A New Way for Illinois Residents to Help Support Epilepsy Funding

The Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago announced that taxpayers utilizing the 2005 Form IL-1040 will have the option to voluntarily contribute to epilepsy education, awareness, and treatment initiatives across Illinois. 

"This is such a positive and exciting development for people with epilepsy and their families," noted Garett Auriemma, Interim President of the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago, which spearheaded the effort to place epilepsy funding on the tax forms. "For the first time, we have the infrastructure and funding mechanism to allow for statewide delivery of needed epilepsy services."

An Advisory Committee within the Illinois Department of Public Health-to be appointed by Governor Rod Blagojevich-will develop and oversee the administration of these initiatives, which will follow the guidelines set forth in the state's Epilepsy Disease Assistance Act.  The Act was signed by Blagojevich earlier this year.  Representatives from all four of Illinois' Epilepsy Foundation affiliates will serve on the Advisory Committee, as will medical professionals specializing in epilepsy treatment and individuals with the disorder.

In order to retain its place on the tax form, the total funds raised annually must be at least $100,000.  If the total taxpayer contribution falls below that amount in any given year, the option will be removed in future years' forms.  Auriemma feels that Illinois is up to the challenge.

"Epilepsy is one of those disorders that people are still hesitant to discuss," he observes. "But the more you talk with people, the more you find that almost everyone knows someone-or knows of someone-who has it.  Having the tax check-off option is an easy way for people all over the state to make a real difference in the lives of people with epilepsy."