July 5, 2017

‘Hamilton’ star to put spotlight on epilepsy during North Barrington fundraiser

As reported in the Chicago Tribune:

Despite being one of the most lauded musical stage actors in the area right now, Miguel Cervantes, who plays the title role in Chicago’s production of “Hamilton,” remains humbled by the outpouring of support for his 1-year-old daughter.

And on July 10, Cervantes will be at the Wynstone Golf Club in North Barrington rallying additional support for his daughter, Adelaide, who was diagnosed with infantile spasms, according to the group Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy (Cure).

“It”s amazing to hear from people all over the world,” Cervantes said. “People are reaching out.”

At 10 a.m. July 10 at the golf course, Cervantes will start a day-long fundraiser for Cure and try to turn the spotlight on his daughter’s diagnosis.

Cervantes said epilepsy typically does not receive the same media coverage as other diseases, such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and ALS.

“So, people thank me for putting epilepsy on the map,” he said. “If my small piece of fame can help, then I’m happy to use it.”

Cervantes said his wife, Kelly, worked in event sales and also helped host events for epilepsy research in New York City before “Hamilton” came to Chicago last fall.

Their daughter has experienced ups and downs since her diagnosis, which is typical in the “the world of epilepsy,” he said.

“This is the hand we’ve been dealt. This is our new normal,” Cervantes said. “We keep fighting. We don’t have a choice.”

The fundraiser at the Wynstone Golf Club in North Barrington includes lunch, a reception dinner and awards, as well as live and silent auctions, organizers said.

Registration is open to the public. For information, call (312)-255-1801 or email events@CUREepilepsy.org.