 651-368-6209.

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 enables you to communicate with others – through a computer, tablet, or phone. A camera is preferred so that you can see others and they can see you, but it is not required.
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 Conversation - Rural Northern Minnesota
2021-06-17 17:30 - 19:30
Join other Minnesotans from rural communities to discuss needs around health resources, current gaps, and desired supports. This conversation is specific to those living in rural communities throughout Northern Minnesota.

Together we explore compelling questions and build a collective knowledge to benefit those living with epilepsy and their family. This conversation is for all rural community members, whether impacted by epilepsy or not. This includes people with epilepsy, family members, caregivers, health care providers, and those interested in community health and wellness.

Join the conversation here.

Teen Virtual Connect Group
2021-06-08 18:30 - 19:30
This space is for teens with epilepsy to meet others who understand the journey they’re on. Join us to hangout, make new friends, and talk about growing up and living with epilepsy. For more information contact Martin Hernandez at mhernandez@efmn.org or 507-287-2103.

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 enables you to communicate with others – through a computer, tablet, or phone. A camera is preferred so that you can see others and they can see you, but it is not required.
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.

Adult Virtual Connect Group
2021-05-27 18:30 - 19:30
Adults living with epilepsy come together to meet others, share the triumphs and challenges of living with seizures, and connect with those who understand the epilepsy journey. For more information, contact Erik Williams at ewilliams@efmn.org; 651-262-9345.

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 enables you to communicate with others – through a computer, tablet, or phone. A camera is preferred so that you can see others and they can see you, but it is not required.
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.

Wellness Wednesday Webinar Series: Emotional Health and Stress Management
2021-05-26 18:15 - 19:30
This webinar will address the connection between emotional health, stress and epilepsy, with the further complications of life during a pandemic. Community Educator Kay King from NAMI Minnesota will help participants understand how and why COVID-19 has impacted people’s mental health, how some communities have been disproportionately impacted, and steps the general public can take to promote good mental health. Learn the warning signs of poor mental health and what to do.

Register Today!

Virtual Creative Arts Program
2021-05-25 18:00 - 19:30, 2021-05-18 18:00 - 19:30, 2021-05-11 18:00 - 19:30
EFMN and the Art Therapy program at Adler Graduate School would like to invite individuals and families who have been impacted by epilepsy to join us in a virtual art therapy studio experience. We will host a series of four weekly 90-minute group sessions via a HIPPA compliant Zoom platform. The first session will start on Tuesday, April 20, and run each Tuesday through May 25 (6 total sessions), and will run from 6:00 to 7:30 PM. We encourage individuals and families to attend all 6 sessions, if possible. This is a progressive artistic process.

The groups will be facilitated by a Registered and Board-Certified Art Therapist. They will be assisted by art therapy graduate students who have been trained in telehealth delivery of services. As participants, you do not need to identify as an “artist” nor worry about skills or talents in using art materials. Our process has been about mindfully providing a structure to focus participants on their intention for being in the group or on what they need in the “here and now” via brief writing in a journal. We then encourage all participants to engage in simple directed art-making experiences. We realize that since we will not be in the studio space, participants may not have access to a wide variety of art materials. With this in mind, we plan to use simple and accessible materials that you could find in or near your home or community. Our first session may be focused on brainstorming projects and material ideas.

Please note: We require all youth (17 and under) to attend with an adult (parent/guardian/family member).

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.

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

Parent Virtual Connect Group
2021-05-20 18:30 - 19:30
Meet other parents, grandparents, and caregivers who live day-to-day caring for a child with seizures and/or epilepsy. This is an opportunity to meet others, offer peer-to-peer support, share resources and experiences, and talk honestly about the triumphs and challenges of a child’s epilepsy journey. For more information, contact Lisa Peterson at lisa.peterson@efmn.org; 218-624-1330.

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 enables you to communicate with others – through a computer, tablet, or phone. A camera is preferred so that you can see others and they can see you, but it is not required.
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.
