Adult Social and Support Networks

Individuals and families who face the daily challenges of epilepsy or seizure disorder often feel isolated and fear that there is no one else who truly understands their struggle with this condition. Bringing people together to share common experiences, frustrations, successes and victories over epilepsy is one way that the EFWCP strives to provide some emotional support and encouragement to people confronting the negative aspects of epilepsy. Individuals are often able to learn more from other patients, parents and family members than from any other source of information available.

If you’re looking for someone who understands what you and your family are going through in coping with epilepsy in your lives, take advantage of some of these opportunities to connect with others coping with epilepsy.

Visit our Discussion Boards where you can post a question, find some peer support or simply read what others have to say about epilepsy.

Attend a Support Group Meeting to meet other people in your local area who are also coping with epilepsy. The groups offer socialization, friendship and learning. The groups are open to anyone with epilepsy or a seizure disorder. Spouses, significant others, and friends are also welcome to attend our meetings. The groups often invite speakers to address concerns such as legal rights, medication, self-esteem, driving, employment, family dynamics and housing.

Pittsburgh

In the western region, Francine Reyher coordinates a group that meets at the Cardello Building, located at 1501 Reedsdale Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15233. If you are interested in attending one of these meetings, or would like more information, call Francine at 412-322-5880 or (800) 361-5885 or e-mail her at feden@efwp.org.

York

The York group meets at WellSpan Neurology, 290 St. Charles Way, York, PA, 17402. Contact Gretchen Knaub at (717) 541-0301, (800) 336-0301 or gknaub@efwp.org.

Hershey

The Hershey group meets at Hershey Medical Center, 500 University Dr, Hershey PA, 17033. Contact Gretchen Knaub at (717) 541-0301, (800) 336-0301 or gknaub@efwp.org.

Altoona

The Altoona group meets monthly at Bon Secours Hospital, 2500 7th Avenue, Altoona, PA 16601. Contact Mary Grattan for information about the Altoona group at 814-262-7494 or mgrattan@efwp.org.

Johnstown

A support group meets in Johnstown on a monthly basis at the John P. Murtha Neuroscience and Pain Institute, 1450 Scalp Avenue, Johnstown, PA 15904. Contact Mary Grattan for information about the Johnstown group at 814-262-7494 or mgrattan@efwp.org.

Peer To Peer Linkage

If you are not able to attend local support group meetings you may be interested in a Peer To Peer Linkage. In some instances, the EFWCP is able to find someone who lives in your local community who is willing to talk with you one-on-one to provide emotional support. Contact the EFWCP if you are interested in Peer To Peer Linkage.

Check out the EFWCP Calendar of Events for other educational and social programs.