Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago

We hope everyone has a safe and happy Fourth of July! We will be closed tomorrow and will reopen on Monday, July 7th. If you need immediate assistance, please contact the 24/7 helpline at 800-332-1000.

July is Disability Pride Month! A time to promote disability culture and visibility and to commemorate the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Signed into law in 1990, US Representative Tony Coelho was credited as its primary sponsor. Before joining Congress, Tony Coelho, as a man living with epilepsy, faced discrimination and challenges, including being denied from becoming a priest. When entering into politics, Coelho dedicated himself to making a change for all people living with disabilities. Coelho's mission, driven in part by his personal experiences of living with epilepsy, has had a significant impact on our culture. The ADA is here to protect Americans from facing discrimination based on their disability status, a key component to our mission to advocate for the diversity, accessibility, and inclusivity of every individual.

The budget reconciliation bill that includes devastating cuts and harmful changes to Medicaid was passed by the Senate yesterday and is now set to be voted on by the U.S. House of Representatives. There is still time to make your voice heard! This is our last chance to protect Medicaid for millions of Americans (500,000 from Illinois), including people living with epilepsy. Please call and email your U.S. Representative TODAY to vote NO on reconciliation and any cuts to Medicaid at https://bit.ly/EFAPM!

URGENT: Congress is moving quickly to pass a budget reconciliation bill that includes devastating cuts and harmful changes to Medicaid. The legislation is now on its way back to the U.S. House of Representatives which will soon vote on this bill one final time. This is our last chance to protect Medicaid for millions of Americans, including people living with epilepsy. Please call and email your U.S. Representative TODAY to vote NO on reconciliation and any cuts to Medicaid at https://bit.ly/EFAPM!

We are pleased to invite EFGC members to our Mindfulness Minutes Virtual Support Group. Join us in practicing breathing techniques, engaging in meditations, and partaking in gentle movement!

This mindful group takes place EVERY Wednesday from 12:00 - 12:45 p.m. via Zoom.

If you would like to know more about this group, please contact Agatha Demarchi at [email protected] for more information.

We are pleased to invite you to our Monthly Support Groups, a welcoming and inclusive space for individuals living with epilepsy and their families, caregivers.

Our support groups gives members a chance to share their experiences in a safe environment, learn practical tips and coping strategies, connect with others who understand their journey, and hear from occasional guest speakers including healthcare professionals and advocates. For more information about these groups, please contact Agatha Demarchi at [email protected].

In just over two weeks the Yes We Can team will be taking on the Triple Bypass Ride in Colorado for the 5th consecutive year! On July 12, the team, founded by EFGC Board Member Brad Serot, will be cycling 118 miles through the Colorado Rockies climbing over 11,500 feet in elevation to support those living with epilepsy and cerebral palsy. Their incredible fundraising efforts have been instrumental to our commitment to providing free programs and services to those living with epilepsy. Learn more about them and donate to this amazing team here: https://www.yeswecancycling.org/

We are closed tomorrow, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth, a day of reflection, resilience, and continued commitment to equity and justice. Let us take a moment to acknowledge the more than 570,000 African Americans living with epilepsy and the persistent disparities they face in access to care, diagnosis, and treatment. At EFGC we honor this important day in our nation's history, and we also renew our commitment to breaking barriers — in health care, in advocacy, and in community — so that all people with epilepsy can live full and healthy lives.

The latest Family Camp, for members ages 18-24 and their caregivers, had 20 participants ziplining, horseback riding, swimming, and making s'mores together for an unforgettable weekend!

Mark your calendars! The 15th Annual Epilepsy Education Conference will be on November 15th in Oak Brook! We will cover a variety of topics regarding the latest issues impacting the epilepsy community. Speakers and panelists will come from epilepsy centers and hospitals from the Chicagoland area. For more information, including sponsorship opportunities, please contact Ayesha at [email protected].

Our Sixth Annual Casino Night fundraiser is set for November 15th at the Porsche Downtown Chicago! Join us at Midnight in Monte Carlo for a Monaco Grand Prix inspired evening of casino games, open bar (mocktails and NA drinks too!), hors d'oeuvres, raffle prizes, a racing simulator, and so much more, all set against the backdrop of iconic Porsche cars. For more information, contact Sara at [email protected].