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dana.vielmetti@cureepilepsy.org

CURE Epilepsy is the leading nongovernmental agency fully committed to funding research in epilepsy.

The organization was founded by Susan Axelrod and a small group of parents of children with epilepsy who were frustrated with their inability to protect their children from seizures and the side effects of medications. Unwilling to sit back, they joined forces to spearhead the search for a cure.

Since its inception in 1998, CURE Epilepsy has been at the forefront of epilepsy research, raising more than $90 million to fund research and other initiatives that will lead the way to a cure for epilepsy. CURE Epilepsy funds grants for young and established investigators and has awarded more than 285 cutting-edge projects in 18 countries around the world to date.

CURE Epilepsy has led a dramatic shift in the epilepsy research community from simply treating seizures to enhancing understanding of underlying mechanisms and causes, so that cures and preventative strategies can be found. CURE Epilepsy’s research program is cutting-edge, dynamic, and responsive to new scientific opportunities and directions through both investigator-initiated grants and unprecedented scientific programs and initiatives.

Tireless in its efforts and determination, we won’t stop until a cure is found for epilepsy.

Press Releases

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October 30, 2023

New Investigational Drug Offers Hope for Patients with Treatment-Resistant Epilepsy

Unlike several treatments that must be started at low doses and slowly increased, the new drug can safely be taken at its most effective dose from the start, the authors say.

July 18, 2023

CURE Epilepsy Public Service Announcement (PSA) Shares Community Voice on ESPN 

CURE Epilepsy celebrates 25th anniversary as the leading nonprofit dedicated to finding a cure for epilepsy through research with a public service announcement (PSA) set to air on ESPN this summer.

June 26, 2023

Silicon Nose: Small Sensor “Smells” Incipient Seizures 

In people with epilepsy, seizure-alert dogs can smell small changes in body chemistry and warn of an impending seizure an hour or more before it occurs. Inspired by this feat of nature, a team of researchers has sniffed out a way to replicate the ability with technology.

June 30, 2022

CURE Epilepsy Statement on the Importance of Comprehensive Reproductive Healthcare for People With Epilepsy

As a non-profit organization devoted to the health and well-being of people with epilepsy, CURE Epilepsy believes that access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare is critically important for people of childbearing age who have epilepsy.

February 22, 2022

CURE Epilepsy Earns Highest Rating from Charity Navigator

Leading Non-Profit Epilepsy Research Organization Recognized for Delivering on Mission in Financially Efficient and Transparent Way Chicago, February 22, 2022 – CURE Epilepsy is incredibly proud to have earned the 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator, the world’s largest and most trusted nonprofit evaluator. The 4-Star designation means that CURE Epilepsy exceeds industry standards and outperforms most charities in its Cause. It also demonstrates CURE Epilepsy’s excellence, strong financial health, and commitment to adhering to non-profit best practices and executing on our mission in a financially efficient way. Through this rating system, Charity Navigator empowers donors by providing them with critical decision-making information so that they have confidence in whom they are giving their charitable gifts. The organization reviews non-profits on objective data which include: revenue, IRS tax status, fundraising expenses, administrative expenses, length of operations, public support, and location. “Receiving a 4-Star rating on Charity Navigator reinforces that CURE Epilepsy is operating at the highest level of financial transparency and efficiency. As a non-profit, it’s essential that our donors, corporate partners, and volunteers can trust that we will steward their donations effectively to achieve our mission of promoting and funding patient-focused research to find a cure for epilepsy and deliver on their expectations,” said Beth Dean, CURE Epilepsy, CEO. “CURE Epilepsy has always held itself to the highest standards. This recognition highlights that we are being acknowledged for the excellence of our approach and commitment to everyone in the epilepsy community.” CURE Epilepsy was founded in 1998 by Susan Axelrod and a small group of parents who were frustrated by their inability to protect their children from seizures and the side effects of medications. Their goal was to accelerate funding research to find a cure for epilepsy. Since our inception, and thanks to the generosity of donors, corporations, and the community, CURE Epilepsy has: Raised over $85 million to fund more than 270 research projects in 17 countries worldwide. Led the charge in raising public awareness and funding for sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), one of the most devastating outcomes of epilepsy, including investing over $5.3M for more than 38 SUDEP research projects. Implemented a multi-disciplinary, multi-location approach to researching the prevention and treatment of post-traumatic epilepsy with a $10 million grant from the Department of Defense. Invested over $4.1 million to understand infantile spasms, using the first ever team-science research approach in the epilepsy community. Findings have been numerous and included team members securing an additional $4.4 million in expected funding from the National Institute of Health. “CURE Epilepsy is so honored to receive this rating,” said Kelly Cervantes, CURE Epilepsy’s Board of Directors Chair. “This achievement is only possible because of our amazing community, researchers, volunteers, and staff. Together we are focused on creating an organization that is unrelenting in its vision to build a world without epilepsy in the most effective and efficient way. Earning the 4-Star rating further highlights our dedication to exceeding our donors’ expectations. Through research there is hope.” In addition to our 4-Star Charity Navigator rating, CURE Epilepsy is proud to be a Better Business Bureau Accredited Charity, a GuideStar Platinum Transparency Charity, a Great Nonprofits Top-Rated Charity, and a Combined Federal Campaign Charity. To donate or learn more about CURE Epilepsy, please visit CUREepilepsy.org. You can also follow us on our social channels at @CUREforEpilepsy on Facebook, and @CUREepilepsy on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

February 1, 2022

Enhanced Understanding Epilepsy Section Now Available for Epilepsy Community

CURE Epilepsy today announced a significant expansion of the patient resources section of the CURE Epilepsy website. The update, developed with the generous support of SK life science, provides enhanced content for those living with epilepsy, their caregivers, and family members seeking to learn more about epilepsy.

January 24, 2022

The Cameron Boyce Foundation and CURE Epilepsy Partner to Fund New SUDEP Research

The Cameron Boyce Foundation and CURE Epilepsy have again joined forces to award The CURE Epilepsy Cameron Boyce SUDEP Research Award.

November 1, 2021

CURE Epilepsy Kicks Off Epilepsy Awareness Month With Ringing the Closing Bell® at the New York Stock Exchange

Chicago, IL (November 1, 2021) – CURE Epilepsy today announced they are ringing the Closing Bell® at the New York Stock Exchange to kick off Epilepsy Awareness Month, which begins November 1. They also shared that they are investing $1.8 million dollars in 2021 to fund nine new research grants to accelerate finding a cure for epilepsy. Seven of the grantees will focus on foundational research that helps identify the underlying causes and potential treatments of epilepsy. Other grantees will advance potential treatments so that they are closer to being ready for clinical trials. With the announcement of these awards, CURE Epilepsy will have raised over $78 million to fund over 270 grants since its founding 23 years ago by Susan Axelrod and a small group of parents who were frustrated by their inability to protect their children from seizures. CURE Epilepsy’s mission is to fund research to find a cure for epilepsy with the ultimate goal of creating a world without seizures. “As we kick off Epilepsy Awareness Month, we are delighted to announce our 2021 research grantees on the same day that we ring the Closing Bell® at the New York Stock Exchange,” said Beth Dean, CEO of CURE Epilepsy. “People invest in the stock exchange to create the promise of a better future for themselves and their families. CURE Epilepsy invests in talented researchers and novel science to help find cures for epilepsy and foster the promise of a better future for those living with epilepsy. Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder behind migraine, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease, but it receives significantly less federal funding for research. CURE Epilepsy’s investment provides a funding source for scientists to explore novel ideas and drive groundbreaking science.” This year’s group of talented grantees will be focusing their research on sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), sleep and epilepsy, acquired epilepsy, pediatrics, and basic mechanisms that provide the foundational understanding of what causes epilepsy. “Congratulations to these incredible researchers,” said Kelly Cervantes, chair of CURE Epilepsy’s Board of Directors. “These grants are so important to those living with epilepsy and their families and caregivers. As a long-time CURE Epilepsy board member, and the mother of a child who was lost due to epilepsy, these researchers fill me with hope for a future where children and adults live without seizures or the side effects of medication,” she continued. “Over the past 20+ years, CURE Epilepsy’s unrelenting focus on accelerating science to find a cure is what will make the difference for the 3.4 million Americans and 65 million people worldwide living with epilepsy.” 2021 winners include: Taking Flight awardees – a one-year award that promotes the careers of young investigators to allow them to develop a research focus independent of their mentors. Joanna Mattis, MD, PhD – University of Pennsylvania Ana Beatriz DePaula-Silva, PhD – The University of Utah Rina Zelmann, PhD – Massachusetts General Hospital CURE Epilepsy awardees – a two-year award for established researchers that focuses on scientific advances that have the potential to truly transform the lives of those affected by epilepsy. David Auerbach, PhD – SUNY Upstate Medical University Stefan Barakat, MD, PhD – Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands Nigel Pedersen, MD – Emory University Asla Pitkänen, MD, PhD – University of Eastern Finland Catalyst awardees – a two-year award for research that supports nimble development of new transformative therapies for epilepsy, where a positive outcome could lead to a clinical trial. Rodrigo Gutierrez-Quintana, MVZ, MVM, DipECVN, MRCVS – University of Glasgow Ruth Westenbroek, PhD – University of Washington To read more about all of our 2021 grantees, please visit CUREepilepsy.org/grants-awarded. # # # About CURE Epilepsy Our mission is to find a cure for epilepsy by promoting and funding patient-focused research. Since its inception over 20 years ago, CURE Epilepsy has raised over $78 million to fund innovative studies to advance its goal of no seizures and no side effects. To date, CURE Epilepsy has funded more than 270 cutting-edge research projects in 17 countries around the world. As the non-profit leader in epilepsy research, CURE Epilepsy is unwavering in its commitment to fund scientific study and accelerate research to reach our goal - a world without epilepsy. To learn more, please visit us at CUREepilepsy.org or contact us at info@CUREepilepsy.org. You can also follow us on Facebook at @CUREforEpilepsy, and Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn at @CUREepilepsy. PRESS CONTACT: Debby Hecht Debby.Hecht@CUREepilepsy.org 312.971.8443  

September 13, 2021

CURE Epilepsy Announces 2021 Unite to CURE Epilepsy Virtual Community Fundraiser

Chicago, Illinois – CURE Epilepsy is pleased to announce our 2021 Unite to CURE Epilepsy virtual community fundraiser which will be held Friday September 17th beginning at 8pm Eastern | 5pm Pacific time. You can view the free event live by registering at CUREepilepsy.org/Unite2021. Unite to CURE Epilepsy will bring together the community and advocates from around the world to help raise funds for critically needed epilepsy research. It will feature moving stories from across the epilepsy community, promising research from leading researchers, and engaging and inspirational performances from musical stars such as Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, solo artist, and member of the E Street Band and Neil Young and Crazy Horse, Nils Lofgren, and TV and film actor, and star of Broadway’s Hamilton, Miguel Cervantes. The show will also highlight a special guest appearance from 8-time James Beard Award-winning chef Rick Bayless and NBC and MSNBC medical contributor, Dr. Kavita Patel. “I am delighted to be hosting Unite to CURE Epilepsy for a second year,” said Mike Barnicle, award-winning journalist, contributor to MSNBC’s Morning Joe, and Julia’s dad. “CURE Epilepsy is an incredibly important organization to me and my family, as we too have been touched by epilepsy. Knowing that CURE Epilepsy is resolute in their commitment to finding a cure for this disease gives me hope that one day we will live in a world without epilepsy.” Beth Dean, CEO of CURE Epilepsy, added, “We’re so grateful to Mike and all the amazingly talented guests who are participating in this year’s program. Our Unite to CURE Epilepsy virtual event showcases the power of this community and the ability for research to change the outcome for those living with epilepsy. By coming together to focus our efforts and raise money, we make a difference that will allow us to find a cure for this devastating disease.” The event is free to attend. Please register to join us at CUREepilepsy.org/Unite2021. The event will air live on Friday, September 17th beginning at 8pm Eastern | 7pm Central | 6pm Mountain | 5pm Pacific. All proceeds from this event will benefit CURE Epilepsy, an organization with an unwavering commitment to funding research to find a cure for epilepsy. Since its founding more than 20 years ago, CURE Epilepsy has raised over $78 million to fund innovative research to advance our goal of no seizures and no side effects. To date CURE Epilepsy has awarded more than 270 cutting-edge research projects in 17 countries around the world with the goal of achieving our vision: a world without epilepsy. ###   Press Contact: Debby Hecht CURE Epilepsy 312.971.8443 Debby.Hecht@CUREepilepsy.org  

June 28, 2021

Students Awarded Scholarships to Become Agents of Change for the Epilepsy Community!

CURE Epilepsy, in partnership with Greenwich Biosciences, awards ten Education Enrichment Fund scholarships to students advocating for epilepsy awareness and research. Chicago, IL (June 29, 2021) – CURE Epilepsy, in partnership with Greenwich Biosciences, today announced the 2021 class of Education Enrichment Fund (EEF) Scholars. These ten individuals are impacted by epilepsy, either personally, through a family member, or as a caregiver. Collectively, they will receive nearly $50,000 to advance their education while bringing greater awareness to epilepsy. The EEF scholarships provide a one-time grant (up to $5,000). The program, now in its sixth year, supports the EEF scholars’ coursework in their chosen fields, with the hope that they will use their knowledge and skills to advocate for epilepsy awareness and research. “CURE Epilepsy is delighted to announce our 2021 EEF scholar class,” said Beth Dean, CEO of CURE Epilepsy. “This opportunity, made possible by the generous support of Greenwich Biosciences, helps these very deserving students, supports our organization’s efforts to build epilepsy awareness and promote research, and ultimately, benefits the epilepsy community as a whole. The EEF scholars represent the future of epilepsy advocacy, epilepsy research, and the promise of a future free from seizures.” This year’s class includes the sister of someone with epilepsy who is pursuing an animation degree. They want to use their art as a way to tell the stories of people with disabilities, especially epilepsy and autism. Another scholar is an individual with epilepsy pursuing a Master’s in Library Science who realizes the medical risk in internet searches about epilepsy. They hope to encourage and assist others to gain better access to reliable resources about epilepsy. Another awardee includes a future lawyer from Dublin, Ireland, who hopes to return to school after taking several years off to get their seizures under control. Their goal is to enact change in the healthcare system across Europe. Other awardees include an aspiring teacher who lives with epilepsy and seeks to end the stigma associated with epilepsy; a student studying neuroscience seeking to develop treatments to help patients like their brother; and a mother studying to be a registered nurse hoping to bring coordinated care to rural communities and help others like their child who lives with epilepsy. “Congratulations to this year’s class of EEF Scholars,” said Brook Hodgeman, 2019 EEF awardee. “This scholarship means so much more than the money,” he continued. “Knowing that the CURE Epilepsy family is cheering for me and for all the EEF scholars to succeed is what inspired me to apply. As someone who is living with epilepsy, my goal is to become a neurologist and to give someone the same amazing support and care that I received.” Launched in 2016 with three scholars, the EEF Scholarship program has grown significantly and has supported nearly fifty scholars since the program’s creation. 2021 winners include: Aubrey Brown – Saginaw Valley State University Marjorie Fitzsimmons – University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine Rachel Haubert – Clarke University Oliver Kilmartin – University College Dublin, Ireland Katherine Lonergan – Simmons University School of Library and Information Science Rachel McKelvey – Lesley University Rachel Miller – University of Michigan Kiara Mowat – McMaster University, Canada Gwyneth Robins – University of Minnesota Kirston Zandwyck – Conestoga College, Canada To read more about all of our 2021 scholars, please visit CUREepilepsy.org/scholarships. # # # About CURE Epilepsy Our mission is to find a cure for epilepsy by promoting and funding patient-focused research. Since its inception over 20 years ago, CURE Epilepsy has raised over $78 million to fund innovative studies to advance its goal of no seizures and no side effects. To date, CURE Epilepsy has awarded more than 260 cutting-edge research projects in 16 countries around the world. As the non-profit leader in epilepsy research, CURE Epilepsy is unwavering in its commitment to fund scientific study and accelerate research to reach our goal - a world without epilepsy. To learn more, please visit us at CUREepilepsy.org or contact us at info@CUREepilepsy.org. About Greenwich Biosciences Greenwich Biosciences is part of Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc (NASDAQ: JAZZ) a global biopharmaceutical company whose purpose is to innovate to transform the lives of patients and their families. Jazz is dedicated to developing life-changing medicines for people with serious diseases – often with limited or no therapeutic options. Jazz has a diverse portfolio of marketed medicines and novel product candidates, from early- to late-stage development, in neuroscience and oncology. Jazz actively explores new options for patients including novel compounds, small molecules and biologics, and through cannabinoid science and innovative delivery technologies. Jazz is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland and has employees around the globe, serving patients in nearly 75 countries. For more information, please visit www.jazzpharmaceuticals.com and follow @JazzPharma on Twitter.  

related news
January 25, 2021

CURE Epilepsy and Epilepsy Canada Announce Agreement to Team Up to Fight for a Cure

CURE Epilepsy, based in Chicago and Epilepsy Canada, headquartered in Toronto, two organizations at the forefront of funding scientific research, have agreed to form a strategic working relationship.

related news
October 18, 2020

We are now CURE Epilepsy

Formerly-known as Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy (CURE), we have rebranded to CURE Epilepsy.

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