Message from the Chair

In this season of giving, I wanted to acknowledge an often overlooked but absolutely critical member of any health care team—the caregiver for a person with a chronic disorder, like epilepsy. As a caregiver, you might feel like you are alone—the only person out there who experiences the stress, frustration, but also the tremendous rewards that come from helping someone to overcome the daily hurdles that are part of having a health disorder. However, you are not alone. It is estimated that 50 million Americans provide help for their loved ones with special needs.

For those of you who give so much all year long, it is important to remember to take care of yourself, too. Inside this issue, you will find advice on how to cope with some of the natural feelings that come with being a caregiver, as well as tips on how to stay healthy while balancing so many responsibilities. When you give so much, it’s sometimes hard to remember to give back to yourself—to take a break, relax and refuel.

In this issue, we also salute our longtime colleague and friend, the immediate past chair of the Epilepsy Foundation’s board of directors, Tony Coelho. Tony’s tireless efforts on behalf of all people with disabilities—including people with epilepsy—are remarkable. His unflagging energy and commitment to ending stigma for people with epilepsy and leveling the playing field for all people with disabilities is the cornerstone of an outstanding career in politics and the private sector. Tony’s story of overcoming the hurdles he faced as a young man with epilepsy—ultimately becoming one of the most powerful men in the House of Representatives—is truly inspiring.

At the close of the year, I would like to take the opportunity to express my gratitude to all the people who support the Epilepsy Foundation. It is through your goodwill that we are able to achieve our goals as we work toward making life better for people with epilepsy—and their caregivers.