Young Epilepsy Advocates Meet Congressional Supporter

by Catherine Kane
Special to EpilepsyUSA

Washington, D.C., April 6, 2005 -- After breakfast with Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) and a seminar on how to present a message to an elected official, the Kids Speak Up! 2005 participants headed to Capitol Hill for a special tour guided by staff members of Sen. John Rockefeller (D-W.V.).

The young advocates were in for a special treat, though, as Rep. Michael Ferguson (R-N.J.) joined them on the West Lawn of the Capitol Building for photos. Ferguson, who with Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii) authored a Dear Colleague letter supporting increased funding for epilepsy programs and research, was a hit with the youngsters, who took turns patting him on the back, posing for photos, shaking hands and exchanging quick anecdotes. Some solemn, some jovial, some simply full of positive energy, the kids had the chance to practice the important visits with their elected officials for the next day and to thank Ferguson for his support.

Epilepsy Foundation Board of Directors member and college student Elizabeth Goldberg, 20, is originally from New Jersey and in fact found out that she and the congressman were both born in the same hospital.

The poised and well-spoken young woman, who interned at the Smithsonian Institution and clearly feels at home in Washington, D.C., spent several minutes talking with the Ferguson, reviewing her key issues for the Hill visits. Goldberg has shepherded the 2005 Kids Speak Up! participants with panache throughout the week, telling them her story and teaching them how to become advocates.

Goldberg's clear agenda and confident articulation seemed to have a positive impact on the congressman, as did meeting the other enthusiastic young people.

The visit with Ferguson, combined with an exciting tour of the Capitol, was a positive experience for the kids. It fueled their enthusiasm for Wednesday's meetings with representatives and staff, when the young people will speak up about their requests for more epilepsy programs and research funding.