Message from the Executive Director

“Even if you’re on the right track,
you’ll get run over if you just sit there.”
—Will Rogers, author, lecturer, humorist
(1879-1935)

We live in challenging times. As Rogers suggests, accepting the status quo and resting on one's laurels, especially in such a highly competitive era, is a recipe for disaster.

While we take great pride in our past accomplishments, and believe our nationally-recognized programs and services have put us on the right track, we must also move forward to meet the competitive challenges ahead by creating innovative ways to inform and educate Pennsylvanians about epilepsy/seizure disorders.

At the Epilepsy Foundation Western/Central Pennsylvania (EFWCP), we believe our progressive planning has prepared us not only for the present, but the future. The continued support of the EFWCP board of directors, staff, medical community, and volunteers, and our corporate, government, and individual donors, makes it possible for us to maintain existing levels of service while implementing new initiatives.

Despite the challenges, these are highly exciting times. The EFWCP has provided a variety of public education, information, referral, employment training, advocacy, and support programs for individuals and families affected by epilepsy/seizure disorders throughout its 49-county service area. Seizure recognition and first-aid training presentations have been offered in hundreds of schools and social service agencies, reaching thousands of students, social service providers, and residential and child care workers. The EFWCP hosts a summer camp for children, and has sponsored dozens of community education events, seminars, and workshops for individuals and families.

We also have begun to step up our community outreach activities in new areas of the state, and we will be looking to bolster our popular fundraising events by adding new components to past, proven successes. We are even improving our presence on the World Wide Web as a means to reach thousands of persons with epilepsy who seek information via the Internet.

Most importantly, we look to improve the lives of persons with epilepsy by adding new programs to our fold. EFWCP staff are preparing to host regional seminars, further extending our reach into various communities, and we have begun to host teen and family retreats.

Despite our best efforts, however, the stigma and outdated societal attitudes toward persons with epilepsy/seizure disorders sadly remain. Breaking down stereotypes and barriers is perhaps our biggest challenge as we chart our course for the future. Please join us in making a difference.

Judith K. Painter
Executive Director