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2009 Flame of Hope Award Winners
Heidi Byrne: Advocacy Award
Given annually to a tireless advocate that provides exceptional care, Heidi Byrne of Hastings is a wonderfully compassionate and dedicated nurse lovingly known as “Grandma.” She has given years of dedication to our Camp Discovery as a volunteer medical staffer and as a mentor to other volunteer medical staff. “Her role is incredibly important,” said Arlene Gorelick, President of the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan, “and the Foundation is fortunate to have her.”
Tammy Clinger: Service Award
The Service award is given to an individual who is an inspiration to others with a connection to epilepsy, as well as a valuable resource, and friend to the Foundation. Tammy Clinger of Battle Creek, the mother of a child with epilepsy, passionately advocates lawmakers to stop pharmacies from switching anti-epileptic medication without the prior notification and consent of the doctor and patient. Her fundraising efforts have generated over $13,000 for our Summer Stroll’s over the past three summers. “She is an inspiration to all of us,” said Gerald Johnson of Ada, the Chairman of the Board for the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan. “We look forward to the energy and commitment she’ll bring to our Board of Directors later this year.”
Dillon’s Video Production: Community Leadership Award
The Flame of Hope Community Leadership Award is given to an individual or an organization that has taken a leading role to further our mission of “empowering people with epilepsy to live productive lives.” Dillon’s Video Productions of Kalamazoo have completed 10 projects to educate and inspire people with epilepsy and their families. “Their in-kind donations exceed more than $13,000 but the results are priceless,” said Gorelick.
Dr. Iqbal Allarakhia: Advocacy Award
Given annually to an individual in the medical community who embraces his or her role as an advocate for patient needs, Dr. Allarakhia of Troy, provides compassionate care to children with epilepsy. Recognized by his peers as one of Detroit’s top neurologists, Dr. Allarakhia donates a tremendous amount of time educating people and families about epilepsy. Dr. Allarakhia is also involved in the Foundation’s Camp Discovery program where children with epilepsy attend a 5-day, 4-night camp with other children and grow through a variety of social and recreational activities.
Alysse Mengason: Service Award
The Service award is given to an individual who is an inspiration to others with a connection to epilepsy, as well as a valuable resource, and friend to the Foundation. Alysse Mengason of Birmingham is a former television news anchor, an excellent writer, an accomplished public speaker and a young mother with epilepsy. Ms. Mengason has made epilepsy education her public crusade. She shares the challenges and blessings it has brought to her life. Although she’s had to make significant sacrifices associated with having epilepsy she’s an example of a passionate woman determined to change the world for the benefit of others.
Detroit Free Press Summer Dreams: Community Leadership Award
The Community Leadership Award is given to an individual or an organization that has been instrumental in taking a leading role in helping further our mission of “empowering people with epilepsy to live productive lives.” The financial support from the Detroit Free Press Summer Dreams program has made it possible for hundreds of children with epilepsy to experience Camp Discovery over the past four years.
Terrific Teens
 Megan Layton of Taylor is 14 years old, an active member in band, has tried out for track and soccer and looks forward to drivers training. Her mother describes her as a regular teenager with regular teenage drama. Although Megan has been seizure free for about 5 years, she continues to fight the stigma attached to it by talking about it with friends and people at school.
 Jimmy Pugsley of Ypsilanti is 17 years old and he doesn’t feel different because he has epilepsy. He has challenging days but he has done more than he thought he could. Jimmy credits his confidence and believes, “you can do anything as long as you put your mind to it.” This past spring, Jimmy and his mother raised awareness about epilepsy by sharing their story in the Foundation’s Newsletter.
 Susan Wagner is a dynamic 17 year old from Warren with a brown belt in jujitsu. Outgoing and active, she loves the outdoors and helping younger kids at Camp Discovery to kayak, canoe, and archery. She is active with the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan and participates in many events and activities. Susan talks about her seizures at school with her classmates to raise awareness among her friends.
“Our Flame of Hope honorees for 2009 have made a real difference in their communities. I especially want to recognize Megan Layton, James Pugsley, and Susan Wagner,” said Arlene Gorelick, President of the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan. “They are shining examples of how teens with epilepsy can have a big impact in their community in spite of their daily challenges.”
“Megan, James and Susan have not let epilepsy hold them back from enjoying life and being active teenagers. Their strength and character provide a flame of hope for other teens with epilepsy,” said Gorelick.
 Brad Arkesteyn is 14 has cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and a black belt in karate. He admits he gets frustrated at times but credits the discipline he’s learned from karate for his positive outlook on life. Despite his daily challenges, he maintains a can do attitude and strives to find the silver lining in any dark cloud. He chooses to live his life to its fullest.
"I practice my karate, laugh with my friends, tell jokes and have fun" he says. Instead of feeling discouraged, Brad has done an exemplary job showing us that living with challenges and overcoming them only makes you stronger. We look forward to watching Brad continue to excel in karate and seeing that great smile of accomplishment and satisfaction on his face.
His attitude and spirit serve him well and provide a lesson learned. It’s up to us to determine our outlook on life regardless of our challenges. The Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan is proud to honor Brad Arkesteyn for his positive attitude, his fortitude and his strength of character.
 Taylor Sytsma is an active 14 year old teenager who is busier than most of us and doesn’t let her epilepsy slow her down. In fact, her middle school principal said that because of Taylor, he now has a more complete understanding about people with epilepsy.
Taylor is a great example of how many people with epilepsy choose to live their lives. Taylor loves to play basketball, is the lead singer in her church band, volunteers as a youth soccer coach, and serves the needy and homeless in Grand Rapids through Degage. She also excels in her honor classes.
"I try my hardest to remain a normal girl," she said, “and take challenges as they come. All of us have challenges in our lives. If we allowed each other to see the challenges we face, we could work together to overcome them.”
“Brad and Taylor have not let epilepsy hold them back from enjoying life and being active teenagers. Their strength and character provide a flame of hope for other teens with epilepsy,” said Gorelick. The Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan honors Brad Arkesteyn and Taylor Sytsma, two Terrific Teens who are role models and positive influences on young people with epilepsy.
Winning Kids
“Our 2009 Winning Kids light the Flame of Hope in honor of all people in Michigan living with epilepsy. I especially want to recognize Jillian Youker of Holland, Alex Berry of Hudsonville, and John Brooks, Jr. of Cheboygan, said Arlene Gorelick, President of the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan.
 Jillian Youker, of Holland, is 11 years old and is candid about her epilepsy. She has even presented the truths about her living with epilepsy to classmates. To create awareness in her community, Jillian was featured in a local newspaper article and was also interviewed for an online news story. A 2009 Winning Kid, Jillian hopes to raise money for research with her “Jewels by Jillian,” a series of beaded bracelets that she makes herself and sells for $3 each.
 Alex Beery is an independent 12 year old girl from Hudsonville. Diagnosed with epilepsy at 18 months, she has to work a little harder at things than some of us but that doesn’t stop her from reaching her goals. For example, Alex has also been the top fundraiser at the Summer Stroll for Epilepsy for many years, and she continues to be involved with the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan as a Camp Discovery camper. In 2009, Alex has become recognized as a Winning Kid by spreading awareness about her epilepsy experiences with people she trusts.
 John Brooks, Jr., from Cheboygan, is 7 years old and has severe epileptic seizures. This has left John with severe challenges and delays. He works hard every day on his speech therapy and physical activities. Despite these adversities, John is a role model for young people with epilepsy. In 2009, the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan has recognized John as a Winning Kid for his strength, perseverance, and ability to remain positive.
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