It's kind of wild to me that it's taken me TEN years to start to get to know the BC Epilepsy Society, what they do, and how they can help me.
I'm told that this is partly timing: ten years ago when my journey was just starting, they did not have the funding and the programs that they have now. Apparently it's only within the past few years that they've been receiving more support from the community, have done a bunch of fundraising and have been increasing their programs.
I came across it randomly; I was down a google rabbit hole looking for ways to help my memory, since that's a big area that I struggle with. I came across something called the "HOBSCOTCH" program, designed at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in New Hampshire, and then found that I could access this program (for free) through the BC Epilepsy Society. It's an 8 week program where you meet online with a coach and work on challenges and strategies. I'm currently in week 3. :)
But aside from that, they have other stuff that I had no idea about!
They have counseling programs, and imagine this--most of the counselors have epilepsy themselves! I was amazed when I heard this. They also have a sliding scale so that people with lower incomes can get affordable counseling. What a difference that would have made for me back in the early days, when I was terrified and also broke! I'm not as terrified and broke now but I still plan to meet with one of their counselors.
AND they have support groups, both online and in person (I haven't checked these out yet).
I've been so excited about all of these things that I already want to help somehow. So of course I jumped on board when I found out that they are one of the charities for the Sun Run. I've only done the Sun Run once before and I swore I'd never do it again, but this is for a good cause. If I can do anything to help make other people's journeys a little easier, then I will.
I already posted this on my facebook page, but expect to see it a few more times between now and April. :)
