August 8, 2018

CURE Update: Opportunities to Learn More About Epilepsy

CURE has expanded opportunities for you to learn about epilepsy and the latest epilepsy research.

In September, the next stop for CURE’s Day of Science is Los Angeles, giving those impacted by epilepsy and their families the chance to get their questions answered by local physicians in an encouraging environment. You can read more about Day of Science events in this update.

In addition, our free online webinar series continues to explore research and clinical insights, with this month’s webinar focusing on Anxiety and Depression Associated with Epilepsy. The webinar discusses how these conditions impact the daily lives of people with epilepsy, including how anxiety and depression can negatively affect their current medications. The presentation also offers strategies for better coping with stress.

Also in this update…

  • CURE Champion Spotlight: Dr. Julie Thompson-Dobkin Brings Artists Together to Fight Stigma and Raise Funds for Research
  • Support Epilepsy Research Every Month by Becoming a Monthly Donor
  • Save the Date: 20th Annual Chicago Benefit on October 15, 2018
  • Next CURE Events

I hope you’re having a great summer,
Laura S. Lubbers, PhD

Free Webinar on Anxiety and Depression Associated with Epilepsy 

If you or a loved one struggle with epilepsy as well as a mood disorder, we invite you to join an online, educational webinar about Anxiety and Depression Associated with Epilepsy on Tuesday, August 14 at 12:00PM CT.

Dr. Andres M. Kanner, a leading expert on epilepsy and psychiatric disorders, discusses how anxiety and depression in people with epilepsy negatively impacts quality of life, reduces tolerance of antiepileptic medications, and increases the risk of suicidal ideation and behavior. The presentation also reviews how stress affects epileptic seizures and offers strategies patients can use to better cope with stress.

During a live Q&A session with Dr. Kanner, you can ask questions, such as:

  • What methods can I use to lower stress and anxiety that could potentially trigger seizures?
  • How do I know if my depression is linked to my epilepsy or my medications?
  • Are anxiety and depression symptoms dependent upon seizure-type? Age of epilepsy onset?

Learn More and Sign Up Now

Register Now for Day of Science in Los Angeles! 

Day of Science

Join us for Day of Science in Los Angeles at University of California Los Angeles on September 29Registration is now open for this free, educational event.

At Day of Science, a panel of local physicians address the audience’s questions and participate in small group discussions with attendees.

When you join us at Day of Science, you can ask questions, such as:

  • What are some of the breakthroughs in epilepsy therapies we can expect to see soon?
  • How do I know if genetic testing is right for my child, and if it is, what type of test should be ordered?
  • If we can locate the source of my child’s seizures, how is a treatment plan then developed?

Stay tuned – registration for Day of Science in Raleigh-Durham and Miami will be opening soon.

Register for Day of Science in Los Angeles

CURE Champion Spotlight: Dr. Julie Thompson-Dobkin Brings Artists Together to Fight Stigma and Raise Funds for Research 

Dr. Julie Thompson-Dobkin

For Julie Thompson-Dobkin, DO, the statistic 1:26 people will develop epilepsy in their lifetime rings true. In addition to being a board-certified neurologist at Share Our Selves Medical Clinic, which provides neurology care for the indigent and uninsured populations of Orange County, California, Dr. Thompson-Dobkin is also the mother of a child with epilepsy.

As a CURE Champion, Dr. Thompson-Dobkin hosts 1:26 The Art of Epilepsy, an art show that provides a platform for the diverse epilepsy community to have their voices heard and their stories told. In 2017, as Dr. Thompson-Dobkin prepared to host the sixth annual event, she decided to name CURE as the beneficiary.

“After doing much research into the various epilepsy programs in the US,” Dr. Thompson-Dobkin says, “I was impressed by CURE’s international support of innovative, cutting-edge research to address all aspects of epilepsy from understanding the mechanisms of epilepsy, to eliminating side effects from antiepileptics, to addressing post-traumatic epilepsy and SUDEP. With over 88% of funding going to support their programs and the amazing team of folks I was introduced to, it became an easy decision. CURE’s work and the enthusiastic team I have had the opportunity to collaborate with has been amazing and an inspiration to go national in 2018.”

This year, Dr. Thompson-Dobkin is hosting the Seventh Annual 1:26 The Art of Epilepsy in IrvineChicago, and San Francisco, as well as Boston in spring 2019. In addition to hosting this event, Dr. Thompson-Dobkin has recently been working with students confronted by discrimination in their schools and communities due to race, gender identity, or socio-economic status. Art has become a platform to raise awareness of these socially challenging situations and foster understanding and acceptance.

Become a CURE Champion

Support Epilepsy Research Every Month by Becoming a Monthly Donor 

Epilepsy doesn’t stop and neither do we! Help bring us closer to finding a cure by becoming a monthly donor. Monthly donations build-up over time, which means any recurring donation can make a big impact.

Becoming a monthly donor is a convenient, flexible way to help ensure cutting-edge epilepsy research is consistently funded. An amount of your choosing will be automatically charged to your credit card or debited from your bank account each month.

You can set up your monthly donation through our website today by checking the “Make this a monthly gift” box when you donate. You can also become a monthly donor by getting in touch with CURE’s Development Associate Kate Murphy at (312) 255-1801.

Become a Monthly Donor Today!

Save the Date: 20th Annual Chicago Benefit on October 15, 2018  

We are celebrating 20 years of CURE’s impact and emerging discoveries at the 20th Annual Chicago Benefit on October 15, 2018 at Navy Pier.

This event will feature a reception, dinner, and musical performances by Rock & Roll Hall-of-Famers Eddie Vedder and Nils Lofgren, as well as the star of Chicago’s production of HAMILTON Miguel Cervantes.

Interested in sponsorship and underwriting opportunities? Please contact Mia Beans at Mia.Beans@CUREepilepsy.org or (312) 255-1801.

Learn More

Next CURE Events 

Webinar: Anxiety and Depression Associated with Epilepsy – August 14

Day of Science in Los Angeles – September 29

The Hidden Truths Project’s 7th Annual 1:26 The Art of Epilepsy in Irvine – September 29

The Hidden Truths Project’s 7th Annual 1:26 The Art of Epilepsy in Chicago – October 14

20th Annual Chicago Benefit – October 15

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