Letter from EFI President, Alan Minskoff

Epilepsy has been part of my life since 1978 when at age 31 I had my first seizure. I am one of those fortunate people whose epilepsy is controlled by medication. My commitment to helping those with seizures comes from my brain and heart.

Earlier this year I received an email from Epilepsy Foundation of America (EFA) entitled "Epilepsy: More Common than You Think" that detailed just how prevalent seizure disorders are in this country and around the world. Some surprising statistics include: "Epilepsy is the third most common neurological disorder in the United States after Alzheimer's disease and stroke."

More than 2,700,000 people in the U.S. and 50 million worldwide are affected by one of more than 40 syndromes defined as epilepsy. Two hundred thousand Americans are diagnosed with epilepsy each year and an estimated 25,000 to 50,000 will die this year of seizures and related causes. Between 60 and 70 percent of people with epilepsy are able to be treated with antiepileptic medication. Sadly of "major chronic medical conditions epilepsy is among the least understood even though one in three adults knows someone with the disorder."

People who suffer from seizure disorders continue to face discrimination in the workplace, in schools and socially. EFI's ongoing task is to help keep those with epilepsy out of the margins, to ensure Idahoans have emergency funds for medication and to educate the public about seizures. Through our offices and staff in Boise, Idaho Falls and Coeur d'Alene, we continue to work to help those with seizures and their families, hold educational programs that attract audiences from throughout the state and the region and take our puppet show to schools to teach children and adults how to respond to someone having a seizure.

Now St. Luke's Regional Medical Center, our longtime sponsor and ally in the epilepsy movement, has made a dramatic investment in the care of those who suffer from seizures. The soon-to-be opened Idaho Comprehensive Epilepsy Center at St. Luke's in Boise heralds new opportunities in treatment and technology. Under the directorship of Dr. Robert Wechsler, M.D. and Ph.D., the center is the first of its kind in the Gem State. We welcome Dr. Wechsler and thank St. Luke's RMC for taking this innovative and essential step.

My first year as the president of the Epilepsy Foundation of Idaho has been challenging and fulfilling: We had our most successful St. Valentine's Day Massacre event ever; despite reduced funds our programs and events are reaching throughout Idaho, and we have redoubled our efforts in difficult economic times to maintain the commitment to excellence that has been the hallmark of our organization.

Everything costs money and candidly we need contributions now more than ever. Your donations help us serve Idahoans with epilepsy.

Alan Minskoff is the director of the journalism program
at Albertson College of Idaho