Our mission is to ensure that people with seizures are able to participate in all life experiences; and prevent, control and cure epilepsy through services, education, advocacy and research.

Help, Healing & Hope
The focus of our “help, healing, hope” program is to listen and help the caller get the information, resources and referral they need, including referral to epilepsy specialty care and to community services.



Helpline To Healing & Hope
Through our 1-800 phone line and our website, the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles offers a Helpline for Healing & Hope to individuals and families affected by epilepsy to support and empower them in their journey. 
Call or Email or Visit the Helpline
1.800.564.0445
Email



Gift Of Help & Hope
All new callers to the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles receive a Gift of Help & Hope. This free "gift" includes a packet of information, resources, epilepsy education, seizure alert bracelet or necklace (upon request),  seizure first-aid instructions, invitations to support groups, seminars, and other events. The information is provided in English and in Spanish.
Call or Email to order a “Gift of Help & Hope” for yourself or someone else with epilepsy
1.800.564.0445
Email
Sponsor a “Gift of Help & Hope” 

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Camp Programs



Epilepsy Family Camp
In existence for almost a quarter of a century, our Family Weekend Camp is one of the major programs of the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles.  As the tagline says, Family Camp is about “Family Fun and Friendship”. The weekend camp is designed for the entire family of a child (ages 5 to 19) who has epilepsy. During Camp, the children are showered with fun activities in a safe and accepting environment, and educational seminars are offered to the parents. Special camp activities include Family Night, Carnival, Arts & Crafts, Campfire Talent Show, Derby Race, Teen Scene, Parents Bistro, as well as plenty of opportunity to meet other children and families who understand.
Contact Patricia Leyva
1.310.670.2870   Ext. 102
Email

    

Epilepsy Teen Retreat
The Epilepsy Teen Retreat in the San Bernardino mountains has been an annual event since 2000. The week-long retreat provides an opportunity for pre-teens and teens with epilepsy to socialize, have fun, and learn from each other. The Art of Elysium provides a day of creative activities, and the other days include activities like ice skating, hiking, swimming day at the lake, horseback riding, ropes course, bowling, a skit night and a closing party.
Contact Patricia Leyva
1.310.670.2870       Ext. 102
Email



Winter Retreat for Adults with Epilepsy
The Epilepsy Winter Retreat is a partnership program of Keith’s House Foundation and the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles. This weekend camp for adults with epilepsy provides a rare opportunity for them and their guests to share challenges and coping skills, develop supportive friendships and have fun together. Activities include ropes challenge courses, hiking, games, dinner parties, dances, seminars, and discussion groups.

The Winter Retreat logo makes one think about winter.  It also speaks to some of the many ideas fundamental to this program and the participants. The snowflake speaks to the uniqueness of each adult with epilepsy. The multiple points of the snowflake symbolize the interconnectedness of the thousands with epilepsy. The multi-pronged center could reflect the many facets of how epilepsy affects lives, but also depicts clearly how epilepsy is only one part of life.
Contact Patricia Leyva
1.310.670.2870  Ext 102
Email

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Groups


- EDUCATION
- THERAPY
- SELF-HELP
- SUPPORT
- SHARING

The Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles offers and promotes a variety of groups in different locations and at various times. We consider these groups to be an important source of ongoing support and resource for those living with epilepsy. Each meeting may have a different focus but, in total, over a period of time the participants will benefit from the various components of the group meetings, including education, therapy, socializing, self-help and support and the opportunity for two-way sharing. The group members share similar experiences and the understanding and empathy benefits all members.
For updated information
1.310.670.2870
Email

Groups of the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles
Some of the groups are organized and run by our staff or volunteers and bear our name.

 The Adult Therapy Group
A group of the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles
Second Saturday of the month, 11:00 AM
5777 W. Century Blvd, Second Floor Conference Room (look for the signs)
Los Angeles, CA 90045
Please check the Current Calendar or call 310.670.2870 to confirm time and location.

 The San Gabriel Valley Support Group for Parents of Children with Epilepsy
A group of the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles
Third Sunday of the month, 1:00-2:30 PM
All Saints Church
Pasadena, CA
Please check the Current Calendar or call 310.670.2870 to confirm time and location.

 The Self-Help Valley Group
A group of the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles
First Friday of the month, 7:00 – 9:00 PM
LA Valley College - Faculty Lounge (near Cafeteria)
Please check the Current Calendar or call 310.670.2870 to confirm time and location.

Groups co-sponsored and promoted by the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles
Other groups may be hosted and led by another organization and/or an epilepsy clinic or an epilepsy program at a hospital. If invited, we may agree with the group organizers or host to co-sponsor and help promote the group to our members, but we do not bear any responsibility for the group.

Adult Social Support Group
Epilepsy Program
USC Keck Medical Center
Contact Kara Barton at U.S.C. Keck School of Medicine
This program is sponsored by Keith’s House Foundation

Adult Therapy Group at Hoag Hospital, Newport Beach
Hosted by Hoag Hospital and led by the Epilepsy Alliance of Orange County
For information
http://www.hoaghospital.org/epilepsy/Resources.aspx

Online Groups
It is very important for people affected by epilepsy to connect with each other. Online communities are one way to connect.

Siblings of Epilepsy - Facebook Network
Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles - Facebook Group




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Conferences



Epilepsy Brain Storm Summit Conference
This bilingual annual conference is held during November Epilepsy Awareness Month in downtown Los Angeles. Experts present on topics of interest to individuals affected by epilepsy and their families. Workshops provide opportunities to share ideas.
Contact Rebekkah Halliwell
1.310.670.2870 x105
Email
www.EpilepsyBrainStormSummit.kintera.org

Second Saturday Seminar
For the fifth year in a row, the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles is offering its regular series: Second Saturday Seminars. As a general rule, this monthly seminar is held on the second Saturday of the month and the name, itself, serves as a reminder of the meeting date. Most commonly the Second Saturday Seminar is also held, coincidentally, on the second floor of our building. It starts with a brown-bag-lunch at 12:30 PM and the Seminar starts at 12:45 PM. Different topics are selected and a special guest speaker is often invited.
12:30 PM
5777 W. Century Blvd, Second Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90045
To get updates and topic information
1.310.670.2870
Email


Other Specialty Seminars
The Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles also organizes or co-sponsors other special seminars from time to time in order to bring topics of interest to families affected by epilepsy. These topics range from women’s issues to IEP preparation to research updates.
To get announcements, please make sure you are signed-up for our regular Enews and that you are on our mailing list. You can also get updated information by downloading the Current Calendar.
1.310.670.2870
Download Current Calendar
Sign-up for regular Enews to get information

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Social Support Programs


The Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles organizes and offers a variety activities and events that are social and supportive for individuals and families living with epilepsy. These activities are designed to combat the isolation often associated with epilepsy and to encourage individuals and families to come together and support each other while having fun.  Following are the regular annual activities offered through this program, but other one-time events are organized from time to time.


Epilepsy Family Picnic
The Epilepsy Family Picnic in the Park is normally held on the second or third Saturday in August at a regional park. Children and adults with epilepsy and their families are welcome! The event is all about having fun as a family and with other families. Each family is encouraged to bring along some picnic food to share with others, and the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles provides the meat for the barbecue and the soft drinks. But the event is about much more than food. Our friends from The Art of Elysium lead the arts and crafts, do face painting, and other artistic and fun activities for children of all ages. The event ends with lots of traditional fun picnic games like tug-of-war, bobbing for apples, three-legged races, potato-sack races, water balloon toss, and egg-on-a-spoon races. Join us for the family fun!
Contact Patricia
1.310.670.2870    Ext. 102
Email



 
Epilepsy Freedom Walk
 The Epilepsy Freedom Walk is a fun family walk in the park, complete with food, games and prizes. While the event is fun, the purpose is serious to increase awareness about epilepsy and raise money to continue our fight for freedom from seizures and freedom to succeed for the more than 180,000 people living with epilepsy in our region. This fundraising event brings together a huge cross-section of constituents, representing our 52-year committment to people with epilepsy and their families. Walkers include those living with seizures and their caregivers; doctors, nurses and other health care professionals; government leaders; Foundation staff and volunteers; corporate walking teams; celebrities committed to the cause; Foundation business partners and, of course, members of the general public who enjoy walking. Register TODAY for the upcoming Epilepsy Freedom Walk on October 18, 2009!
Contact Rebekkah Halliwell
1.310.670.2870  Ext. 105
Email
www.EpilepsyFreedomWalk.kintera.org





Family Holiday Party
The Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles hosts an annual Family Holiday Party in December. This holiday party provides a chance for families affected by epilepsy to socialize and enjoy fun and games together. Santa Claus leads the gift giving for the children.  Our friends from The Art of Elysium lead children and teens in creative activities. Families must RSVP in advance so that gift bags can be prepared. There are no gift bags for those who register onsite.
Contact Patricia Leyva
1.310.670.2870  Ext. 102
Email

Epilepsy Entertainment Gatherings (EEG)
The Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles periodically offers an assortment of social events geared to various age groups, individuals, and families. While the EEG program is ongoing, the individual events are not annual events. Sometimes the events involve a ticket fee and may include activities like a movie night, bowling, sporting event or a hike.
Sign-up for Email Announcements



Teen Opportunity Program (TOP)
The Teen Opportunity Program is designed exclusively for pre-teens and teens with epilepsy.  The rainbow theme of the logo highlights the diversity and range of epilepsy as well as the individuality of the teens, but it is also a reminder that epilepsy creates unity and brings the teens together as one group. The rainbow also inspires feelings of joy, hope and a fresh sense of opportunity.

This year-round program includes the annual Teen Retreat in June, Teen Table at the Family Picnic in August, Teen Talk and Teen Scene at Epilepsy Family Camp in September, Teen Talk at the Epilepsy Brain Storm Summit in November, Teen Court at the Family Holiday Party, and Teen Team at the Epilepsy Freedom Walk. The purpose is to bring teens together to combat loneliness and provide opportunities to socialize and enjoy friendships with others who understand. In addition to these regular events, other activities may include concerts, a movie preview, or sports games, etc.
Contact Patricia Leyva
1.310.670.2870 Ext 102
Email

College Scholarships
Contact Lupe Martinez about current college scholarship opportunities for individuals with epilepsy.
1.310.670.2870 Ext 107
Email

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Advocacy
At its heart, the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles is an advocacy organization. We usually refer to two types of advocacy – individual advocacy and legislative advocacy.

Individual Advocacy
Individual advocacy can be conducted in different ways and for different reasons. The Epilepsy Foundation may work with you to help address your individual need in the school or workplace or in other arenas of life. The overall purpose is to help ensure your rights and optimize your opportunities in all walks of life. Sometimes this involves someone from the Foundation helping to train you on how to be a better self-advocate or a better advocate for your child. Other times this may involve someone from the Epilepsy Foundation going with you to a meeting at your child’s school or doing a presentation on epilepsy at your child’s school or at your place of work. Sometimes it is necessary to refer you to community and professional organizations that specialize in legal advocacy and in individual and in disability rights.


Legislative Advocacy
The Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles is involved in both state and federal legislative advocacy. Among other things, legislative advocacy involves you telling your story to policymakers to increase awareness about the needs of individuals with epilepsy and promote policies which will improve lives. We want policymakers to take action to improve the lives of people with epilepsy. Why should you become an epilepsy advocate? YOUR story is important. YOU are the expert. YOU are a voter. YOU can be a voice for YOURSELF and OTHERS affected by epilepsy.

We encourage all of our members to join as advocates with Epilepsy California. Epilepsy California was created through the collaborative efforts of the three Epilepsy Foundations in California. Epilepsy California is the recognized, unified voice of the 400,000 people with epilepsy and seizure disorders throughout the state of California.


Contact Rebekkah Halliwell
1.310.670.2870
Email
www.EpilepsyCalifornia.org
Sign-up For Epilepsy California

 

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Community Presentations
The Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles offers a variety of presentations about epilepsy for different situations and audiences. The basic purpose is to educate about seizure recognition and seizure first aid and increase understanding about epilepsy. Each presentation has additional objectives.  

Request A Presentation
For the presentations in the community, we urge the organizers to optimize the presenter’s time by scheduling a few presentations on the same day or to invite all the employees and/or all the school personnel from a wider region together for the presentation. It is a better use of the presenter’s time if more people can attend the same presentation.

The Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles suggests a donation/fee for each presentation, depending upon the distance and the number of presentations organized in the same location. The fee helps to cover the cost of transportation and staff time, and it can be processed as a fee or as a donation.

To request a presentation contact Patricia Leyva at 1.310.670.2870  Ext. 102 or by email.
Epilepsy Basics For Family Members
Sessions on the basics of the epilepsies are available for individuals, family members, friends and loved ones. These sessions are available upon request and advanced registration is required.

Seizure Recognition And Seizure First Aid
Basic presentations on seizure recognition and on seizure first aid are available for community presentations in the workplace, schools and community agencies. Schools, employers and agency directors are welcome to call and request a presentation.

Seizure Training For School Personnel




Managing Students With Seizures, The School Nurse Training Program
This is a continuing education training program designed to provide the school nurse with information, strategies and resources that will enable him/her to better manage the student with seizures by:
-    Supporting positive treatment outcomes
-    Maximizing educational and developmental opportunities
-    Ensuring a safe and supportive environment
Educate Law Enforcement Personnel And First Responders About Epilepsy
 The Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles will work with a volunteer in San Bernardino to provide seizure recognition and first aid training to law enforcement personnel in areas of Los Angeles and San Bernardino County.













Seizures and You: Take Charge of the Facts    
Seizures and You: Take Charge of the Facts is an epilepsy awareness program targeting teens and tweens ages 11-18. It is part of a multi-year effort to educate teens and pursue the incorporation of epilepsy education units into school system health education and science curricula.
Students who complete this training will:
•    Demonstrate a basic understanding of epilepsy as a medical condition
•    Identify and learn about different types of seizures
•    Know what to do and what not to do when someone is having a seizure
Through this program we also hope to dispel myths and reduce the perceived stigma associated with epilepsy within the teen population.


The H.O.P.E. Mentoring Program (helping other people with epilepsy)
This program was created to allow people who live with epilepsy to educate others and share their experiences.  This is a patient education program that trains persons with epilepsy to be “patient educators” throughout the epilepsy and neurology communities.  The H.O.P.E. Program goals are to:
•    Improve communication about epilepsy to patients and the community at large.
•    Offer an exciting new way for people with epilepsy to learn through shared experience.
•    Serve as a positive resource for the epilepsy patient, family & healthcare professional.
•    Provide a mechanism to inform audiences of the resources available to people with epilepsy.

 Educate Law Enforcement Personnel And First Responders About Epilepsy
 The Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles will work with a volunteer to provide seizure recognition and first aid training to law enforcement personnel.

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Research

When it comes to supporting epilepsy research, the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles is proud to be leading all the other Epilepsy Foundation Affiliates, nationwide, in donating the most money to epilepsy research.

Learn more about research projects currently funded by the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles (Download PDF). 

Learn more about the research opportunities and the application and review process established by the Epilepsy Foundation (Download PDF).

Learn more about the goals and benchmarks for epilepsy research established by the White House initiated "Cure Epilepsy" conference in 2000 (Download PDF).

Learn more about epilepsy research conducted and supported by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke by clicking here.

Learn more about epilepsy research supported by the Epilepsy Foundation by clicking here. 

Join us in supporting epilepsy research through the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles. Click here to make a donation to support epilepsy research. 


Ongoing Research Studies

CenterWatch

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Resource Center



The Brian Alan Sitomer Memorial Resource Center
 This web-based and physical resource center provides families with a vital source of information, resources and referral. The center includes links to additional resources and provides referrals to specialists in the region. This center was established at the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles office with support from Steve Sitomer in memory and honor of his son, Brian Alan, whose life was cut short during a seizure when he was 8 years old. Steve wants to ensure that others start their epilepsy journey with more information and direction than he did. To learn more about Brian Alan Sitomer, please read a message from his Father by clicking here.

The Brian Alan Sitomer Memorial Resource Center is in the process of being expanded with more information. In addition, the Resource Center will continue to be updated whenever new information is available. Please visit the Resouce Center often. Please share the resources with others in your family, neighborhood, school and at your workplace. It is open to you 24/7. If you experience difficulties accessing the resource documents or have questions, please call the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles at (800) 564-0445.

General Epilepsy Information
Important things to know about epilepsy (PDF)
Medications for Seizures (PDF)
Seizure Types (PDF)
Seizure First Aid (PDF)
Medication Switching & Substitution (PDF)
Epilepsy Centers in the Greater Los Angles area (PDF)
Directory of California Regional Centers (PDF)

Information for Parents of Children with Epilepsy
School Issues and Forms
     - What Teachers Need to Know
     - Seizure Observation Record
     - Seizure Action Plan
     - Parent Questionnaire     
Legal Rights in School & Childcare (PDF)
 Parent Training & Information Centers (PDF)
Tools and Forms for Parents
     - Care Plan
     - Doctor's Visit - Be Prepared!
     - Provider List
     - Seizure Log
     - Medication List
     - Medical History
     - Seizure Action Plan
Administration of Medication and Other Treatments in Schools, Daycare and Camps (PDF)

Information for Adults with Epilepsy
Driving & Epilepsy
     - California Driver Licensing Laws
     - Drivers Licensing (Position Statement)

Employment
     - Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment (ADAA)
Women & Epilepsy
     - Hormones and Epilepsy
     - Pregnancy Issues
     - Pregnancy and Epilepsy Medications
     - Menopause and Epilepsy
     - Special Concerns for Teenage Girls
Tools and Forms for Adults  
     - Seizure Action Plan


Información (Llega en las Próximas Semanas)

Video Resources

Childhood Epilepsy Videos
The Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles has completed two films with Becket Films about childhood epilepsy that help parents meet the challenges of a newly diagnosed child. One film is in English; one is in Spanish.

 

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Hispanic Outreach



Tomando Accion Contra Las Epilepsias (TACKLE) - Taking Action Against The Epilepsies
The Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles recognizes the need for improved and expanded outreach and support to often underserved Hispanic families who have a child or adult family member with disabling seizures. Through a model of partnership with Hispanic families this empowering intervention and prevention program is known as TOMANDO ACCION CONTRA LAS EPILEPSIAS (TACkLE) or TAKING ACTION AGAINST THE EPILEPSIES. Our bilingual staff offers all our services to Spanish-speaking families.  In addition, epilepsy education is available to families and to professional caregivers in the community, and information pieces are available in Spanish to families with epilepsy.
Contact Lupe Martinez
1.310.670.2870   Ext. 107
Email  

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Programas Y Servicios

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