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Attention Dayton Area Golfers!
If you are looking for a great excuse to get out and hit the links, consider playing in the 2008 Epilepsy Foundation of Western Ohio Golf Scramble.

The event will be held on Monday September 29th, 2008 at Heatherwoode Golf Club in Springboro, Ohio.  Things get started at 11:30 and the fun lasts all day long.

Not a golfer, but still want to get involved?  The EFWO is also seeking volunteers to help run the event and there are still opportunities available for business sponsorships.  If you are interested, please contact the Epilepsy Foundation of Western Ohio.

Here is a quick run-down of the day’s events:

Schedule of events
11:30 Registration and Practice
1:00 Shotgun Start to Scramble
6:00 Dinner & Speaker
6:30 Awards Ceremony
First, Second & Third Place

The Epilepsy Foundation of Western Ohio was founded in 1974 as a not-for-profit voluntary health organization that provides education, support, and advocacy for people with seizure disorders and their families. The Foundation also promotes understanding of epilepsy through educational programs offered in the community to schools, organizations, professional audiences, first responders, businesses, government, and the general public.

By supporting the Golf Scramble for Epilepsy, you will assist the Foundation in providing vital services and programs for residents from 11 western Ohio counties, which include Auglaize, Champaign, Clark, Darke, Greene, Logan, Mercer, Miami, Montgomery, Preble, and Shelby. With your sponsorship and participation, the Foundations can continue to offer its services to persons with epilepsy free of charge.

For more information, email the Epilepsy Foundation or download the event flyer.

Living With Epilepsy

The September 2008 issue of Parents Magazine has a great article about a Massachusetts family and how they dealt with their son’s epilepsy.  (Unfortunately it was not posted on their web site, and did not turn up in numerous web searches.  Should you find a link please let me know)

The story centers around a young boy named Michael, who suffered from 2 types of seizures that sound very similar to those that my son experiences.  The similarities between the descriptions their lives to our day to day reality was striking.  Michael’s parents spoke about how their child suffered through hundreds of seuzures a day, and how they “got used to living in crisis mode.”

I don’t want to paint this as a negative story, as it was actually quite informative and inspiring.  As parents of a child with epilepsy, we are often asked what our family life is like.  This article really sheds light into much of what life is like for us, and I imagine what life must be like for many other families who have a child suffering through epilepsy.

Their story has a happy ending, as their son Michael has now been seizure free for some time thanks to the right medications, early detection, and a lot of luck.  I am thrilled for Michael and his family.  I imagine that having Michael seizure free must be a wonderful feeling - one I hope we might experience someday.  Reading this article helped to further that hope.

One thing that we definately share with Michael’s family is this.  Our experience, like theirs, has taught us not to sweat the small stuff in life any more.

The article also features the following facts about Epilepsy: (Taken from the Parents article)

• The Brain is made up of 100 Billion nerve cells, which communicate with each other and the rest of the body.
• A seizure is triggered by abnormal electrical activity that causes a change in sensation, movement, behavior or consciousness.
• Doctors diagnose epilepsy after a child has two or more unprovoked seizures, which means that they aren’t caused by something external, such as a fever.
• Epilepsy is actually an umbrella term covering many diseases and syndromes.
• Epilepsy affects about 3 million people in the United States, and 45,000 children are diagnosed with epilepsy each year.
• There are 30 types of seizures, which can last from a few seconds to two minutes or longer.  In rare cases, they can be fatal.
• Drugs, surgery, or a special high fat / low-carb diet are effective in about 80% of cases.  Kids may be good candidates for surgery if their seuzures - unlike Michael’s - can’t be controlled with medication and are caused in a specific area of the brain.

If you would like to learn more about epilepsy or need help dealing with epilepsy, please visit the Epilepsy Foundation of Western Ohio at www.ohioepilepsy.org

The Epilepsy Foundation is always looking for volunteers.   If you would like to join in the fight against epilepsy, please visit the volunteer page of the EFWO site.

Voices: Episode 5 - Kate Early

In this episode I sit down for a chat with fellow board member and chair of the Epilepsy Foundation of Western Ohio, Kate Early. Kate is a dynamic leader, an active member of the Dayton community, and oh… by the way… she is also a practicing attorney with Dayton based law firm Sebaly, Shillito and Dyer.  Kate is a native of Beavercreek, and a member of the Dayton Creative Class initiative.

Listen in as we discuss some of the legal implications of emerging technology, especially as it pertains to marketing.  We also talk at length about the Epilepsy Foundation of Western Ohio, the upcoming mud volleyball event, the need for volunteers, committee, and board members, and other topics.

Thanks to Kate for taking the time to chat.

Podcast: VOICES

Mud

Thanks to the Dayton Business Journal for the wonderful article they wrote about the Epilepsy Foundation of Western Ohio’s Mudstock 08 Mud Volleyball Tournament.  Like every non profit, we don’t have much budget for advertising - so free publicity is really appreciated.  So again… THANK YOU!  

As is stated in the article, we are anticipating a record turnout this year, and spots are going fast.  If you plan on playing, make sure to get your team together now.  The event is an all day party, filled with fun beyond muddy volleyball players.  There are bands and spectators, food and fun for all.  Even if you don’t want to play, consider coming out to watch and enjoy the experience of it all.  We also need volunteers to help with parking, making mud, and keeping the day on track.  

If you are interested in playing, attending, or volunteering check out www.daytonmud.com - which was put together by Jon Brooks and the crew at Hafenbrack Marketing. (Thanks guys)  I hope you will be able to attend.

This event funds many of the programs put on by the EFWO throughout the year, so know that just by showing up you are helping thousands of people across the Miami Valley who need help dealing with Epilepsy.  Mudstock is the perfect way to have fun and help the community all at once.  Join the fun, and get involved today.

For more information on the Epilepsy Foundation of Western Ohio, visit www.ohioepilepsy.org

http://dayton.bizjournals.com/dayton/stories/2008/06/02/daily18.html?surround=lfn

I Saw You… Walking In the Rain…

Nope, I am not posting about Oran Juice Jones and his classic hit referenced in the title of this post. I am talking about the Epilepsy Foundation of Western Ohio fund raising event that was held last weekend at Delco park in Kettering, Ohio. It was a very rainy Saturday, and still 75 people turned out to show support and raise money for the Epilepsy Foundation.  The event raised almost $6,000 for the Epilepsy Foundation of Western Ohio.

At the event I got to hear the amazing story of Xander Tipton, a young boy who was diagnosed with seizures in 2005.  With the help of the Epilepsy Foundation he is now seizure free and off of medicine.  His story is amazing and inspiring to anyone touched by epilepsy.  His family spoke about the key role that Janine Poppa and the EFWO played in getting them the resources they needed to help Xander.  Their story is wonderful, and indicative of the great work that this organization does.

My family got the distinct honor of leading the walk which circled the park. Although it was cold, wet, and not a very picturesque day to walk, we were delighted to be out in the elements showing our commitment to the wonderful work of this organization.

I want to thank everyone who turned out for the event, those who made online donations, and those who continue to support the EFWO with their time and financial contributions. You are making a real difference in the lives of people dealing with Epilepsy.

Next up… Mud Volleyball ( more on that later this week.)  If it rains like this for that event, mud will not be a problem.

Thank You Meredith!

This week I received a very touching letter, and I wanted to publicly acknowledge and thank the sender- Meredith. She is the daughter of one of my wife’s dearest friends, and she sent us a very nice note along with a check in support of the Epilepsy Foundation of Western Ohio. What makes this really special is that Meredith lives half way across the country and is only in the third grade. She came up with the idea on her own, and she raised all of the money herself.

Meredith, you are quite a remarkable girl. My family and countless other families whom you have helped through your kindness, initiative, and generosity, truly appreciate your contribution to the Epilepsy Foundation. I am honored to know you. Thank you for reminding me of the goodness of which humanity is capable. Your selfless act inspires and amazes me.

PancakesPancakes, SuccessSuccess, ThanksThanks

Last Saturday, March 22nd, the Epilepsy Foundation of Western Ohio put on a pancake breakfast fund raising event. It was a huge success. I was very moved by the outpouring of support I received from family, friends, and colleagues who attended, donated, and supported this. Over 170 people sacrificed their free time and hard earned money to come to F&S Harley Davidson in Dayton on a Saturday morning to eat pancakes and support the Epilepsy Foundation. Some came from as far as Kentucky, Columbus, and even Toledo. The event went off without a hitch, due to the efforts of an army of volunteers - all working together to make the day successful. We had numerous organizations donated items for raffle, supplies for the event, and cash for the cause. Kevin Tibbs, from Boston Stoker, was on sight managing the coffee he donated. Jeff Stolzenburg was there at 6:30am to let us in to set up. Travis Brewer led a jeans day at Liberty Savings Bank that raised almost $700. He and his wife Corin, also captured the day in photos, which I will soon place on the web as well. They also donated an event package from their own business, Brewer’s Memory Makers. Local photographer, Jim Crotty, donated a beautiful print for raffle. Molly Mahoney rallied her fellow teachers and students at HV Bear Elementary in Miamisburg leading to several hundred dollars in donations and countless other contributions to the event. She also went out and solicited donations from Kroger, Verizon, MaryKay, Dr. Downer, and Longaberger. Yvonne Reese, my friend and neighbor, picked up donations from SquareOne, Kettering Medical Massage, and Innovative Interchange. She also brought her family, her sisters, and their families to join in the fun. Jon Brooks, from Hafenbrack Marketing, not only designed the flyer for the event, he and his youngest son Jake joined us for pancakes too. Phil Thorn from Full Tilt Interactive donated money to the cause, and David Esrati, owner of The Next Wave, was kind enough to donate the hosting for PancakesPancakes.com. The Springdale Lions club assisted by donating food items and supplies for the event. F&S Harley provided us with an amazing location for the event. Most of the employees came back and joined us for pancakes. Best of all, they held the Easter Egg hunt right in the middle of the showroom floor. Fortunately, no motorcycles were harmed in the making of this fund raiser. I had a vision of motorcycles falling like dominoes, and liquidating the whole day in the process. Thankfully, all went well with the Egg Hunt and all went even better with the event as a whole. In total we raised almost $4,000, all while enjoying the company of friends old and new. I can not overstate how much it means to me to know that there are people out there who care, and I am lucky enough to know a lot of them. Think that people can’t change the world? I know 170 pancake eaters who might argue otherwise. Thanks again to all who contributed. My family and I are truly blessed to know so many who care so much. Considering we pulled this together in a few weeks, I am very optimistic about what we can do next year. Thanks.

PancakesPancakes.com

Help Me Change the Outcome!

This is a lengthy post, but an important one. I ask that you please read it in its entirety.

Recently, I joined the board of the Western Ohio Epilepsy Foundation. I attended by first board meeting two weeks ago. At that meeting, I learned that:

1. The Foundation is short on cash, and facing a potential budget crisis.
2. I am the new marketing chair.
3. I need to come up with a way to help raise several thousand dollars to keep the foundation afloat.

This foundation is an amazing organization. It helps to serve the needs of individuals and families trying to deal with Epilepsy. The EFWO helps people who people with epilepsy, many of whom live below the poverty line, to get information, medication, and medical care. The group defends the rights of those with epilepsy, and works toward the goal of “not another moment” lost to seizures.

Why did I choose to get involved with this organization? My infant son was diagnosed with epilepsy last year. Watching him fight through seizure after seizure has inspired me to take action. Let me tell you, when your kid is having as many as 50 seizures a day, you have to do something. So, know that I am not doing this to “pad my resume”, or to “further my network.” This is a personal crusade. Not only do I hope to make his life better, but I hope that by getting involved in the fight against epilepsy, that I can make life different for other families, other children, other parents, and for anyone afflicted with epilepsy. We spend a lot of time working with the amazing people in the Neurology Department at Cincinnati Children’s . I mention this because they have a mantra that I love. “Change the Outcome.” I now share that goal.

So, I turn to you and ask for help. How? I need you to talk, email, and eat pancakes. Let me elaborate…

First, I need help spreading the word about an event we are putting together on the morning of March 22nd. The event is a Pancake Breakfast. Here are the details:

WHAT: Pancake Breakfast and Easter Egg Hunt
WHERE: F&S Harley Davidson. 7220 North Dixie Drive, Dayton, Ohio 45414.
WHEN: Saturday, March 22nd, 2008 8:00AM - 11:00AM
HOW MUCH: $6.00 for Adults / $4.00 for kids under 12
WHAT ELSE: There will be Pancakes, Sausage, Milk, OJ, Coffee, Prizes Raffled, A 50/50 Drawing, an Easter Egg Hunt and more.

S0… Please come. Please forward a link to this page to others, and ask them to come. (Let me know you are coming if you like by filling out the contact form on this site). If you write a blog, please link to this post, or compose your own post telling others about the cause. Please help me change the outcome.

If you own a business and would like to donate to the event please let me know or contact the foundation directly at 937-233-2500. We are in need of food donations for the breakfast as well as items for the raffle and the Easter egg hunt. We are pulling this together quickly, so no formal marketing materials have been developed - quite frankly we could not afford them anyway. Although, what better medium could there be than a weblog? A real blog, by a real person, who is really involved in the cause.

Finally, if you are looking to make a difference in the world, I ask that you consider joining me. As the newly appointed chair of the Marketing Committee, a committee that does not go far beyond me, I am looking for energetic, creative, passionate people who believe they can change the world. I know I do. Help me make a difference. More importantly, help change the outcome of someone who has epilepsy. I don’t care if you are not a marketer, I need people who want to help - regardless of background. I need people to serve on the marketing committee. I need people to help solicit donations. I need people help run and plan events. Help me change the outcome… and the world.

Thank you,
David E. Bowman

UPDATE:

The event now has its own web site. Visit http://www.PancakesPancakes.com

You can RSVP, get all the event info, volunteer your help, donate items for raffle, and donate money directly to the Epilepsy Foundation of Western Ohio. Check it out, and thanks again for your continued support.