Epilepsy South Central Ontario (ESCO) welcomed Rudy Cuzzetto, MPP for Mississauga–Lakeshore, and Mohan Damle, Ontario Trillium Foundation Grant Review Team Member, on Saturday, May 30, to celebrate the impact of a $94,700 Seed Grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) supporting the EPI-Buddy Program.

The event brought together community members, clients, volunteers, and staff at ESCO’s Mississauga office, highlighting the importance of community-based epilepsy support services and the role of provincial investment in strengthening local programming.

The funding supports the continued growth of the EPI-Buddy Program, which connects individuals living with epilepsy and their families with peer support, mentorship opportunities, education, and community resources. The program is designed to reduce isolation, build confidence, and support independence through meaningful, ongoing relationships between participants and trained volunteers.

The EPI-Buddy Program pairs individuals diagnosed with epilepsy with carefully matched volunteers who provide companionship and personalized support. Matches are typically based on shared interests, location, and compatibility, with visits taking place once or twice per week for one to two hours. Activities are guided by participants’ needs and may include walks, errands, social outings, or recreational activities. Many matches grow into long-term friendships, often continuing well beyond the initial six-month period.

During the event, MPP Rudy Cuzzetto emphasized the importance of programs that support people living with epilepsy beyond clinical care.

“Epilepsy can present challenges that go far beyond a medical diagnosis, so programs that foster connection, confidence, and community support are incredibly important,” said Rudy Cuzzetto, MPP for Mississauga–Lakeshore. “The EPI Buddy Program, supported by a $94,300 Seed Grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, is creating meaningful connections with trained volunteers that will enhance independence, reduce isolation, and improve quality of life. For people living with epilepsy, this kind of support helps them get out, feel confident, and take part in everyday life on their own terms. I’m proud to support this important initiative, and all the outstanding work being done by the dedicated team at Epilepsy South Central Ontario.”

Representatives from the Ontario Trillium Foundation also attended the celebration, recognizing ESCO’s work in fostering connection, reducing isolation, and improving quality of life for individuals living with epilepsy across the region. OTF noted its continued investment in community-based programs that strengthen inclusion, engagement, and well-being across Ontario.

ESCO staff and volunteers showcased the EPI-Buddy Program during the event, sharing stories of impact and demonstrating how the initiative helps participants build confidence, independence, and community connection.

The event concluded with opportunities for attendees to connect with program participants, volunteers, and staff, and to learn more about ESCO’s ongoing work supporting individuals and families affected by epilepsy throughout South Central Ontario.

Read the full media release:

https://epilepsysco.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Final-Release-ESCO.docx

Want to learn more about the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) and how you or a loved one may be able to access it?

Join an upcoming webinar hosted by Toronto Western Hospital on June 24 from 1:00–2:00 PM, where attendees will learn more about eligibility, the application process, and available supports related to the Disability Tax Credit.

This session is a great opportunity to get informed, ask questions, and better understand how the DTC can help individuals and families.

Date: June 24
Time: 1:00–2:00 PM
Hosted by: Toronto Western Hospital

Register Here

Epilepsy Ontario is proud to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 Epilepsy Ontario Scholarship, proudly supported by Waymo.

This longstanding scholarship program continues to support students living with epilepsy across Ontario as they pursue their post-secondary education goals. Since the program began, 109 scholarships have been awarded, with more than $150,000 distributed to students throughout the province.

For 2026, four scholarships valued at $1,500 each will be awarded to eligible students enrolled in post-secondary education, including:

• College
• University
• Accredited professional training programs
• Apprenticeships

The scholarship is open to students living with epilepsy anywhere in Ontario, including rural, Northern, and urban communities across the province.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Live with epilepsy
• Be a resident of Ontario
• Be a Canadian citizen, Permanent Resident, or Protected Person
• Be enrolled in or accepted to a full-time or part-time post-secondary program
• Part-time students must complete at least one course per semester
• Not be related to Epilepsy Ontario Board members or staff
• Not have previously received an Epilepsy Ontario Scholarship

Past recipients have shared how the scholarship helped reduce financial stress, support educational expenses, and make post-secondary education more accessible while managing life with epilepsy.

Application Timeline

• Applications Open: June 1, 2026
• Application Deadline: August 14, 2026

Students living with epilepsy across Ontario are encouraged to apply.

For more information and to submit an application, visit epilepsyontario.org

On Saturday, May 9th, at Wind-Del Community Park in Windham Centre, Ontario, something truly meaningful took place. The annual Epilepsy Awareness Baseball Tournament once again brought together families, friends, athletes, volunteers, and supporters for a day that was about far more than sport.

This event, hosted each year by Lisa Wheeler and Jeff Wheeler in memory of their son Tanner, has grown into a powerful tradition rooted in love, remembrance, and community support. What began as a way to honour Tanner’s life has become an annual gathering that continues to raise awareness for epilepsy and provide support to families impacted by the condition.

This year’s tournament welcomed 14 teams from across the region, creating a full day of competition, connection, and community spirit. Together, the event raised $5,700, which will go toward supporting families affected by epilepsy and Epilepsy South Central Ontario.

While the baseball brings people to the field, the meaning behind the day is what brings them back.

As Lisa Wheeler shared, “It’s not only about baseball. It’s about love, awareness, and remembrance.” Her words reflect what so many in attendance felt throughout the day — that every game played carries something deeper than runs and wins. It carries memory, purpose, and connection.

Lisa also expressed heartfelt gratitude for the continued support from the community year after year, sharing how important it is to see so many people stand behind the cause and help keep Tanner’s memory alive.

Jeff Wheeler reflected on how the tournament has continued to grow, saying, “We decided to go with a baseball tournament every year and every year it’s been a success.”

The importance of community connection was also echoed by supporters in attendance. Daniella Harrington shared, “Nothing beats getting together in person for events like this, especially with all the families, teams, fans, and community members here to support.” She added, “It’s important that people know we exist and that we’re here.”

From local sponsors including Day’s Variety, Brickwall Bakery, Yummy Freeze, Forever Summer, and the St. Williams Fire Department, to every volunteer who helped organize, run, and support the day, the impact of community involvement was visible everywhere. Their generosity and commitment continue to make this event possible year after year.

The tournament is more than an annual fundraiser — it is a reminder of what community looks like when people come together with a shared purpose. Every team that stepped onto the field, every raffle ticket purchased, every donation made, and every hour volunteered contributed to something far greater than the game itself.

Continuing Tanner’s Legacy

The tournament exists in memory of Tanner Wheeler, whose story continues to inspire awareness and support for epilepsy.

To learn more about Tanner’s journey and the purpose behind this ongoing fundraising effort, you can read his full story and visit the fundraising page here:
👉 https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/epilepsy-south-central-ontario/campaign/tanners-legacy–epilepsy-awareness–support-1/

This page is available year-round for those who wish to support the cause, whether they are able to attend the tournament or not. All contributions help continue the mission of raising epilepsy awareness and supporting families impacted by the condition.

A Community That Shows Up

The success of this year’s tournament is a reflection of a community that continues to show up — not just for a game, but for something that matters deeply to many families.

Through remembrance, awareness, and ongoing support, the Epilepsy Awareness Baseball Tournament continues to grow into something truly special. It stands as a promise kept each year: that Tanner is remembered, that families are supported, and that no one walks this journey alone.

In place of our next Young Adult Support Group meeting on Wednesday, May 13th, we are excited to welcome a guest speaker from the Lions Foundation Canada Dog Guides – Seizure Response Dog Program.

This will be an educational webinar where participants will learn about:

• How the Seizure Response Dog Program works
• What seizure response dogs are trained to do
• Important information for individuals and families considering this support option

There will also be time for questions at the end, so attendees are encouraged to come prepared with anything they would like to ask.

We know this topic has been of strong interest over the past while, and the timing is especially helpful as applications are expected to open again in May.

If you would like to attend this webinar, please register by submitting your name and email through the link below:
https://forms.gle/L5LZXcVJ9zVkTCYM9

Please note that our regular support group will still take place on the 4th Wednesday of the month as usual.

We hope this educational session will be helpful and informative for many in our community.