I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your support over the years and I hope that we were able to help you and your family in some capacity. Please know that we will continue that personalized support under the Epilepsy Foundation name.
It has been almost four years since Epilepsy came into our lives. We had no idea of the devastation it would create and the toll it took. There were so many questions and unknowns that made it difficult for us to turn our backs. The creation of Epilepsy Outreach allowed us to help others get through what we knew would be a very difficult and trying time in their lives. We didn’t want others to be left in the dark.
Over the past two years we have met so many wonderful and courageous people along the way and built some inspiring relationships. I hope we can continue to be a part of your lives. I wanted to give thanks to our founders, Anne Marie Clancy, and my husband, Patrick, for their passion and commitment to the cause. There have been so many dedicated, passionate and committed volunteers to our mission – I thank you all but do not have the space to list you individually. We would not be in this position without you.
As a result of the merge I will now serve as Vice President of Development for the combined organization. I believe that charting a new course and focusing on the epilepsy community throughout the greater Chicago region is necessary to create a better future and realize the greatest potential for awareness, support and advocacy for the best overall outcome for the epilepsy community as a whole.
Please do not hesitate to contact me eleyden@epilepsychicago.org. I will continue to work for you and do my best to find the answers you are looking for. Many of you will have questions about Epilepsy Outreach - please contact Tracy at tracy@epilepsyoutreach.org.
Following is some specific information about the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago.
The mission of The Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago (EFGC) is to ensure that people with seizures are able to participate in all life experiences; and will prevent, control and cure epilepsy through services, education, advocacy and research.
Created in 1946 as a grassroots effort in Illinois to develop resources for people with epilepsy, the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago today serves 43 counties in northeastern and central Illinois, and is dedicated to the prevention, cure, control, and public understanding of epilepsy.
Both organizations' missions and focus will remain the same, addressing the unique needs of the more than 125,000 individuals and families in the greater Chicago area who are affected by epilepsy.
"We are so excited for this opportunity," said Erin Leyden, "I believe that charting a new course and focusing on the epilepsy community throughout the greater Chicago region is necessary in order to create a better future and realize the greatest potential for awareness, support, and advocacy for the best overall outcome for the epilepsy community as a whole.”
Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago President and CEO Philip M. Gattone added, "Together, we look forward to providing the most comprehensive support for the epilepsy community through increased access to quality-of-life programs and resources. As partners, we can expand our reach, and help even more people with epilepsy to live their lives to their fullest capability. We are stronger together, and the epilepsy community will benefit as a result of this merger.”
Please visit and get acquainted with the Epilepsy Foundation at www.epilepsyfoundation.org/ and sign up for their newsletter. Rest assured that we will continue to offer the support that you have come to rely on from the American Epilepsy Outreach Foundation.
Together we will change the face of epilepsy.
