Helping Other People with Epilepsy (H.O.P.E.)

Overview

H.O.P.E. is a national, professionally developed epilepsy education program for general audiences including civic clubs such as Kiwanis or Rotary, parent's groups, women's groups, or any other group that invites speakers to their meetings.

The Speakers

Individuals with epilepsy frequently find that people respond incorrectly to their seizures, make insensitive comments, or show little understanding of epilepsy in general. Through the H.O.P.E. program, individuals with epilepsy and their family members are active in correcting those misconceptions. H.O.P.E. mentors undergo rigorous training on epilepsy and presentation skills.

The Presentation

H.O.P.E. presentations are informative, with professionally created scripts and data, yet engaging, with mentors sharing their personal experience of epilepsy. The specific material presented varies, but usually consists of an overview of epilepsy and seizure types.

Why Not?

H.O.P.E. presentations can be modified to fit your group’s needs with regard to presentation length and focus. We also have lots of trained speakers and so can be flexible with the time and date of presentation. Most importantly, H.O.P.E. presentations are free. Audiences appreciate the opportunity to learn more about epilepsy and find the information given and experiences shared to be fascinating.

A Range of Speakers to Meet Your Needs

The Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckiana has 10 trained H.O.P.E. mentors available to make presentations about epilepsy and seizures to the general public. All mentors have completed a half-day training session, making them certified presenters.

While all mentors are trained to make presentations using professionally developed scripts and slides, they incorporate their own experience with epilepsy into the presentation, making it interesting and informative. Each mentor brings a unique story to their audience about living with epilepsy. Read below to see whose bio piques your interest – then call the Foundation 502.584.8817 or 866.275.1078 to schedule a presentation for your group.

Michele Whitlock has been making presentations for over 2 years, persistently working against the bad attitudes that have affected how her daughter Mary, and other youth with epilepsy are treated.

Doug Rountree knows a lot about epilepsy from watching his brother Brian struggle with seizures for over 15 years. He has continued to educate himself and others to make Kentuckiana a better place for people with epilepsy to live.

Heather Worland was stunned to have been diagnosed as an adult. Now, she stuns others by debunking popular myths about epilepsy and showing them how a diagnosis of epilepsy doesn't have to get in the way of a good life.

Camille Williams-Neal was diagnosed with epilepsy while doing missionary work in Brazil and has great stories to tell about how her seizures affected her work there and here at home too.

Merrick Bartlett tells audiences how epilepsy has affected her life since she was a teen and how she has overcome her seizures.

For more information or to schedule a HOPE presentation for your club or organization, please contact Beth Blakeley, Director of Education & Community Services, at bblakeley@efky.org or 502.584.8817 or toll free 866.275.1078.