EFEPA - Epilepsy Foundation Eastern Pennsylvania

Young Friends Mardi Gras Gala

Julia — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 04:34:12 +0000

PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS TODAY: www.mardigrasphilly.kintera.org

ONFI (clobazam) Tablets now Available in the U.S. at Pharmacies

Julia — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:53:07 +0000

DEERFIELD, Ill.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Lundbeck announced today that ONFI Tablets are now available for prescribing in the United States. The FDA recently approved ONFI for adjunctive treatment of seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) in patients two years and older.¹ ONFI is an oral anti-epileptic drug (AED) of the benzodiazepine class, and is a 1,5 benzodiazepine.¹ ONFI (pronounced “ON-fē”) is a federally controlled schedule four substance (C-IV).

“In clinical trials, ONFI was shown to be an effective add-on therapy for seizures associated with LGS in adults and children two years and older. ONFI’s availability is important news for patients and their caregivers to discuss with physicians.”

“The availability of ONFI is the result of extensive efforts over many years by our team here at Lundbeck and the medical community,” said Staffan Schüberg, president of Lundbeck in the U.S. “We have been inspired by the courage of patients and families impacted by LGS, and their strength never to give up on the goal of additional seizure management. Recognizing the need for additional treatment options due to the intractable nature of this challenging seizure disorder, we are very pleased to make ONFI available in the U.S.”

LGS is a rare and severe form of epilepsy that is typically diagnosed in childhood and often persists into adulthood.^2,3 LGS is associated with multiple types of seizures with periods of frequent seizures, and daily seizures are common.⁴ Some of these seizures, including atonic, tonic and myoclonic seizures, may cause falls, or “drop seizures” (also referred to as “drop attacks”), which may result in injury.²

“LGS can take a toll on even the strongest families due to the frequency and severity of seizures, including drop seizures.” said Yu-Tze Ng, director of epilepsy at the University of Oklahoma Medical School and lead investigator of clinical trials supporting the approval of ONFI. “In clinical trials, ONFI was shown to be an effective add-on therapy for seizures associated with LGS in adults and children two years and older. ONFI’s availability is important news for patients and their caregivers to discuss with physicians.”

Support to Help Patients Get Access to ONFI

ONFI is available to patients at retail pharmacies with a prescription from a healthcare professional. Additionally, if a healthcare professional elects, Lundbeck has created the ONFI Support Center that will assist healthcare professionals and patients with benefits investigation, prior authorizations and is responsible for Lundbeck’s patient assistance program. Where permissible, a sample voucher program will provide a free ONFI trial to any eligible patient. Also, co-pay assistance is being made available to those who are eligible. The ONFI Support Center is available by calling 855-345-6634.

About ONFI

ONFI is an oral antiepileptic drug developed in the United States by Lundbeck, and will be available in 5-mg, 10-mg, and 20-mg tablets. ONFI is a 1,5 benzodiazepine. The exact mechanism of action for ONFI is not fully understood, but is thought to involve potentiation of GABAergic neurotransmission resulting from binding at the benzodiazepine site of the GABA_Areceptor.¹

For more information, please visit www.ONFI.com.

Important Safety Information

ONFI can make you sleepy or dizzy and can slow your thinking and make you clumsy which may get better over time. Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or other dangerous activities until you know how ONFI affects you. Do not drink alcohol or take other drugs that may make you sleepy or dizzy while taking ONFI without first talking to your healthcare provider as your sleepiness or dizziness may get much worse.
ONFI can cause withdrawal symptoms. Do not suddenly stop taking ONFI without first talking to a healthcare provider. Stopping ONFI suddenly can cause seizures that will not stop (status epilepticus), hearing or seeing things that are not there (hallucinations), shaking, nervousness, and stomach and muscle cramps.
ONFI can be abused and cause dependence. Physical dependence is not the same as drug addiction. Talk to your healthcare provider about the differences. ONFI is a federally controlled substance (CIV) because it can be abused or lead to dependence.
Like other antiepileptic drugs, ONFI may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a very small number of people, about 1 in 500. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any symptoms, especially sudden changes in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings, and especially if they are new, worse, or worry you.
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions including liver or kidney problems, lung problems (respiratory disease), depression, mood problems, or suicidal thoughts or behavior.
If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, ONFI may harm your unborn baby. You and your healthcare provider will have to decide if you should take ONFI while you are pregnant.
ONFI can pass into breast milk. You and your healthcare provider should decide if you should take ONFI or breast feed. You should not do both.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements as taking ONFI with certain other medicines can cause side effects or affect how well they work. ONFI may make your birth control medicine less effective. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best method to use.
The most common side effects seen in ONFI patients include: sleepiness; drooling; constipation; cough; pain with urination; fever; acting aggressive, being angry or violent; difficulty sleeping; slurred speech; tiredness; and problems with breathing.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

For more information, please see the ONFI Medication Guide and full Prescribing Information.

ONFI is a trademark of Lundbeck.

About Lundbeck in the U.S.

A wholly owned subsidiary of H. Lundbeck A/S of Denmark, Lundbeck in the United States is headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, and is committed to providing innovative specialty therapies that fulfill unmet medical needs of people with central nervous system (CNS) disorders, including challenging seizure disorders.

With a special commitment to addressing the needs of the epilepsy community, Lundbeck makes several therapies available in the United States for people with difficult-to-treat seizure disorders. Each year, Lundbeck employees actively support and participate in community-based initiatives, including more than 100 epilepsy awareness events, as part of an ongoing commitment to make a difference for those impacted by epilepsy.

For more information, please visit www.lundbeckus.com.

About Lundbeck

H. Lundbeck A/S (LUN.CO, LUN DC, HLUKY) is an international pharmaceutical company highly committed to improving the quality of life for people suffering from brain disorders. For this purpose, Lundbeck is engaged in the research, development, production, marketing and sale of pharmaceuticals across the world. The company’s products are targeted at disorders such as depression and anxiety, schizophrenia, insomnia, epilepsy, and Huntington’s, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

Lundbeck was founded in 1915 by Hans Lundbeck in Copenhagen, Denmark. Today Lundbeck employs approximately 5,900 people worldwide. Lundbeck is one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies working with brain disorders. In 2010, the company’s revenue was DKK 14.8 billion (approximately EUR 2.0 billion or USD 2.6 billion). For more information, please visit www.lundbeck.com.

Sources

1. ONFI Full Prescribing Information. Deerfield, IL: Lundbeck. October 2011.

2. Van Rijckevorsel, Kenou et al. Treatment of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome: overview and recent findings. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment. 2008: 4(6) 1001-1019.

3. Glauser, Tracey. Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome. Medscape. 2011. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1176735-overview. Last accessed 9/23/11.

4. Borggraefe I, Noachtar S. Pharmacotherapy of Seizures Associated with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome. Clinical Medicine Insights: Therapeutics. 2010:2 15-24.

Contacts

Lundbeck
Matt Flesch, 847-282-1154

Gregory Osberg of Philadelphia Media Network, Inc. to be Crowned King of Mardi Gras

Julia — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 02:24:49 +0000

CONTACT:

Madeline Bergman, Development Assistant

215-629-5003 x106

development@efepa.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GREGORY J. OSBERG TO BE CROWNED KING
OF MARDI GRAS GALA

Publisher and CEO of Philadelphia Media Network Inc., Gregory J. Osberg to be honored local non-profit’s annual Mardi Gras Gala

PHILADELPHIA—December 20, 2011– Gregory J. Osberg, Publisher and CEO of Philadelphia Media Network, Inc. will be crowned King of the 5^th Annual Mardi Gras Gala on Friday, February 10^th, 2012. The Gala honors a Philadelphia leader for their commitment to those living with epilepsy/seizure disorder. The black-tie fundraiser with N’awlins flair of beads, masks and hurricanes benefits the Epilepsy Foundation Eastern Pennsylvania.

The festivities take place at the Crystal Tea Room in Center City, Philadelphia. The night begins with a cocktail reception at 7:00 pm, followed by Osberg’s coronation at 8:00 pm. In addition to honoring Osberg, the Foundation will also be awarding Barbara Beck, pediatric nurse practitioner in the Neurology department at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Jeanne LeBuhn of Devon, PA for their dedication and work with the Foundation. The evening will also host the premier of an educational and promotional video “Faces of Epilepsy”. After the program and dinner, Tribeca Grand Band will provide lively music for a night full of dancing and fun.

Osberg will be joining the court of past kings, Ted McCormick, Vice President of Patient Services, University of Pennsylvania Health System; Stephen Wouch, CPA, CFF, Managing Partner of Wouch, Maloney & Co., LLP; and Ted Riss, owner of Riss General Construction, LLC and Dr. Mike Cirgigliano, Fox 29 News Medical Correspondent and owner of The Clinical Practices of Michael D. Cirigliano. Together the five kings will “laissez les bons temps rouler…”

About Gregory J. Osberg
Gregory J. Osberg is the Publisher and Chief Executive Officer for Philadelphia Media Network (PMN), Inc., which owns The Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia Daily News, Philadelphia Sportsweek and Philly.com. Prior to joining PMN, Osberg served as President and CEO of Buzzwire, a mobile media company specializing in video content. Osberg has spent 30 years in the magazine and Internet publishing business, including leadership positions with The Washington Post Company (Newsweek), CNET, and U.S. News and World Report.

About EFEPA
The EFEPA is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) voluntary health organization dedicated to meeting the non medical needs of those with epilepsy. Through its innovative programs and services – public education, information, referral, employment training, advocacy, summer camp, community education events, seminars and workshops- the EFEPA endeavors improve the quality of life for persons with epilepsy/seizure disorder and to dispel the myths, stigma and misunderstandings associated with it. For more information, please visit www.efepa.org.

EFEPA 2012 Mardi Gras Facts

WHAT: Mardi Gras Gala to support the Epilepsy Foundation Eastern PA

WHERE: Crystal Tea Room
100 E Penn Square, 9^th Floor

WHEN: Friday, February 10, 2011, 7:00 pm – 12:00 am

WHO: Coronation of Gregory J. Osberg as the 2012 Mardi Gras King
Publisher and CEP, Philadelphia Media Network, Inc.

WHY: All proceeds benefit the Epilepsy Foundation Eastern PA to continue their goal of meeting the non-medical needs associated with epilepsy. This year, the EFEPA is launching a First Responders Training, a class specifically designed for educating EMTs and police officers on seizure recognition and proper first-aid for all seizure types. Individuals with epilepsy and their caregivers put their health and safety in the hands of our emergency personnel and assume that they are appropriately trained. In emergency personnel’s current curriculum, only convulsive, tonic-clonic seizures are discussed; not the wide range of seizure types and the after-affects. The Foundation is working with EMTs, police officers, or other first responders, to better inform them about epilepsy.

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Help us Better Educate First Responders in 2012

Julia — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 04:56:56 +0000

Josh, an Epilepsy Foundation Eastern PA volunteer, first started working with the EFEPA as a Camp Achieve counselor which led him to establish the EFEPA Youth Council. He is taking his passion for the Foundation and his career as a First Responder to help the EFEPA with a new, important initiative: educating emergency personnel on seizure recognition and proper seizure first-aid.

After Josh had his first seizure in 2006 during his high school graduation, he knew his life was going to change. A summer that was supposed to be filled with graduation parties and summer classes at college turned into a summer of neurology appointments and many medical tests. After a visit to the Children’s Hospital, where he saw children affected by uncontrollable seizures, he was compelled to begin a career as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).

Now, five years later, at the age of 23, Josh is a nationally registered Paramedic. Throughout his schooling and training, he was stunned to see how little attention was paid to epilepsy/seizure disorder. “Anytime epilepsy was mentioned in class, we learned what to do in case we saw someone having a convulsive, tonic-clonic seizure”, said Josh. “We never learned about the other types of seizures and the after-effects.”

This omission in first responders’ training is unacceptable.

Seizures come in many forms and can often be mistaken for other illness or behaviors. Individuals with epilepsy and their caregivers put their health and safety in the hands of our emergency personnel and assume that they are appropriately trained. If an EMT, police officer, or other first responder, makes a mistake in recognizing and reacting to a seizure, it can lead to devastating results.

To better educate first responders, the EFEPA developed an educational program specifically for EMS and law enforcement. This 90-minute course covers seizure recognition and proper first-aid management. Will you donate today and help us reach our goal to train 500 emergency personnel in 2012 throughout our 18-county service area?

Your donation will make a difference. Consider contributing at the following levels:

Materials for 1 EMS and 1 Police Officer – $30
Seizure Recognition and First Aid Sheets and Cards provided to a station – $50
Mailing Seizure First-aid sheets and cards to an area’s First Responders – $100
Training for an entire EMT Company – $250
Training for an entire Police Department – $500
Training for First Responders throughout an entire township: $1,000

Click here to donate.

You can also help yourself in this process by doing the following:

Keep a Seizure First-Aid business card in your wallet or give to a caregiver. Download seizure first-aid information.
Place seizure first-aid information and a list of your medication, including emergency medications & procedures in an easy-to-find location, like on your refrigerator.
Wear a Medical ID bracelet.
Have a contact listed as “ICE” (In Case of Emergency) in your cell phone and with your seizure first-aid information at home.
Contact your local ambulance company, fire department or police department to tell them about your epilepsy and encourage them to contact the EFEPA to receive proper training.

The Foundation looks forward to updating you throughout the year on the progress of the First Responders’ Training in reaching our goal. We encourage you to check back for stories regarding this program and to hear when a training will be held in your area.

Wishing you a Happy and Healthy New Year!

Eastern PA Region Celebrates November Epilepsy Awareness Month

Julia — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 04:06:37 +0000

Constitution Center in purple

The EFEPA joined in the national celebration of Epilepsy Awareness Month this November by holding several events and awareness activities throughout our 18-county service area. In Philadelphia, well-known buildings and landmarks like the National Constitution Center, Ben Franklin Bridge, Liberty Place and the PECO Building were lit up purple, the international color of epilepsy. On a daily basis hundreds of riders on SEPTA’s Regional Rail were educated on the basic facts of epilepsy and seizures. We were also thrilled to have over 100 people attend the annual Epilepsy Education & Information Exchange Conference to hear several respected members of the epilepsy community discuss important topics including having a better relationship with your physician and the impact of epilepsy on the family.

Epilepsy ribbon tattoos at Chamaeleon Boutique

Several friends of the Foundation also planned their own events and fundraisers. From these creative third party events, the Foundation received over $10,000 in donations. Lords and Ladies Salons gave the EFEPA a donation for the 100 purple hair extensions the salon sold in November. Chamaeleon Boutique in Ambler, PA invited shoppers to “Shop for a Cause,” a day of great deals, raffles and donated proceeds to the Foundation. Creative Soles Dance Studio in Spring City, PA decorated their dance studio with purple flames. The Wilkes-Barre Support Group held their 4th Annual Strike Out Epilepsy bowl-a-thon and had over 170 people attend. It was a great chance for support group members, family and friends to bowl a few rounds in support of the Foundation. Their event raised over $4,000 for the Foundation.

Having fun at the Bowl-A-Thon

The EFEPA is so thankful to all those that participated in Epilepsy Awareness Month, especially Team Epilepsy, Chamaeleon Boutique, Carlucci’s Grill, W hole Foods Jenkintown, Lords and Ladies Salon, Creative Soles Dance Studio and Dominick’s Pizza. Your contributions helped to make this month a success!

For more information on how to hold your own fundraiser for the Foundation, please visit our Third Party Fundraiser page.

Thank you for making November outstanding!

National Epilepsy Awareness Month

Julia — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 18:44:55 +0000

November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month and the Epilepsy Foundation Eastern Pennsylvania is spreading the news and asking our 18 counties to join us in awareness.

The EFEPA organized many ways you can participate in National Epilepsy Awareness Month. We will be kicking off the month with an awareness campaign, including Philadelphia’s skyline going purple, posters on SEPTA’s Regional Rails and fun contests and photo challenges on the EFEPA Facebook page. Ask a friend to attend the EFEPA’s annual Exchange on November 12th, a support group, or a 3rd party fundraisers held throughout the region. Regardless of how you participate, you will be joining us in the fight against epilepsy.

Check back on this page for updates throughout November.

Buildings Lit up in Purple in November:

One Liberty Place – All Month
Two Liberty Place – All Month
Ben Franklin Bridge – Nov 21- 30
Cira Center – Various days throughout the Month
National Constitution Center – All Month
PECO Lights – Nov. 14-16
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine – All Month
Philadelphia Inquirer Building – All Month
Police Headquarters – All Month
Strawberry Mansion Bridge – Last two weeks of the Month

Keep checking back as we hope more buildings will get involved.

Media

Lettor to the Editor: One effective way to share your story is to write a letter to the editor of your local paper. Use this template and edit it to make it your own! Be sure to add details about how epilepsy has affected you.

Epilepsy Awareness Month Press Release: Let your local paper know about all the EFEPA happenings this month by sending them a press release. You can also use this as a resource for information to write in your Letter to the Editor.

Facebook Contests in November

November 1– Join EFEPA in their November Epilepsy Awareness Month celebration by posting a purple ribbon as your profile picture! Keep it as your profile picture for the month and you’ll be entered in a raffle to win
November 7 – I spy something purple. Take a picture of the closest thing purple and post on our page. All pictures will be entered into drawing and winner receives a prize.
November 14 – If a someone likes our page during this week, they will be entered into a raffle to win a prize.
November 16 – Buildings in Philly are lit purple in honor of Epilepsy Awareness Month. Post a picture of one of the buildings to be entered in a raffle to win a prize.
November 21 – We’re thankful for a great year of programs, advocacy and raising awareness of epilepsy. Post a picture from one of our programs or events you have attended to be entered to win a prize.

Throughout the month, we will be posting facts/statements about epilepsy and seizures that we want you to repost and share.

3rd Party Awareness and Fundraising Events

Dominick’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant will be donating 10% of the bill to the EFEPA when you bring in this certificate Sunday- Thursday throughout the month of November. Must present this certificate at time of payment.
Nickels for Non-Profits at Whole Foods in Jenkintown will be taking place over the next four months. Take the nickel you receive for reusing a shopping bag and donate it to the EFEPA. The Foundation will also hold monthly information nights at the store.
Carlucci’s in Yardley will be donating 15% of the bill to the EFEPA on November 28th, throughout the day including takeout. Voucher’s will need to be present at the time of payment. Click here to print voucher.
Creative Soles in Spring City, PA is hosting a “Donate & Sign Your Name to a Flame.” The flames will be posted throughout the dance studio along with epilepsy first aid posters. To be held the first 3 weeks of November.
Lords & Ladies Salons, throughout the Philadelphia Suburbs, will be donating $10 to the Foundation for each purple hair extension that is sold throughout the month of November.
Chamaeleon Boutique in Ambler, PA will be hosting Shop for a Cause on November 5^th from 10am-5pm. 15% of the sales will be donated to the EFEPA. They will also be selling raffle prizes to benefit the foundation the week leading up to the 5^th(Nov 1^st-5^th).
4^th Annual Bowl-A-Thon “Strike Out Epilepsy”, held at Chacko’s Family Bowling Center, in Wilkes Barre, PA will be held on November 13^th. Entrance fee is $15 per person. Contact Kathleen Gill for more information. (570) 256-7823.

Interested in holding your own 3rd Party Fundraiser. Visit our 3rd Party Fundraiser page to learn how you can host your own event!

Epilepsy Education & Information Exchange “Taking Control” Conference.

Saturday November 12^th, from 8:30 am – 1:00pm. Held at Ace Conference Center, 309 Manor Road, Lafayette Hill, PA 19444. LEARN MORE AND REGISTER TODAY

Support Groups

Bucks County: November 3, 6:30 pm
Delaware County: November 16, 6:30 pm
Hazleton: November 9, 7:00 pm
Lancaster: First ever Young Adult Epilepsy Meeting, November 20, 2011, 6:00 pm. Held at Carmen & David’s Creamery, 25 N. Prince Street, Lancaster, PA 17603
Lehigh Valley: November 10, 6:00 pm
Scranton: November 16, 7:00 pm
Wilkes-Barre: November 16, 7:00 pm

Epilepsy Education & Information Exchange

Julia — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 20:11:22 +0000

November is Epilepsy Awareness Month and there is no better way to educate yourself then attending our FREE Annual Epilepsy Education & Information Exchange, Saturday, November 12, 2011. This year’s conference topic is “Taking Control” and we are privileged to have Dr. Christopher Skidmore join us as our keynote speaker.

Dr. Christopher T. Skidmore is an Assistant Professor of Neurology and a member of the Jefferson Comprehensive Epilepsy Center in the Department of Neurology at Thomas Jefferson University. He completed his medical school training at Saint Louis University School of Medicine in St. Louis, MO and his residency and fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Cleveland, OH.

In addition to caring for patients with epilepsy, he is also the Director of the Neurology Residency program. He is committed to educating patients, families, students, and other doctors about epilepsy. Dr Skidmore also presides over the EFEPA Professional Advisory Board.

REGISTER HERE

2011 Exchange Brochure

Please register by Monday, November 7.

For Public Transportation information please visit SEPTA’s Trip Planner or Google Maps. The 27 Bus drops off at Ridge Pike and Manor Road and the Ace Conference Center is a short walk up Manor Road.

KEYNOTE: “Building a Healthy Relationship with Your Physician

Expectations of Treatment”

Christopher Skidmore, MD

Jefferson Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital

Doctors cannot always predict when medications will work. When to call and when not to call your doctor; what your doctors need to know from you; learn what questions should be asked.

Workshops Include:

WORKSHOP A

Epilepsy Basics

Peter Crino, MD, Penn Epilepsy Center, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

What happens after being diagnosed with epilepsy / seizure disorder? EEG, MRI, PET scan; What are these tests, and when are they used? When should you see an epileptologist? Why do doctors have varying opinions on how to treat?

WORKSHOP B

Anxiety and Epilepsy; Adults and Children

Kami Marchese, PsyD, Neuropsychological Assessment Center, Widener University

Why do so many people with epilepsy / seizure disorder have anxiety, and what is it? Is anxiety the same in children as it is in adults? How is it treated?

WORKSHOP C

Clinical Research and Trials

Michael R. Sperling, MD, Jefferson Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital

Learn about clinical trials; what they are and where to find them. Are they safe? Are they right for you?

WORKSHOP D

Impact of Epilepsy on the Family and Caregiver

Dennis Dlugos, MD, Regional Pediatric Epilepsy Center, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

How does the acceptance or denial of epilepsy affect a family or caregiver? How does acceptance within the family affect the person with epilepsy / seizure disorder?

SESSION 1, WORKSHOP E

Employment Discrimination / ADA

Michael Durst, Esq., Representing Injured or Disabled Persons Since 1978

What is the ADA and how does it protect the person with epilepsy? When, how and why to tell an employer about epilepsy/seizure disorder.

SESSION 2, WORKSHOP E

Tom Giordano, Esq., Pond, Lehocky, Stern Giordano

Understanding SSI

Does epilepsy keep you from working full time? Are Social Security Disability or SSI possible options? Learn about your rights to benefits under the complicated Social Security system.

WORKSHOPS A, B, C, AND D WILL BE REPEATED IN SESSION 2.

Workshops will remain in the same room for both sessions. Workshop E will remain in the same room for both sessions but the topic will change.

New, less-invasive Epilepsy treatment promising

admin — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 00:09:34 +0000

Video From CBS News

Thank You PA Epilepsy Advocates!

Julia — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 16:38:09 +0000

Dear Pennsylvania Epilepsy Advocates,

You’ve done it! You helped to ensure that funding for epilepsy services in Pennsylvania will continue throughout next year. The final state budget enacted by Pennsylvania does include a specific line item for epilepsy services and $390,000 in state funding for epilepsy programs.

Congratulations to all of the advocates who made this possible!

The Epilepsy Foundation Eastern Pennsylvania would like to thank everyone who took the time to call, write and email Pennsylvania legislators about funding in the PA state budget. Advocates like you who found the time to share their personal stories about epilepsy with your elected officials made a difference and the PA General Assembly responded to your calls, letters and emails by granting our request that funding for epilepsy be included in the budget.

Now, is the time for all of us to say “thank you” to our state representatives and senators. Send a quick email or call and leave a phone message telling your legislators how much you appreciate their support for epilepsy services.

Again, thank you for helping the Epilepsy Foundations in Pennsylvania to lead the fight to stop seizures, find a cure and overcome the challenges created by epilepsy!

Thank you!

Call to Action!

Julia — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 18:37:09 +0000

FUNDING FOR EPILEPSY SERVICES CUT

ACT NOW – EPILEPSY HAS BEEN OVERLOOKED & UNDER FUNDED FOR TOO LONG!

The Pennsylvania Senate plans to vote on a state budget proposal within the next few days, BUT the current budget proposals do not have a line item or funding for epilepsy services!

PLEASE, take the time today to call or email your state Senator. Ask that the final budget include $394,000 in state funding in the Department of Health epilepsy support services line item. It is important to tell them that you want a specific “epilepsy support services line item” in the Department of Health budget.

Follow this link to all of the senators’ email addresses or contact us at efepa@efepa.org for help finding your senator.

The state funding provided by the General Assembly has made it possible for the Epilepsy Foundations in Pennsylvania to reach out and help families, particularly those living in central and northern regions of the state. Without continued funding in a line item specifically for epilepsy programs, the Epilepsy Foundations in Pennsylvania will not be able to meet the demands for services. Let your Senator know that community programs for people who have seizures are important. Share your story about epilepsy with your Senator and ask for their help in continuing funding for local programs. Click here for a sample letter you can personalize to your Senators.

HELP PROTECT OUR PROGRAMS – CALL TODAY