THE MOUNT SINAI EPILEPSY PROGRAM
As many of you know - I have been struggling with Epilepsy for most of my life. Through the many years of doctors visits, hospital stays and medical procedures I have been blessed with the strong support of both family and friends. Over these same years I’ve witnessed many patients and families who do not have the same incredible network….many lack the mental, physical and financial support. Looking back at the many ups and downs I have dealt with - I realize how being surrounded by such a great group of family, friends and co-workers is truly a gift. Neurological issues are not limited to celebrities and athletes – thousands of people suffer with these very same issues – but lack the support through their journey.
- Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder and affects people of all ages. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that results from abnormal activity in the brain. The brain's abnormal activity could be due to an inherited genetic condition, trauma to the head, diseases and developmental disorders of the brain or for unknown reasons.
- 3.4 MILLION People in the US have Epilepsy and 1 IN 26 people will develop Epilepsy at some point in their life.
- Public misunderstandings of epilepsy cause challenges that are often worse than the seizures themselves. Efforts have been made to raise awareness, end fear, fight discrimination and show support for people impacted by epilepsy and seizures.
** The Mount Sinai Department of Neurology’s Epilepsy Program is starting several support groups for their patients and caregivers. These groups will provide education, focused discussions and “special events/guest lecturers” designed to improve the quality of life in their patients and their loved ones. “Normalizing” and de-stigmatizing epilepsy will be the clear goal, which will hopefully have downstream impact on improving all patients’ quality of life. This program’s efforts and patients need mental, physical as well as financial support.
I, along with my wife Jennie, feel confident that this program will allow us to help educate and share our life story with the many patients and families who suffer the same medical disorder I live with. Allowing patients, families and caregivers to speak with others can help them realize they are not going through this alone and will now have a strong support group to rely on.
Jennie and I have set a personal fundraising goal of $10,000 and need your help to make this effort a success. If you, or your company, are able, we would greatly appreciate any donation you could make to “The Mount Sinai Epilepsy Program”.
- Please make a gift today to support this program
Jennie and I kindly thank you in advance for your generosity.
Sincerely,
James and Jennifer Brill