More than $600 raised for epilepsy at family fun day in Donnelly

Richard Froese,
Smoky River Express

A family day of fun for family and friends of all ages is set for March 31 at Guy-Donnelly Sportex to raise funds for Edmonton Epilepsy Association and to celebrate March as Epilepsy Awareness Month. “We raised $614 after all expenses,” says Sabrina Brietzke of Donnelly, who organized the event and is a member of Edmonton Epilepsy Association. “That is very good for a small region and for a fundraising event that was planned just two months ago.” “This support will help make a difference in the lives of those living with this chronic unpredictable and often isolating condition.” About 150 participated in the event that included prize draws, refreshments, face- painting, children’s crafts, games, entertainment, hay rides, outdoor fun. Gerald Cloutier gets head shaved for over $200 in donations Over $200 was raised quickly for Gerald Cloutier to have his head shaved. Incidentally, in a special draw for the person to shave Cloutier, his neighbour Sylvianne Dion won the honours. “Everyone had a great time and lots of fun,” says Brietzke. “We plan a bigger and better event next year during epilepsy month.” Edmonton Epilepsy Association serves all of northern Alberta and supports 15,000 residents with epilepsy, she says. “I am trying to raise awareness about this disorder and the feelings of uncertainty and isolation that people with epilepsy and their families experience everyday,” says Brietzke. Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder affecting an estimated 300,000 in Canada or one per cent of the population. Seizures are caused by excessive electrical discharge in the brain and can occur in people of any age. “Seizures can begin at any time, and for some people, seizures are infrequent and well-controlled, but for others, even with the anticonvulsant medications, the disorder remains difficult to treat,” says Brietzke. “At this point, surgical investigation is an only hope.” Donations at the door were gratefully accepted with special draws for donations of $5 or more made throughout the day. For more information about Edmonton Epilepsy Association, phone Brietzke (837-5256) or Gerald Cloutier (837-5218).