Events & News

In 2009, the Northeast Regional Epilepsy Group gave out 9 summer camp scholarships to children and teens who wanted very much to enjoy their summer among peers, learn new physical and social skills, and just wanted to have some fun!  One Master’s level student was also granted a scholarship to assist him in his tuition as he works towards a teaching degree. Below are their comments:
 
$250.00 Summer Camp Scholarship Winners
 
O.M. 18-years-old                                                                           
Camp Warwick (Camp Sunrise)
“Thank you so much for helping to make our daughter’s summer camp possible!  Camp Warwick helped her become more independent and gain more appropriate social skills and just have a lot of fun like all kids get to do at camp!” Donna  (MOM)

Application: “I would like to go to camp so bad because I can get away from my mom and dad and sister and to do fun stuff and hang out with my friends and listen to music and talk and to swim in the pool.  At Camp Warwick I hope to make new friends this year.  I also hope to see the friends I made last year.  I take care of myself and shower on my own.  At camp I like to do skits.  I like when the counselors who are my friends to do my hair and paint my finger nails and toe nails and I also like to play with the counselors hair and I can’t wait to go to camp because it’s so much fun to get away out of my house for a week.  I love camp so much.                                    
 
Dear N.R.E.G.,
Thank you for giving me a scholarship so I could go to camp sunrise this summer.  I made a lot of new friends at camp.  The counselors, Suzy, Jillian, Deanna, Nicole, were so much fun to hang out with at camp sunrise.  At camp I got to swim in the pool, I went bowling with camp.  I hung out with my friends and talked to them and we did each other’s hair.  We had a talent show and I pretended to be my counselor and she pretended to be me and we also had a dance.  I can’t wait to go back next summer to see all my friends again.
 
K.S. 7-years-old
Shooting Stars Gymnastics
“Thank you very much for helping to let our son enjoy the gym program.  He has had a great time.” Jose  (DAD)
 
J.M. 8-years-old
Rainbow Summer Camp (The ARC)
“Our son enjoys the lake and all kinds of recreation that the Rainbow Summer Camp offers to him.” Marisol (MOM)
 
T.Z. 11 ½-years-old
Local recreation program
“I would like her to learn from other kids with epilepsy and to know how to deal with it.” Sheila (MOM)

M.M. 11-years-old
Local Day Camp            
“I would like to send my daughter, to this summer camp for 2009 because we have struggled the last couple of years with where to send her because of her frequent seizures and our uneasiness with the resources available to care for her should she have a seizure during camp hours.
She is becoming increasingly uncomfortable with having seizures in front of her peers, which happens frequently during the school year.  She has not come in contact with anyone else who has the same issues as she does and I think it would be wonderful for her to meet others who are experiencing the same difficulties that she continues to go through each day.” Gina(MOM)
 
D.S. 16-years-old
Mt. Vernon Summer Recreation Program
“He wants to go!” Maria (MOM)
 
B.V. 14-years-old
Paterson Recreation Program
“Our son likes to be around people, animals, riding horses and golfing, swimming.  He wishes he could learn to do better.  It would greatly be appreciated if he can receive help for camp.  Thank you.” Laura (MOM)
 
A.V. 12-years-old
Port Chester Rec
“I would like my child to participate in summer camp because he would be taking part in the process of reincorporating himself to school due to my child undergoing two surgeries on the same day.  He is currently receiving therapy.  I would like him to get involved in activities, classes, etc away from home so that he can develop physically and emotionally.  The activities that he enjoys are the following: Drawing, painting, soccer, reading, and basketball.  He would only be able to participate in the afternoons, as this is the only time that he is available. Thank you for your help.” Lisa (MOM)
 
A.C. 10-years old
Clifton Boys & Girls Club
“My daughter is 9 years old.  She is currently in 2nd grade.  She missed 1 year of school because she had a brain surgery on September through December 2007 and 2008.  She was in Neuro-Rehabilitation program and she’s doing Physical and Occupational Therapy but she need aqua therapy, meaning swimming lessons, through the summer so she can get strong in her left side.  She is a very happy girl.  She loves to swim, but she needs help all the time.” Kim (MOM)
                           
$1,000.00 College Scholarship Winner
 
D.B.
XXX State College
Disability has been a hard road to travel, yet I still managed to set goals and high expectations for my life and career.  I am currently enrolled in the Masters in Arts and Teaching Program at XXX State College.  I have completed my first semester and will receive temporary teaching certification before September 09.  I have two years remaining before I graduate with my master’s degree.  I truly appreciate the scholarship the NER Epilepsy Group has granted me during these trying economic times.  Thank you for your kind support. Sincerely Yours, D.B.