Message from the Chair

By Joyce Bender, Chair of the Epilepsy Foundation

In this issue, we highlight the work we do to advance epilepsy research. The Epilepsy Foundation is committed to funding research grants for recognized leaders in epilepsy research as well as young investigators. I am particularly proud of our support of young researchers because they are our hope for one day finding a cure for epilepsy. It is imperative, especially in these economically challenging times, to keep marching forward in the area of research because it is essential in improving and expanding treatment options. Because of the strides we have made in epilepsy research, many people are living better lives with fewer side effects, but there is still much more work to be done.

October is especially important to me because it’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month. As many of you know, my life is a crusade to make sure all people with disabilities have the opportunity to be employed. I believe that without competitive employment, you are never free in this country. Sadly, people with epilepsy are one of the groups with the highest rate of unemployment. As Chair of the Epilepsy Foundation, expanding employment opportunities for people with epilepsy will be one of my main missions. I want to take this opportunity to send special congratulations to Kathy Martinez, the assistant secretary of the Office of Disability Employment Policy. I know she will lead us forward in the area of employment.

When a person with epilepsy is given that opportunity to compete in our community like any other person, that one thing—self-esteem—means so much throughout the rest of their lives. Read our inspiring interview with Janet McDermott and her daughter Shannon (page 19), a young woman who received a scholarship for college from Pfizer and is now experiencing the challenges and the rewards of life on her own for the first time. Her college scholarship is one step on the road to better employment and opportunity.

In September, I had the pleasure of attending our Foundation’s national Leadership Conference in Boston. I am so proud of our affiliates and their passion—they are our champions. I also want commend the staff at the Epilepsy Foundation for putting together such an excellent conference.

As you know, we recently lost a giant in the disability community and a warrior in the civil rights arena: Senator Ted Kennedy. I viewed him as a champion for everyone, including all people with disabilities. Our past board chair and former congressman, Tony Coelho, joins Epilepsy Foundation Vice President of Legal and Government Affairs Sandy Finucane in paying special tribute to him in these pages. I extend my heartfelt sympathy to the Kennedy family. We will never forget him.