From My Heart to Yours: An Open Letter from Valley Children’s Epilepsy Program
October 22, 2021
To our families who live with epilepsy,
For the last seven years, I’ve worked alongside you as your social worker in Neurology. It was here we became a team and I learned on a daily basis from you. Through your looking-glass, I was able to gain a unique perspective and a glimpse into what it is like “living with epilepsy.” My heart and eyes were opened to the daily challenges you and your families face within the community. Your stories, trust, strength and hope provided me with the drive to begin to create change for you. It was out of your desire and passion for change that Valley Children’s Epilepsy Support Program was born. And this month marks a year this program has been able to support families like you and bring together others in a fun, safe environment. I’m excited to share over this last year, together we’ve accomplished the following:
Our Epilepsy Support Program strives to encourage our patients and families, educate our community, build awareness and advocate for our children. Over this next year, the Epilepsy Support Program plans to begin a special program for our young adults called PACES, which will help those living with epilepsy transition into adulthood.
I just wanted to take a moment to write this letter and say thank you. Thank you for sharing your life, thank you for opening your hearts and thank you for reaching out to be a part of a program created just for you. I’m excited to see what this next year holds.
Sincerely,
Caitlin Bernard-Vincent, MSW, LCSW
Valley Children’s Epilepsy Support Program Manager
Learn More and Get Involved
November is recognized as Epilepsy Awareness Month. This year the Epilepsy Support Program at Valley Children’s would like to spread awareness through a “get active campaign” in the community. We invite all to register and join Valley Children’s Epilepsy Caped Crusaders and Walk for a Cause, a virtual call to get active for 26 minutes each day during the month of November. Walk, run, join a class online, bike or hike for 26 minutes a day for the entire month of November; any fitness activity will do. Why 26 minutes? In the United States, 1 in 26 people will develop epilepsy in their lifetime. The first 500 participants who join this free event will be mailed a special purple cape (signifying epilepsy awareness). Visit the Epilepsy Support Program website to register today!