The mission of the Epilepsy Foundation of North Carolina is to stop seizures and SUDEP, find a cure and overcome the challenges created by epilepsy through efforts including education, advocacy and research to accelerate ideas into therapies.
The Epilepsy Foundation of North Carolina was started in 1972 by a social worker, Ms. Ruth Bowen, who worked for United Way in Charlotte. Ms. Bowen recognized the serious lack of understanding that so often accompanied the diagnosis and the burden it brought to the person with epilepsy and his/her family as well as to the community. Although she had no personal ties to epilepsy, Mrs. Bowen sought to pull together others who were interested in trying to make a difference for this population that was so isolated and neglected.
While much progress has been made, epilepsy continues to be fraught with misunderstanding and misconceptions and continues to lag behind other charities in support and funding. Calls to the helpline from patients, parents, and professionals remind us daily of the work that is still to be done.