Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago

Amazing news! Legislation has passed to require insurance coverage for medically prescribed, FDA-approved seizure detection devices, helping protect people living with epilepsy in Illinois! Expanding access to this technology will improve safety, independence, and quality of life for so many impacted by epilepsy.

Big news for Illinois families living with epilepsy! 🎉

After years of advocacy, collaboration, and persistence, groundbreaking legislation has passed the Illinois General Assembly and now awaits the Governor's signature! Once signed into law, it will expand access to FDA-cleared seizure detection devices through both Illinois Medicaid and private insurance coverage.

This is a major step forward in helping more people access technology that can improve safety, independence, and quality of life. We're incredibly grateful to the advocacy partners, families, clinicians, and community members who helped make this possible. In addition, we celebrate the chief sponsors of this legislation: State Senator Julie Morrisoni and State Representative Bob Morgan, for their tireless efforts.

This expanded device access helps to close a critical gap in epilepsy care—and we are excited for the impact this will have for thousands of Illinois residents in the years ahead. 💙💜

Here's why Rebekah is running for EFGC's Bank of America Chicago Marathon team:

"I was diagnosed with epilepsy at 8 years old. As I got older, my seizures became more severe and often happened while I was running or playing soccer. My sports and running were the very things that made me feel most alive. After multiple life-threatening seizures, ICU stays, and years of being told to stop running, I lost not only my sport, but at times a major part of myself. I had to stop running altogether for years.

"Running was always my freedom even from a young age and after years of setbacks, fear, and rebuilding my confidence, I found my way back one mile at a time. My last seizure was in 2017 and I have been seizure free and running without worry for the last 6 years! This year I am preparing to run my 5th marathon: the Chicago Marathon with the Epilepsy Foundation. I’m running for every person living with epilepsy who has felt limited, afraid or alone. I’m running for all the times I could not and to overcome the epilepsy for all those fighting against it!"

We are so grateful for her support and sharing her inspiring story!

To donate to Rebekah's marathon page, please visit: https://bit.ly/4x0LY53

Happy Pride Month! We will be kicking off our celebration THIS SATURDAY (6/6) with an in-person clinical workshop focused on honoring the LGBTQIA+ community and promoting equality for all. For more information, please contact Agatha at ademarchi@epilepsychicago,org or Karli at [email protected].

We successfully completed another amazing Family Camp this past weekend! it was great to see our members and their families connect, participate in outdoor activities, and step outside of their comfort zones. We look forward to next year!

Here's why Lucia is running for EFGC's Bank of America Chicago Marathon team:

"I’m running the Chicago Marathon for the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago because epilepsy became very personal to our family after my daughter, Alexia, was diagnosed with epilepsy at just 16 years old. Watching your child go through something so unexpected and frightening changes your perspective on life completely. Despite the challenges, she recently graduated high school, and I could not be more proud of her strength and resilience.

Running this marathon is my way of raising awareness, honoring her journey, and supporting other individuals and families affected by epilepsy. I’m grateful for the support and resources we received, and I hope to help make that same support available to others. 💜"

We are so grateful for your support and compassion to help the epilepsy community!

To donate to Lucia's marathon page, please visit: https://bit.ly/4xacskL

Get ready for a special screening of "Under the Lights" with filmmaker with epilepsy Miles Levin IN PERSON. Featuring an all star cast, Under the Lights stands to be the biggest moment for epilepsy awareness of all time. Join us on June 23 at 6pm at the Davis Theater for an evening of awareness, connection and a groundbreaking moment for our Chicago epilepsy community.

UCB USA Under the Lights - A Film, A Movement

In observance of Memorial Day, our office will be closed tomorrow, May 25th. We will reopen on May 26th.

May is Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month! The lack of understanding and stigmas associated with epilepsy can have a huge impact on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders living with the disorder. There are steps that can be taken to address these challenges.

Attendees at our recent Women's Community Day explored simple and supportive ways to care for the mind and body while building meaningful connections with others who understand the journey of being a women impacted by epilepsy.

EFGC Board Member, Brad Serot and his Yes We Can team were featured on NBC Chicago yesterday. They shared their powerful story: cycling over 100 miles in the Colorado Rockies' SBT GRVL on June 28th to raise funds for EFGC and other organizations. We're so proud and thankful for for their compassion and drive to provide support for so many!

From COVID-19 hobby to raising millions for kids with disabilities A single father of four from Wilmette is gathering a group of cyclists to raise money to help families who have children with disabilities, as Chris Hush reports.