OUR MISSION
The mission of Eric’s Corner is to raise awareness of epilepsy/seizures and to connect our community with resources to effectively manage an epilepsy/seizure diagnosis.
Approximately 1 in 26 individuals will experience a seizure in their lifetime. Some 2,000 people in the Tri-Valley (and over 140,000 individuals in Northern California) have been diagnosed with epilepsy. Family and friends of loved ones with an epilepsy or seizure diagnosis are also greatly affected.
Our mission supports those in their quest to live vigorous and healthy lives, and to educate our community about this pervasive and often misunderstood disorder.
OUR STORY
Diagnosed in late 2010, Eric Nostrand, a local business owner, is now one of those living with epilepsy. After years of raising money for cancer resources at Stanford-ValleyCare’s Health Library in Pleasanton, California, Eric’s friends decided it would be important for the Library to designate a section on epilepsy resources. Hence, the corner of the library – named Eric’s Corner -provides information and resources on epilepsy/seizures.
In 2011, Eric met Kim Zamrzla, an epilepsy advocate, and they collaborated to get the newly formed non-profit organization, Eric’s Corner up and running where a website was launched, and a Board of Directors was formed comprised of volunteers who have been affected by epilepsy. In addition, support and social groups were started, community awareness and education programs were created, a newsletter was generated, and an annual golf tournament fundraiser was launched. Now, Eric’s Corner has touched hundreds of lives in the community.
ERIC’S CORNER COMMUNITY
While a diagnosis of epilepsy can be overwhelming, confusing, and frustrating, there are resources available to help address this. Eric’s Corner was established to help navigate the various issues for those affected by an epilepsy/seizure diagnosis. Our website, events, support and social groups, community outreach, newsletter, and resources offer educational opportunities to help individuals suffering from epilepsy as well as those in support roles. We are a community of people with experience dealing with the same issues you are and want to help you learn, socialize and to live your fullest life.
Despite the many challenges of2020, Eric’s Corner maintained a list of accomplishments within our community:
- In-person Support group in January and February in the conference room on the campus of Valley Care Health Library.
- As a result of the pandemic, from March to December, our support group meetings were held virtually through Zoom. This enabled participants to stay connected and continue to learn and share in support of one another. Participants shared stories, photos, and ways to cope in these uncertain times. The organization offered its participants prizes including Kindle tablets, grocery gift cards, awareness masks, and ‘After that Day’ Books.
- The monthly e-newsletter provided links to updated and useful information and articles of interest related to support group topics.
- Several participants of the group joined in online conferences provided by other Epilepsy groups throughout the country.
- The organization provided support to the short film ‘Under the Lights’ by joining several film festivals.
- Assisted in gathering awareness and participation for a Yoga Study hosted by Kansas City University.
Please continue to visit Eric’s Corner website in 2021 as we kick off our new logo, new look and content of our site.
We hope you can join us and be part of our Eric’s Corner community!