Social Butterflies

Spread your wings for epilepsy awareness. Below are some of the people who have gone above and beyond in spreading the word on epilepsy. Earn your wings today. Tell us how you’re spreading the word »

Lauren McTigue hosted a Halloween Bash at Harry Carey's on November 1st.  She didn't let that shark get the best of her-Lauren raised $440 to help change the face of Epilepsy.

Mary Leyden had a booth at St. Thecla's Craft Fair in October.  She provided the hungry crowd with many tasty samples of recipes found in our first edition of the Epilepsy Outreach Cookbook and raised $370.00.  Thanks Aunt Mary!!

Barb and Terry Dougan decided it was time for a clean sweep of all their treasured collectables.  They sifted and sorted and came up with $400 from garage sale proceeds.  Thanks Mom and Dad!!  Together we are changing the face of epilepsy!

Jennifer Leyden, Park Ridge, Illinois
On August 24th, over 160 Chicago die-hard Cubs fans and fellow Epilepsy Outreach supporters joined together at 3639 N. Sheffield on a rooftop across from the friendly confines of Wrigley Field to watch the Cubs defeat the Washington Nationals. It was a beautiful day for a ball game and food, drinks, and cheers were had by all.  Jennifer Leyden, aunt to Emmett Leyden, planned a wonderful event to benefit Epilepsy Outreach.  Thank you Jennifer for a perfect day-out and a tremendously successful event!  Way to spread your wings!

Kate & Dave Merrill, Chicago
Kate & Dave hosted a Kentucky Derby Party with over 25 couples and their children at their home.  Each family owned a horse for the day and it was neck ‘n neck for some races. Fun was had by all.  Prizes were raffled off and proceeds went back to Epilepsy Outreach.  Kate and Dave even took time to educate their guests with Epilepsy Outreach literature. Thank you, Kate & Dave! Way to spread your wings!!!

Mary Beth Szorc, Arbonne Independent Consultant & Jennifer Leyden, Chicago
Arbonne Jennifer Leyden from Chicago hosted an Arbonne Skin Care Party with Mary Beth Szorc, an Independent Consultant for Arbonne.  Jennifer had well over 20 friends and family members attend the presentation of their many amazing products.  Once her orders were complete Mary Beth was so generous to then donate all her profit back to The American Epilepsy Outreach Foundation. Place your next order with Mary Beth szorc@sbcglobal.net.  Thank you, Mary Beth!! Thank you, Jennifer! Way to spread your wings!!!!!

Comcast Spotlight, Chicago
Comcast Spotlight In early March, a crew of 11 talented production specialists from Comcast Spotlight, worked all day with Hunter Tylo and Emmett to produce three wonderful Public Service Announcements. We are so grateful for their time, effort, knowledge, and talent that they have put into this project.  A special shoutout to Peter Heisinger, Susan McCowan, Joe Roach, and Kevin O’Kane they truly were an integral part of this. The PSA’s you’ve created will truly change the face of epilepsy.  Thank you, Comcast Spotlight!! Way to spread your wings!!!!

Cindy McKay, Elmhurst
Cindy McKay On Saturday, March 15th, in Elmhurst, Illinois, Cindy McKay and over 30 Epilepsy Outreach volunteers participated in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.  Cindy had brochures printed to distribute to raise awareness and took pride in finding businesses to donate candy for spectators.  The parade was viewed by over 20,000.  She then took part in the Norwood Park Parade on the north side of Chicago on Sunday the 16th, which included another few thousand spectators. Information on Epilepsy Outreach was bound to get into the right hands.  Thank you, Cindy!! Way to spread your wings! 

Kim Thomas and Konica Minolta, Wheaton
Konica Minolta Kim went to her friend and asked for a donation.  Martin Jones from Konica Minolta donated 4,250 copies of information pamphlets that we plan to distribute to spectators at the St. Patrick Day parades as well as an upcoming school event.  Kim, we are grateful that you asked your friend and Mr. Jones we are humbled by your generosity.  Thank you, Kim and Martin!! Way to spread your wings! 

Dan Cotter, Chicago
The moment we asked Dan to help he agreed.  We are so fortunate to have him on our team. He’s a brilliant lawyer that helped file our 501(c)(3) status and all other legal documents that were required.  He’s helped in decision making as well as any legal mumbo jumbo. We are thankful for all he has done to help get the foundation on track.  Dan is our ‘go to man’ and we will be forever grateful, and in touch! Thank you, Dan!  Way to spread your wings!

Brendan Leyden, Chicago
Brendan Leyden Brendan Leyden, is not your average 12 year old. In his young life he has donated much of his time to many great causes but recently Brendan started E.L.F. -- Emmett Leyden’s Friends, in honor of his cousin Emmett.  While Emmett was in the hospital over Thanksgiving in 2006, Brendan recalls wondering how hard it had to be for kids to be in the hospital during the holidays. So this last Christmas Brendan raised over $1,200 and went Christmas shopping! Toys, toys, and more toys were boxed up and taken to Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago and then he was proudly greeted by Dr. Mary Zupanc, Director of Pediatric NeuroScience at Children’s Hospital in Milwaukee (as seen in picture with Brendan on the right). Brendan continues to be a dedicated volunteer of Epilepsy Outreach. We are so proud to sponsor Brendan and E.L.F. Thank you Brendan, way to spread your wings!

Dr. Roy Sucholeiki, Wheaton
As the Director of Neurology at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, IL, Dr. Roy, as we refer to him, has demonstrated true dedication to his practice and his field.  He is 100% behind our organization and has been a tremendous resource in gathering the facts for the website. With many published articles and a recently completed documentary on epilepsy, he has gone above and beyond on getting the word out on epilepsy.  His extensive knowledge and his compassion for persons with epilepsy make him a leader in the field. We are truly honored to have him as our Medical Advisor.  Way to spread your wings, Dr. Sucholeiki, thank you!

Diana Leyden, Chicago
In January, Diana hosted a “Girl’s Night Out” in her home where 40 of her closest friends came together to laugh and get caught up on life.  Instead of bringing an appetizer, Diana asked guests to bring gift items that would be used to create baskets for our silent auction. Candles, toys, gift cards and more were so generously donated to help Epilepsy Outreach. Thank you Diana and her guests, way to spread your wings!

Erin Platt, Chicago
Erin Platt Erin is in the 7th grade and as part of her community hours Erin decided to help get the word out on epilepsy. She recently visited an elementary school and taught a 5th grade class about the basics of epilepsy including the different types of seizures, and what to do when someone is having a seizure. Erin plans to continue to go to other schools and teach the seriousness of epilepsy and how common it is. Her main concern is to educate others on first aid for seizures. A side note, Erin is also Emmett’s babysitter from time to time, she has always stepped up to help out, Erin was never afraid and in fact always wanted to learn more. She’s been a tremendous help and now continues to share what she’s learned with others, way to spread your wings, Erin!

Sarah Mellen, Chicago
Sarah has donated her time and talent to create the Epilepsy Outreach logo. She has also created the paper snowflakes that we had hanging in several restaurants and bars throughout the Chicago area. It helped spread the word on epilepsy as well as get our name out there. She’s done a great job and we are grateful for her efforts. Thank you, Sarah! Way to spread your wings! Visit Sara’s website »

 

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Epilepsy is the most common neurological disorder in children, often causing damage to the developing brain and causing premature loss of life. Sadly, public perception is that epilepsy is a benign condition that is easily treated, and this is why research efforts have lagged far behind where they should be, given the prevalence and devastation of epilepsy. I applaud the Leyden family for their courage in sharing their personal story. I know that by doing so they will help to raise awareness of the millions of other families who are also desperately seeking answers for their children.

Susan Axelrod - Founder of C.U.R.E.