By Ley Bouchard
Some type of seizure disorder affects 60,000 people in our community; their creative endeavors will be featured in an exhibit through April 30th in the Spirit Room downtown Fargo with a reception for the artists from 2-4 p.m. April 15.
The Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota (EFMN) envisions a world where people with seizures realize their full potential and offers a wide array of programs and services to educate, connect and empower people living with epilepsy. The EFMN leads the fight to stop seizures, find a cure, and overcome the challenges created by epilepsy. The Foundation’s goals are to: – Increase awareness of epilepsy and of EFMN’s programs and services; -Increase community involvement and understanding to support the people in our community living with seizures; and help people living with seizures realize their full potential by connecting them to programs and services that educate, connect and empower.
Nearly 60 years ago, dedicated doctors and social workers from the University of Minnesota and Ramsey Hospital formed the Minnesota Epilepsy League to address statewide concerns about the unique and problematic issues facing people with epilepsy. In 1964, the League opened its first office in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Today, EFMN has 53 staff, nearly 800 volunteers and a wide array of programs and services to support people living with epilepsy.
The EFMN and the Spirit Room are partnering to host the foundation’s first exhibition west of the Twin Cities. The exhibit opened April 1 and runs through the 30th. Each year, people affected by epilepsy are encouraged to submit their artwork. A representative sampling of that artwork will be on display with special attention given to artists from western Minnesota and eastern North Dakota.
Anyone affected by epilepsy is encouraged to enter – including relatives, friends, loved ones and caregivers – along any of three different categories: the EPILOGUES writing contest, the BRAINSTORMS Art Collection, which showcases the remarkable creative abilities of those with seizures, and the CADENZAS performance art program.
Steph Kolari is the program manager of Adults, Arts and Advocacy for EFMN. “The Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota receives funding from: Service Generated Income (Used Clothing Program), Events, Individual Donations, Foundation and Corporation support. We receive a very small portion of Government Funding that is directly tied to our Midwest Seizure Smart Conferences. There are 60,000 people in MN and ND affected by epilepsy,” Kolari says. “The Creative Arts Program is the only program of its kind in the country to serve people affected by seizures. The EFMN launched its Creative Arts program in 2004, the only program of its kind in Minnesota and eastern North Dakota. The goal is to raise epilepsy awareness through creative expression and showcase the talents of people living with seizures. Creative Arts encompasses painting, photography, writing, poetry, music performance and more. Participants must be affected by epilepsy or a seizure disorder, and the program is available throughout the calendar year.
“Epilepsy affects approximately 1.5 percent of the general population. Of course numbers may increase depending on access to health care and in special populations. Here is a good stats page from our national EF: www.epilepsyfoundation.org/aboutepilepsy/whatisepilepsy/statistics.cfm.”
Future locations of the exhibit include: SABES Jewish Community Center in St. Louis Park; The Spirit Room in Fargo, ND; St. Paul Jewish Community Center, St. Paul, MN; Rum River Library, Anoka, MN.
The largest event in each region is the Stroll for Epilepsy held August 9th at the FargoDome. The Stroll for Epilepsy is the single largest awareness and fundraising event for those living with epilepsy; the money raised provides free programs and services, including trainings and support groups. Last year the region set a record with over 500 people in attendance, and over $28,000. raised. To find out more about this event, go to www.efmn.org and follow the stroll link.