Staying true to our organization’s values, EPI-HAB Phoenix, Inc. recently sponsored a table at the Waves of Change for Epilepsy Gala. Four board members and their guests as well as EPI-HAB controller Torrey Rogers and his guest represented our organization’s commitment to the Epilepsy Foundation of Arizona.
The Great Gatsby-themed event took place at the Mountain Shadows Resort with the goal of raising money to support epilepsy education, awareness and advocacy through the Epilepsy Foundation of Arizona. The gala also featured a presentation from Stacia Kalinoski, an Emmy award-winning video journalist and creator of “Brainstorm,” a documentary telling the stories of three individuals battling epilepsy.
“The room was energized with lots of swanky dressed guests, the presenters were well prepared, and Stacia Kalinoski told a compelling story about her experience with epilepsy,” said Rogers. “What I enjoyed the most was being part of a worthwhile cause. We were honored to attend the gala.”
Since 1973, the Epilepsy Foundation of Arizona has been committed to the welfare of those suffering from epilepsy. The organization works to prevent and cure seizure disorders, alleviate their effects, and promote independence and optimal quality of life for individuals battling the disorders. The Foundation has developed free community support programs for people affected by epilepsy as well as public education programs. Events like September’s gala are vital to funding the many programs and services offered by the Foundation.
Epilepsy in Arizona
Epilepsy is a generic term for a group of diseases characterized by recurring seizures. A seizure is a sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain that usually affects how a person feels or acts for a short period of time. Severe symptoms can include violent shaking and loss of control.
More than 66,000 Arizonans suffer from the disease; yet it remains one of the most misunderstood health issues. Even after receiving treatment, half of the people suffering from epilepsy continue having seizures. Many have trouble with employment, transportation and social interaction.
EPI-HAB Supports Individuals Living with Epilepsy and its Many Challenges
At EPI-HAB, we provide meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with epilepsy. Typical work focuses on hand labor skills, and employees are paid at or above minimum wage with flexible hours.
Our 501(c) 3 organization is unique in that we do not solicit donations or charitable contributions, receive any grants – government or otherwise, nor do we conduct fundraisers. EPI-HAB operates and competes, for the most part, as a for-profit business.
“Alongside our organization’s own efforts to increase the quality of life for Arizonans living with epilepsy, we are pleased to donate excess profits to charities like the Epilepsy Foundation of Arizona to advance the study of the disorder,” said Rogers.
To learn more about the team at EPI-HAB Phoenix, Inc., please visit our website.
If you’d like to get involved in the Epilepsy Foundation of Arizona’s mission, click here.