Notes from the Exec . . .

We’re still here! Even though we are unable to publish the Epiletter as often as we wish, we still are providing services statewide to Idahoans whose lives are affected by epilepsy.

People from around the state support EFI with their talent and treasure. Joining them is an outstanding volunteer board of directors. Just over 25 years ago when I was contemplating the job of executive director of the then-named Idaho Epilepsy League, I asked advice from a friend who had been in the non-profit world for some time. What should I know about the organization to make a sound decision whether to accept the offer?

Her advice was to look at the board of directors and assess IEL’s strengths from that perspective. I did and here I am still. Working on behalf of people with seizure disorders and their families is highly satisfying. But what makes this possible is the dedicated service of the volunteers who direct the Epilepsy Foundation of Idaho. Currently there are 23 members of the board who work on the five committees ranging from client services to fundraising. Because of logistics, most are from the Boise area but membership ranges from Idaho Falls to Post Falls. Fourteen either have epilepsy or a close family member who does. Nine serve because they have a professional relationship or a desire to provide community service.

The staff in Boise, Idaho Falls, and Coeur d’Alene may be the ones whom you know or have contact with but the people who make it possible are the members of the Board of Directors. Very soon you will be able to put faces to those names when our web site redesign is complete. Our volunteer webmaster is putting her many talents to that task so if you haven’t checked us out on-line recently take a look at www.epilepsyidaho.org.

— David C. Blackwell