News

Get ready for Halloween by participating in the Purple Pumpkin Project. We encourage you to decorate your pumpkin purple and display it at your front door to help raise awareness about epilepsy. When someone asks “why is your pumpkin purple?”,…

Christmas wouldn’t be the same without chocolate! Fill your stockings with Rheo Thompson chocolate and mint smoothies, while supporting individuals and families affected by epilepsy.Help support ESWO during this holiday season by purchasing some very sweet stocking stuffers, teacher gifts…

My name is Brenda Ann Vale and this is my story on how epilepsy is a part of my daily life and why it matters to me and my family. One of the people I love most in this world…

Many essential oils (EOs) have anticonvulsant activity and might benefit people with epilepsy.• lemongrass,• lavender,• clove,• dill, and• other EOs containing constituents such as asarone, carvone, citral, eugenol, or linalool are good candidates for evaluation as antiepileptic drugs.On the other…

Illustration by Maria Hergueta A musicogenic seizure is reflex epilepsy triggered by certain types of music or even specific frequencies of pitch for which the person’s brain has a low threshold or tolerance. These sounds trigger focal epileptiform EEG discharges…

With the heat of the summer here, many will be turning to the water for relief and fun! For those with epilepsy, water safety is an especially important conversation!1. Always wear a Personal Floatation Device (PFD), even if you are…

ESWO would like to send a heartfelt thank you for everyone’s support during June’s Great Canadian Giving Challenge. We are overwhelmed by your generosity and support of people living with epilepsy, thank you!This national contest is held by CanadaHelps and…

Seize the Day Your Way! The 5th Annual Seize the Day Event Takes on Epilepsy Virtually! Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario (ESWO) Windsor will host its 5th Annual Seize the Day 5k Run / 2.5k Walk virtually this year. Walk/Run in your community…

Seize the Day Your Way! The 8th Annual Seize the Day Event Takes on Epilepsy Virtually! Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario (ESWO) will host its 8th Annual Seize the Day 5k Run / 2.5k Walk virtually this year. Walk/Run in your community from Friday,…

ESWO would like to thank our amazing volunteers, donors and sponsors for their support of our Chatham-Kent Drive Thru Ribfest held June 11-13, 2021. Your generosity made this event a resounding success! This tasty event hosted 2,300 vehicles and included…

The Great Canadian Giving Challenge is an initiative of CanadaHelps.Every $1 donated in June is a chance for ESWO to win $20,000 in a draw.What is the Great Canadian Giving Challenge?The Great Canadian Giving Challenge is a national contest hosted…

The 2021 Epilepsy Scholarship Program is now open!!   Epilepsy Ontario will be awarding 3 – $1 500.00 scholarships in 2021. Application process is open now and will close at midnight on July 16th, 2021. Winners will be announced on…

Thank you for an amazing Epilepsy Awareness Month! March 2021, our community came together to raise awareness in lots of new and exciting ways!  Thank you to everyone who sent in their purple photos, decorated their doors, classrooms, and homes…

Hi, my name is David Marton. I was born with Epilepsy Sturge Webber Syndrome. I care about epilepsy because through my story I want to inspire and build up others who are dealing with anxiety, depression, bullying, or loneliness. I…

I care about epilepsy because it has made me stronger than the average person would think it could. At the age of 16, I found Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario. I remember them coming to my grade school, Westminster Central P.S., to…

My name is Karen and I was diagnosed with agenesis of the corpus callosum and epilepsy before my fourth birthday. Epilepsy has affected my life in many ways, both good and bad. I grew up experiencing discrimination due to people’s…

Bidders, let the games begin! Our silent auction is officially OPEN!Visit https://giving.trellis.org/purple-palooza/auction to register as a bidder by logging in to join our virtual silent auction. There, you can start bidding on your favourite items including a Travel Package, Chew…

Hi, my name is John Boersema and I care about epilepsy because I know firsthand how greatly it can change your life and at times, just how depressing it can be. My first seizure happened in December 2007 when I…

Windsor, ON – Ava Grace is a spunky, kind, brave, outgoing, and silly eight-year-old little girl. Ava is also an Epilepsy Warrior. At two years old Ava had her first seizure. Since that day, she has not gone 24 hours…

I care about epilepsy because my daughter Hollie was born with Aicardi Syndrome 9 years ago and with that comes intractable epilepsy and a few other special needs. We got connected to Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario (ESWO) through the neurology team…

It was 4 years ago now; our son MJ was 3. He had fainting spells, staring off into space. His head would droop, and he would look like he was falling asleep. He constantly had dark little circles under his…

Working from home? Kids online learning? Buy a raffle ticket for a chance to win a new Apple MacBook Air! 13.3″ w/ touch ID (2020) Value $2300. Tickets: $25, available until March 25. Big thank you to Festival City Glass &…

The Purple Pansy flower boutique has teamed up with ESWO to raise money for epilepsy education and support services in Chatham-Kent. Purchase a bunch of purple daisies for $11 and the proceeds will be donated back to ESWO. Pick-up is…

Only 5 days left to order! Pre-orders for our March #epilepsyawarenessmonth shirts are only available until Feb 15 at 9am. Pre-order yours: https://epilepsyswo.ca/product/pre-order-now-mri-scan-t-shirt/ Be sure to share with your friends and family! 💜

🚨 TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE FOR OUR PURPLE PALOOZA! 🚨 On Friday, March 26th, join us VIRTUALLY from 6:30-8:30 PM for a Purple Palooza in support of ESWO! Tickets will be $25 per household which includes live entertainment and…

Jayme will be missed by all, but we wish her well on the new chapter of her journey.   “I would like to take the opportunity to say farewell to all of the ESWO community. My time working for ESWO…

My name is Amy, and my oldest son has epilepsy. My son's first seizure is difficult to recall because for a long time, we didn't know that's what was happening. Somewhere around the age of four, my son started having…

The ESWO staff team and Board of Directors would like to send a heartfelt thank you for everyone’s support during our GivingTuesday “Gift of Hope” campaign. We are overwhelmed by your generosity and support of people living with epilepsy, thank…

When I first got involved with Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario, there were no services available in Windsor at the time, so I sought out to find London. I even remember the address – they were at 234 Riverside Drive in London.…

It’s wine time! Win a gift basket of holiday cheer, just in time for your Christmas celebrations! Purchase a raffle ticket for $15 in support of a great cause. Prizes: 1st Prize: 20 bottles of wine ($316.75 value)2nd Prize: 5…

What is GivingTuesday?GivingTuesday is a day when charities, families, businesses, and communities around the world come together for one common purpose: to celebrate generosity and to give. Following Black Friday and Cyber Monday, it is meant to unofficially “open the…

ESWO would like to thank all guests, sponsors, donors, and contributors for their support and commitment to making our first ever Virtual Gala a success!  Our 34th Annual Gala was scheduled to be held in the spring, but with the…

It's Purple Pumpkin Project time! Decorate your pumpkin purple and tag us or email us your photos! #epilepsyawareness   Use the hashtag #PurplePumpkinProject2020, tag us in the photo or email to [email protected] and we will be sure to share them!

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW FOR OUR VIRTUAL GALA! Our 34th Annual Gala was scheduled to be held in the spring, but with the current pandemic, ESWO took necessary precautions and postponed this fundraising event. We are now hosting our Gala…

On behalf of ESWO, we would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone for their contributions and continued support of our Annual Seize the Day Event! Despite the current pandemic, epilepsy warriors across our community were able to…

Shout out to All About Horses Thedford for raising $4850 at their latest fundraiser for ESWO. Shaylana (owner and operator) has been involved with ESWO forever, has hosted and attended multiple fundraisers and holds a seat on our Board of…

Words can not say express how grateful we are…Team Oke hosted Tee'in Off for Epilepsy Golf Tournament last weekend at White Squirrel Golf Club and brought by the cheque today. We are blown away by the support! Thank you Oke…

Happy Friday, Friends! Today we are highlighting Team Dekson. Here’s why Team Dekson participates in Windsor’s annual Seize the Day 2.5km/5km walk/run. Team Dekson supports Windsor’s Seize the Day event to raise awareness about epilepsy, decrease the stigma and encourage…

I first became involved with Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario when I moved to London for University. I was looking for a support system to help me deal with my epilepsy. Moving away from my family was hard, but I did not…

SAVE THE DATE! 💜We are excited to announce that the Tee' in Off for Epilepsy Golf Tournament hosted by Team Oke will be held again this year on September 18th and 19th at White Squirrel Golf Club.For more information on how…

Happy Friday, Friends! Today we are bringing you a Seize the Day Team Spotlight! Quinn’s Army raised an incredible $7,135 for last year's run. We are still beyond impressed! Quinn’s Army is composed of friends and family of Quinn Cook…

Stuck inside avoiding this scorching heatwave? Miss hanging out with friends and family? Looking for a fun way to support Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario?WE HAVE A SOLUTION FOR YOU!Try Escape Manor’s virtual mystery – Taken: The Swiss Account.RECONNECT WITH FRIENDS AND…

WE ARE LAUNCHING this new and exciting PROVINCE WIDE MONTHLY 50/50 RAFFLE TODAY to support Epilepsy Agenciesacross Ontario. #EPILEPSY5050Tickets are available online only at www.epilepsy5050.caTell your friends to get their tickets! Don't let them miss out!Expect the UNEXPECTED when it comes to…

My daughter’s first seizure was very scary. She was 9 months old and was sitting in her calming chair while I was doing some chores around the house. I had stopped to check on her to see if she was…

I was only four so I can’t remember my first seizure, but my mom said we were camping. I laid down in the cold grass and everyone was telling me to get up, but I couldn’t. Nobody knew what was…

My first seizure was December 29, 2014, at the age of 12. It was a tonic-clonic seizure that happened late morning-early afternoon, and I do not remember anything about the morning prior to the seizure. I woke up in the…

ESWO would like to give a big thank you to Zehrs for their support of people living with epilepsy throughout #EpilepsyAwareness Month.Across the province, Zehrs participated in a March campaign to sell t-shirts and collect donations. A total over $40,000…

Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario (ESWO) believes it is our social responsibility to do our part to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and will be taking precautions based on the recommendations of Public Health Agency of Canada and World Health Organization to…

A big thanks to Mike and family for hosting the 9th Annual Sam Jam Event. This third party fundraiser was hosted on December 20th at the London Music Club. The event was a great success and $360 was raised for…

A heartfelt thank you for your support of our very first Giving Tuesday “Gift of Hope” campaign! We were overwhelmed by your generosity and support of people living with epilepsy! Because of people like you, we were able to raise…

ESWO wishes to thank all guests, volunteers, sponsors and donors for supporting our Ghouling Pianos event this past Friday!  Madonna, Edward Scissorhands, Wonder Woman, Ms. Frizzle and crew all joined us in our quest to raise funds for epilepsy awareness!…

Purdys Chocolatier fundraising program for the holidays. Help support ESWO during this holiday season by purchasing some very sweet stocking stuffers, teacher gifts or treats for yourself with 25% of proceeds being donated back to public education programming. View Purdys…

Somehow “Thank You” does not seem like enough! But…here goes! On behalf of all the staff, volunteers, Board Members and clients at ESWO, we would like to extend the biggest thank you ever to everyone for their contributions and continued…

Our Third Annual Seize the Day Event took place on Sunday, September 22, 2019, at the Vollmer Culture and Recreation Complex in LaSalle. It was a beautiful, sunny day with families and individuals joining us for a 5km run and…

And that’s a wrap! Our Youth Conference was a successful day filled with lots of learning, laughs, and new friendships!Congratulations to our Youth Division for organizing such a wonderful conference!Thank you to our AMAZING guest speakers Tara Broadbent, Rebecca Balasa,…

July 1 – Kevin OkeJuly 2 – Grace StaffordJuly 3 – Kody KohnertJuly 4 – Jeannette ArtsJuly 5 – Jennifer DerbyshireJuly 6 – Aradhana BurtJuly 7 – Jarrett RenningJuly 8 – Jessica KayJuly 9 – Sharon MuscuttJuly 10 – Erin…

On Sunday September 22, 2019 at 10:30am, Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario will host our third Annual Seize the Day 5k Run / 2.5k Walk in Windsor! The event will take place at Vollmer Culture and Recreation Complex (2121 Laurier Pkwy, Windsor,…

On Your Marks…Get Set…Go: 6th Annual Seize the Day Event Takes on Epilepsy!On Sunday, September 29, 2019, Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario (ESWO) will host its 6th Annual Seize the Day 5k Run / 2.5k Walk in London at Graham Family Eco Park our…

Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario is a not for profit agency providing services for people living with epilepsy throughout Southwestern Ontario. Our mission is to enhance the lives of people who are affected by epilepsy and seizure disorders by providing a network…

The mission of Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario is to enhance the lives of people who are affected by epilepsy and seizure disorders by providing a network of services that educate, support, and build community awareness. We are currently seeking a full…

This safe and inclusive summer camp is available for children ages 4-12 with epilepsy, and their siblings. Wacky Wednesday is a place where children can participate in a variety of physical activities, arts and crafts, educational field trips and make…

ESWO would like to thank all guests, sponsors, donors and volunteers who participated in our Night at the Junos Gala. We are sincerely overwhelmed with the continued success of the gala, all of which would not be possible without our…

ESWO would like to extend a big thank you to Zehrs for their support of people living with epilepsy throughout March Epilepsy Awareness Month. Across the province, Zehrs participated in a March campaign to sell t-shirts and collect donations. A total…

Thank you for an amazing Epilepsy Awareness Month! March 2019, our community came together to raise awareness in new and exciting ways!  Thank you to teams that participated in the #purplenation hockey movement! Over 20 teams across Southwestern Ontario wrapped…

A huge thank you to our amazing volunteers who helped with Sunday’s London Knights 50/50 and to the London Knights for allowing us to be a part of the 50/50 raffle. We are thrilled to share that we sold $11,212…

All About Horses would like to extend a huge thank you to all who donated and volunteered at the Epilepsy Purple Day fundraiser held March 24, 2019.  Thanks to all who brought food, worked the various kiosks, led and side…

Thank you to all of the youth that participated in our recent YEP! I’LL BE THERE Youth Retreat. The youth shared many laughs and met new friends as they learned more about epilepsy as well as helpful, healthy tools for…

Thank you so much to Evolve Nonprofit Organization for hosting our Epilepsy Awareness Purple Party Paint Night! People of all ages had a fun night creating various paintings on canvases. Thank you everyone who participated in the event! Way to…

Thank you to Kristy and Ryan Raymond for their hard work and dedication organizing the Seventh Annual McGregor Mug Run and 50/50 hosted in Windsor-Essex on September 22, 2018. Over 300 people attended another successful Race.  The McGregor Mug Run Annual…

With the help of your votes, ESWO was selected to be the Charity of the Month in December at Anderson Craft Ales. $1 from drink sales on Thursdays throughout the month were donated back to ESWO. We are excited to…

As a recent fundraiser, in part with our 5th Annual Seize the Day Walk, passes were included in run bags to the Columbia Sportswear employee store for their Cause Marketing program. We are excited to announce that with your help,…

Big thank you to Mike and family for hosting the 7th Annual Sam Jam Event. This third party fundraiser was hosted on December 21st at the London Music Club with a great success of over 70 in attendance and $378…

ESWO would like to thank everyone who participated in our recent Purdy’s fundraiser: Share Your Love of Chocolate and ESWO. With your help, we were able to sell over $3100 in chocolate, providing us with a profit of $777! We…

Thank you to the 40+ participants of the the Friday Night Dart League #LdnOnt for donating $305 towards our organization this holiday season. Funds will go towards supporting people living with epilepsy in our region.

Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario offers camps that are designed to support the unique physical, learning, emotional and behavioural needs of children living with seizures. The use of trained one-on-one volunteers provides reassurance for parents and caregivers that their children are safe…

ESWO would like to thank all guests, sponsors and donors who helped us make Ghouling Pianos a success! This was ESWO’s third annual dueling pianos event, and was held this past Friday, November 2, 2018 with a Halloween theme at…

ESWO would like to thank Phil and the Ride for Epilepsy for their generous contribution. This year’s third party event was a great success, raising a total of $4,455 in support of our Wacky Wednesday and Game On programs, allowing…

Purdys Chocolatier fundraising program for the holidays. Help support ESWO during this holiday season by purchasing some very sweet stocking stuffers, teacher gifts or treats for yourself with 25% of proceeds being donated back to public education programming. View Purdy's…

On behalf of all the staff, volunteers, Board Members and clients at ESWO, we would like to extend a heart-felt thank everyone for their contributions and continued support to our 5th Annual Seize the Day Event!On September 30, 2018 together,…

Renewed Computer Technology (RCT) is a not-for-profit, charitable organization that empowers learners, educators and not-for-profit organizations with access to affordable, renewed computers to help meet education and career goals. Working with the Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario we are offering the following packages. You…

On behalf of Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario, we would like to thank you all for your generous support and constant commitment to our children’s summer camp, known as Wacky Wednesdays. Without your time and assistance – this program would not be…

On behalf of Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario, we would like to personally thank everyone for their contributions to our 2nd Annual Seize the Day Event in Windsor Essex. Together, approximately 160 participants raised over $20,000.00 towards ESWO’s support and education programs in Windsor…

Join ESWO at Sarnia Lambton's Family Fun Day on Saturday, August 25th, 2018 from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the Waterfront Park in Point Edward, Ontario. Join us for some fun in the sun at the splash pad. Please…

View our most recent Spikes and Waves Newsletter here. If you did not receive the newsletter and would like to, please connect with [email protected]

Join us for our Epilepsy Information Night hosted by Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario and UCB Canada Inc. For people living with epilepsy and their families Learn the basics of epilepsy and how to live well with seizures. Date: September 24, 2018 Time: 5:00…

Join us for our Annual General Meeting and Summer BBQ for 2018 on Wednesday, August 22, 2018 at Graham Family Eco-Park. 4:00 pm – Social, including games and crafts 5:00 pm – BBQ 6:00 pm – Business Meeting Please RSVP…

Join us Saturday, September 15th, 2018 at the Ride for Epilepsy at Pyramid Recreation Centre in St. Marys, ON from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. All proceeds will benefit Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario. There will be a bouncy castle, face painting, static emergency service vehicle display, Stratford police…

Join us for our Epilepsy Information Night hosted by Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario and UCB Canada Inc. For people living with epilepsy and their families. Learn the basics of epilepsy and how to live well with seizures. Date: September 18, 2018 Time: 5:00…

Congratulations to: July 1 – Susan Pushelberg July 2 – Murray Jones July 3 – Sharon Muscutt July 4 – Brenda Ann Vale July 5 – Jarett Renning July 6 – Marsha Haggarty July 7 – Mary Ann Ross July…

This safe and inclusive summer camp is available for children ages 4-12 with epilepsy, and their siblings. Wacky Wednesday is a place where children can participate in a variety of physical activities, arts and crafts, educational field trips and make…

View our most recent Spikes and Waves Newsletter here. If you did not receive the newsletter and would like to, please connect with  [email protected]  

On Sunday September 16, 2018 at 10:30am, Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario will host our Second Annual Seize the Day 5k Run / 2.5k Walk in Windsor!The event will take place at Vollmer Culture and Recreation Complex (2121 Laurier Pkwy, Windsor, ON) to…

On Your Marks…Get Set…Go: 5th Annual Seize the Day Event Takes on Epilepsy! On Sunday, September 30, 2018, Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario will host its 5th Annual Seize the Day 5k Run / 2.5k Walk in London at our new location, Graham Family…

Welcome Melissa to our team! She is our new Multimedia Designer and will be working out of London office full time. Melissa graduated with an Integrated Three Year Bachelor of Arts Degree in Media Information and Technoculture from Western University…

Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario is seeking three students to fill summer student positions in the London office. Positions available include: Graphic Artist, Project Management Assistant and Summer Camp Manager. Applications are due Friday, May 18, 2018 by 4:00pm. Summer Student positions…

Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario would like to thank all thank all guests, sponsors, donors and volunteers who participated in our Game Show Gala! We are sincerely overwhelmed with the continued success of the gala, all of which would not be possible without…

Thank you to our community members, local businesses and schools who got involved in raising awareness about epilepsy, seizures and seizure first aid in as many ways as possible. Once again, many took the time to get involved and we…

Thank you to the Haggarty's and Beat the Blues for raising $2,500 for our organization and helping raise awareness about epilepsy. We are very grateful for your continued support. The third party event Beat the Blues was held on Saturday,…

London – On Saturday, March 3rd, Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario (ESWO) welcomed members of the public to its Epilepsy Information Day Conference. Local MPPs Deb Matthews and Teresa Armstrong were on hand to congratulate ESWO and hear more about how its new…

View our most recent Spikes and Waves Newsletter here. If you did not receive the newsletter and would like to, please connect with  [email protected]

Please welcome our new Epilepsy Educators! Deanna Henry Deanna is our new Educator in Sarnia. She completed her B.Ed. from Nipissing University in 2007 and a B.Sc. in Health Science and Psychology Minor at Brock University in 2006 and since then…

Registration is open! Join us for this one-day conference featuring a number of relevant topics pertaining to living well with epilepsy and seizure disorders. The day will include a number of guest speakers and information sessions. $25 per person, includes…

March is national Epilepsy Awareness Month! We encourage our community members to get involved in raising awareness about epilepsy, seizures and seizure first aid in as many ways as possible. Get involved and find out more information.

Join our team! ESWO is currently seeking to fill two Epilepsy Educator positions. We are seeking a casual Epilepsy Educator to work in Windsor/Essex County for a 4 month contract and a part time (21 hours/week) Epilepsy Educator to work…

Game On is designed to support children with neurological conditions who may be reluctant to participate in physical activities and sports. We work with families to provide barrier-free recreational programming for all participants. The program is designed to be fun,…

The Board of Directors and staff team at Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario would like to wish you and your family a warm and happy holiday and all the best for the upcoming New Year. View our Holiday E-blast here.

We need your votes!! Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario is 1 out of 5 finalists to win the Windsor Corporate Challenge Donation Fund! This fund annually disburses over $100,000.00 to non-profit charitable programs and projects in Windsor-Essex County.   This incredible fund…

On behalf of Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario, we would like to personally thank everyone for their contributions to our 1st Seize the Day Event in Windsor-Essex. Together, approximately 250 participants raised over $28,500.00 towards ESWO’s support and education programs in Windsor-Essex, and with…

View the fall edition of our Spikes and Waves Newsletter here. If you did not receive the newsletter and would like to, please connect with  [email protected]

Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario is excited to announce that The ROOTS Community Fund has donated $8,000 to assist in the purchase of equipment for their new Youth Engagement Program (YEP!). The new program is designed to help youth with epilepsy build…

YEP! Thanks to the Ontario Trillium Foundation, we are pleased to launch a new and exciting engagement program for youth aged 12-18 living with epilepsy or seizure disorders. Once a week for 6 weeks, youth will come together to build…

The wait is finally over.. we've found a new location for our office. We will be staying at our current office space until April, but following that you can find us at 797 York St. London. Please follow our social…

Be sure to register early for our upcoming Game On sessions. Game On is designed to support children with neurological conditions who may be reluctant to participate in physical activities and sports. We work with families to provide barrier-free recreational…

View our most recent Spikes and Waves Newsletter here. If you did not receive the newsletter and would like to, please connect with [email protected]

Please welcome our new Client Service Manager, Nicola. You may have met her previously as her involvement with ESWO began while completing a 500-hour Social Service Work student placement. As the new Client Services Manager, she strives to create a…