Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

Epilepsy within the Akwesasne Community is more common than we realize. As well, within the United States 1 in 26 people will develop epilepsy over a lifetime. Epilepsy does not discriminate and it can affect anyone at any time during their life. Epilepsy is a neurological condition which affects the nervous system. A person who has had at least two seizures that were not caused by some known medical condition is diagnosed with epilepsy. Seizures are caused by disturbances in the electrical activity of the brain. Six out of 10 people don't know the cause of their seizures. As of right now modern medicine has no treatment for those who suffer from epilepsy. The only recommendation a doctor can make is to live a healthy lifestyle. Carrie Jacobs and her son Carson created the Akwesasne Epilepsy Support Group as a way to bring about awareness within Akwesasne and the surrounding community.

"People with epilepsy & their caregivers need to know they're not alone!" is written on the Akwesasne Epilepsy Support Group's Facebook page. Since their inauguration in 2013, the group has hosted many fundraising events such as shuffleboard tournaments, bake sales and benefit hockey tournaments. Most recently, Wilson Bickford, a famous North Country painter, hosted a painting class to help raise money for the group. The event encouraged people to come out and explore their creative side while helping a great cause. This fundraiser class was held Wednesday, March 30 at The Grand Mohawk Inn. The event was held right around Purple Day, or International Epilepsy Day, which was March 26, 2016.

Wilson Bickford is a North Country resident, artist and art educator. He is well-known for teaching art classes in the North Country community. Bickford decided to team up with the Akwesasne Epilepsy Support Group to host a painting class for interested people in Akwesasne and the surrounding North Country. He is also known for the program, "Painting with Wilson Bickford" on WPBS TV's broadcast station. Most times his wife takes photographs of the beautiful natural Adirondack scenery and then he paints those images, while educating viewers and students. For Wilson Bickford, painting is his main passion and he shares his talent with everyone he teaches. On Wednesday, twenty-two participants experienced the veteran talents of Wilson Bickford as he taught the painting class at The Grand Mohawk Inn.

An art studio was set up in the gym portion of The Grand Mohawk Inn. Each participant of the class had a station with an easel, apron, paint and brushes, which were supplied by Wilson Bickford. The large room was lit up with overhead lighting and some spotlights for the center stage where Bickford showed step by step how to create the piece. For some participants it was their first time painting, while others hadn't painted in years. Participants of the class included: Carrie Jacobs, Darlene Jacobs, Chanel Cook, Gail Cook, Leah Tarbell, Liz Tarbell, Noni Tarbell, Punchy Cook, Tisha Thompson, Tricia Benedict, Shari Adams, Sharla Burns, Deanna Swamp, Jerry Swamp, Maryella Chubb, Lisa Boyea, Brenda Olmstead, Kasewaien Peters, Iohehtiio Peters, Tina Tarbell, Shirelle Jacobs, and Rosalie Jacobs. Each person painted at their own pace and demeanor. Mainly this event allowed people to express themselves creatively, while supporting a great cause. A wonderful time was had by all participants and everyone was so proud of their finished creations. In total, the class raised nearly $700 for the cause.

With a successful financial goal obtained, the Epilepsy Support Group now aims to host a 5K walk on April 16, 2016. This event is set to take place at Generations Park. A cookout, raffles and prizes will also be available at the event. Everyone is encouraged to participate in this walk which shadows the National Epilepsy Walk that takes place annually in Washington D.C. In 2013, when the group was first formed, members chose to attend the National Epilepsy Walk in Washington D.C. This year with time constraints the Akwesasne group decided not to attend the event, but instead host a 5K right here in Akwesasne to raise awareness and support for epilepsy. With the support from the community, the group hopes to raise money to purchase epilepsy detection watches for its members. New to the market and found only overseas, these watches work similar to a Fitbit in that it can monitor the bodies pulses, biological cycles and sleep patterns. When worn this watch helps to detect the onset of an epileptic seizure which prepares and benefits not only those with the disorder, but also the family and caregivers. This watch would be effective in helping with day-to-day life of those who suffer. In the near future, the Akwesasne Epilepsy Support Group hopes to make this goal a reality.

The Grand Mohawk Inn art studio. Photo: Karonhiaton.

There is no current cure for epilepsy, in spite of the vast number of people across the world who suffer from seizures. It's vitally important that the general public know more about this seizure disorder to stamp out the associated stigmas. Many people with the seizure disorder suffer from stereotypes and are often times categorized differently compared to the general public, which can be detrimental to self-worth, career development, as well as other day-to-day activities. The Akwesasne Epilepsy Support Group is working to change those stigmas in Akwesasne and the North Country by engaging the general public in awareness activities and education. More importantly for those who suffer from the disorder, the Akwesasne Epilepsy Support Group wants to let you know that you are not alone and that you don't have to suffer in silence. There is a community of people who understand the trials and tribulation of the disorder and it's important to be a part of this group to not only support you but others who may be suffering.

The Akwesasne Epilepsy Support Group can be contacted by phone at 518-358-2341-leave a message, by email at Akwesasne.Epilepsy@AOL.com or on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/Groups/AkwesasneEpilepsySupportGroup/

From the Akwesasne Epilepsy Support Group:

A huge thank you to everyone who came out to the painting fundraiser for the Akwesasne Epilepsy Support Group at The Grand Mohawk Inn! It was great seeing everyone so relaxed, having a good time and being so creative. Each one of you painted a fantastic work of art, all your own! We are so proud of everyone and grateful for your presence. And thank you to our fantastic teacher Wilson R. Bickford for this awesome experience.