Hebron to host Stomp! out Epilepsy and SUDEP 2016
The Chelsea Hutchison Foundation (CHF) is a Colorado non-profit corporation formed by Julie and Doug Hutchison to provide help and support to individuals, particularly children and young adults, who have epilepsy. When you support CHF, you make a big difference in the lives of those who struggle with seizures and epilepsy. We are a very grass roots, volunteer-based Foundation that is committed to getting relief right into the hands of those who need it. We aren’t big, but we are mighty and determined. The main focus is to raise funds to provide grants for seizure-response dogs. These trained companion dogs may be able to detect an oncoming seizure and provide warnings and/or respond after the onset of a seizure. The Foundation also provides Emfit, SmartWatch and SAMiAlert movement monitors for those in need. To date we have granted 84 seizure response dogs and over 380 monitors. The Chelsea Hutchison Foundation is named for Julie and Doug’s beloved daughter, Chelsea, who died in her sleep during a seizure in April of 2009. SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy) was the cause of her death. During the 6 years that Chelsea had seizures, no one ever told the Hutchisons a seizure could take her life, other than through an accidental fall or drowning. As a result of that omission, the Chelsea Hutchison Foundation informs those living with epilepsy of the risks and raises awareness of SUDEP so that no other families are blind-sided. The Foundation began STOMP out Epilepsy and SUDEP Awareness Walk in Colorado in 2010 on a mission to raise public awareness that seizures are serious and not to be taken lightly. The walk continues to grow each year, and was hosted in 9 states last year. STOMP! out Epilepsy and SUDEP 2016 will be hosted in Hebron, NE Sunday, September 11th 2016, at the Hebron Fire Hall. This walk is the only national SUDEP awareness walk that exists! It is a family fun afternoon including a 1 mile or 5K, music, silent auction, bounce house, yoga provided by Rise Up Yoga and Fitness, carnival games, and a service dog demonstration provided by Domesti-Pups. Domesti-Pups is an non profit organization based out of Lincoln. Their mission is to improve the quality of life for persons with special needs through the assistance of animals, and to promote awareness through education. The Domesti-PUPS Service-PUPS program is based on Assistance Dogs International service dog standards (ADI is an international organization that provides minimum standard for training service & therapy dogs) to help disabled individuals gain the independence they so greatly deserve. These dogs are taught to pick up dropped items from the floor, open doors, turn on light switches, provide balance, pull wheelchairs, and can even be taught to sort laundry! These special canines are taught anywhere from 30-90 commands over a two-year period before being placed with their future life partner. Clients of our Service-PUPS program attend a 12-day training camp in Lincoln, NE. Service dogs assist persons with a variety of disabilities including but not limited to: spinal cord and head injuries, muscular dystrophy, post-polio syndrome, arthritis, seizure disorders, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and chronic pain disorders. Domestipups also has a Therapy Dog Program that includes Reading PUPS, Edu-PUPS, Petting PUPS, Praising PUPS and PUPS teach-us. Come meet and learn with Domesti Pups at STOMP! Plan on sticking around after the walk, there will be a pulled pork dinner for purchase. By supporting STOMP! You can help us help families living with Epilepsy. Living with Epilepsy can be challenging even for those with the mildest cases. Simply having access to all the possibilities and challenges that come along with epilepsy can provide comfort and save lives. In addition to the practical resources like seizure response dogs and monitoring equipment, Chelsea Hutchinson Foundation provides information, resources and support to individuals living with epilepsy that will empower them to take full charge of their health and lives. Because epilepsy is so common – 1 in 26 Americans will be diagnosed at some point in their lives – and because SUDEP is the leading cause of death among those living with epilepsy, no community goes untouched. Vital
information reguarding epilepsy and SUDEP empowers those living with epilepsy and educates the rest of us, resulting in a cohesive, thriving community that cares for the basic needs of its members. STOMP! Out Epilepsy and SUDEP in Nebraska is being hosted by Quenton and Shelly Pulliam of Hebron, with the help of their family and friends. Shelly is an Ambassador for the Chelsea Hutchison Foundation, they participate and represent the foundation in many Epilepsy Awareness events across the midwest. The Pulliams were grant recipient for a SAMiAlert Movement Monitor from Chelsea Hutchison Foundation for their daughter, who was diagnosed with Epilepsy at age 7. This will be the second STOMP! Out Epilepsy and SUDEP Walk they have hosted in Hebron. Last years walk brought 140 walkers and raised over $4000. Lets come together and beat that this year! To register for STOMP! Visit www.chelseasSTOMP.org click on Nebraska STOMP! Out Epilepsy and then click register now! Register by August 15th for discounted price and guarantee to receive a t-shirt. Registration is open until walk day. For more information about the foundations visit www.chelseahutchisonfoundation.com www.domestipups.com
