2002 Making a Difference Merit Award Winners

Posted: January 1, 2003

This award recognizes women with epilepsy who have contributed in a significant way at the local, regional or national level to:

• Support and advance quality of life for women with epilepsy; or
• Inspire people with epilepsy and those with other chronic disabilities; or
• Enhance public understanding of epilepsy and its impact on women.

Lauren Silvestro

After completing all the requirements for a teaching certificate five years ago, Lauren couldn't find a public school to let her do her student teaching. She answered the discrimination by completing a Masters of Social Work degree and now advocates for the rights of others with disabilities.

Lauren, who has had epilepsy since she was 12, has been a volunteer speaker and counselor for eight years, working with the Epilepsy Foundation of Southeastern Pennsylvania and the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania's Epilepsy Center. Before leaving for graduate school in Pennsylvania, she interned for the Epilepsy Foundation of New Jersey.

Through her "educate the educators" program, she works to ensure that school personnel in New Jersey are fulfilling their responsibility to educate and accommodate children with epilepsy. In her one-on-one counseling, she is able to ally the fears of those facing what she also deals with.

Despite years of uncontrolled seizures, Lauren has maintained a sharp and colorful sense of humor. She is making a difference for people with epilepsy in her community.

Christine Toes

Since being discharged from the Air Force because of her seizures, Christine has committed herself to improving the quality of life for people with epilepsy.

After working for the Epilepsy Foundation of New York City, first as an executive assistant and then director of development, Christine went on to become program coordinator for f.a.c.e.s. (Fight Against Childhood Epilepsy and Seizures) at New York University's Epilepsy Center. She has organized several educational programs, conferences and other events that benefit people affected by epilepsy.

She is involved with everything from expanding local summer camp programs to promoting the Take Another Look program for law enforcement officers. Families who cannot afford the hotel costs of traveling to New York for treatment can count on Christine to make sure they have housing.

Christine has gone beyond just accepting her condition, but has accepted the challenge of making life with epilepsy less difficult for others.

Kelli Lerner

A trained actress, Kelli gave up performing after she began having seizures on stage. She now channels her creative energy into educating school children about epilepsy.

As a volunteer for the Epilepsy Foundation of New York City, Kelli spearheaded the production of "Caitlin's Song," a play about a young girl with epilepsy, and led a project for women called Goals Group.

Kelli's passion stems from her own experiences growing up with epilepsy. She incurred many bumps academically and socially as a child, and now wants to ensure there are resources to help children with epilepsy feel accepted.

The fruit of Kelli's effort is seen in many children who benefit from her attention, friendship and commitment to bettering their present and their future. Her drive, patience and dedication have advanced the cause of epilepsy in her community.