Abbott Laboratories partners with the Foundation in its goals of enhancing epilepsy research and public awareness of epilepsy. Abbott is the primary sponsor of Kids Speak Up!, a program launched by the Epilepsy Foundation to give young people an opportunity to meet with members of Congress in Washington, D.C., and advocate for more medical research and better public education about epilepsy. This year 40 children between the ages of 7 and 16 from across the country participated. Abbott also supports the Gowers Research fellowship for epilepsy research.

If you would like to learn more about Abbott Laboratories, please see their website at http://www.abbott.com.

Over the past several years, Cyberonics has worked closely with the Foundation to develop and fund educational programs and materials about Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) Therapy as a treatment option for difficult to control (refractory) epilepsy. To increase awareness and understanding of VNS, Cyberonics — in conjunction with Foundation affiliates — has implemented a national series of patient education seminars on VNS and treatments for epilepsy. In addition, Cyberonics has funded a research grant to study mood disorder and epilepsy. This Internet-based study will survey individuals with epilepsy via the Foundation website to better understand the correlation and effects of mood disorder on these individuals. Cyberonics is the proud sponsor of the Foundation's Distinguished Achievement Awards Gala.

If you would like to learn more about Cyberonics, please see their website at http://www.cyberonics.com.

Novartis Pharmaceuticals and its predecessors have, since the 1980s, supported the Foundation, including supporting research, fellowships and educational materials and services at the local level.

If you would like to learn more about Novartis Pharmaceuticals, please see their website at http://www.pharma.us.novartis.com.

Ortho-McNeil Neurologics, Inc., became an Epilepsy Foundation corporate partner in 1991 and has maintained a powerful presence within the national and local organizations. Since then, Ortho-McNeil has sponsored a variety of programs, initiatives and publications. It currently provides sponsorship of "Your Treatment: Time to Take Stock," a self-management online survey for patients to get a better sense of how successful or unsuccessful their current regimen is so that they can better advocate for themselves. Ortho McNeil Neurologics, Inc., is supporting two new national patient empowerment forums, as well as supporting the Foundation's eNewsletter and providing support to local Epilepsy Foundations serving communities nationwide.

For more information on Ortho-McNeil Neurologics, Inc., please visit their website at http://www.ortho-mcneil.com.

UCB is the sole sponsor of the Foundation's H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People with Epilepsy) Mentoring program. H.O.P.E. is an educational curriculum for those people with epilepsy themselves or family members of people with epilepsy. UCB also sponsors "A Day of Hope" conferences at the local level.

For more information on UCB, please visit their website at http://www.ucbpharma.com.