Press Release

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.

For many people with epilepsy, management of their seizures is closely intertwined with issues affecting their reproductive healthcare. Some antiseizure medications can affect the efficacy of hormonal contraceptives. Prenatal exposure to some antiseizure medications can affect a fetus, with potential risks of birth defects and impaired cognitive/behavioral development. Seizures during pregnancy can put a parent’s life at risk as well as risk fetal health in utero due to oxygen deprivation.

Decisions regarding health and well-being for people with epilepsy must be carefully monitored and made in concert with their family, neurologist, and OB/GYN practitioner. These decisions are often neither straightforward nor easy. Healthcare providers must have unfettered access to evidence-based medical care to ensure the best outcomes. CURE epilepsy recognizes these impacts on the very community for whom we are tirelessly working to research a cure for epilepsy.

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.

Enhanced Understanding Epilepsy Section Now Available for Epilepsy Community

CURE Epilepsy, with generous support from SK Life Science, Inc., announces more robust epilepsy resources section on CURE Epilepsy website

Chicago, IL (Feb 1, 2022) – 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.

Included in this content, which has been rebranded “Understanding Epilepsy” is information on epilepsy basics, treatments and therapies, clinical trials, and finding an epilepsy center. One in 26 Americans will be diagnosed with epilepsy in their lifetime, and these resources provide a wealth of material to aid those seeking a better understanding of this condition. When coupled with the rest of the CURE Epilepsy website, those looking to understand their diagnosis will also gain valuable insights into the latest research and discoveries designed to treat and cure epilepsy.

“We are excited to announce the enhanced “Understanding Epilepsy” content of the CURE Epilepsy website. This update further reinforces our ongoing dedication to keeping the community informed on all aspects of epilepsy, from what it is, what are the causes, through to treatments and discoveries on the horizon,” said Beth Dean, CEO of CURE Epilepsy. “We are grateful to SK life science for their generous support, so we can provide those living with epilepsy and their loved ones access to the best educational resources,” Ms. Dean continued.

“At SK life science, we recognize that each and everyone’s fight against epilepsy is different. That’s why we’re so proud to support CURE Epilepsy in providing the epilepsy community with accessible educational resources on epilepsy and ways to manage seizures,” said Louis Ferrari, vice president of medical affairs at SK life science. “We share in CURE Epilepsy’s commitment to empower those living with epilepsy and their loved ones to better understand the condition and hope that these resources will inspire more informed discussions among patients, caregivers and their care teams.”

As the non-profit leader in funding epilepsy research, CURE Epilepsy is well-recognized for showcasing the latest discoveries for both research the organization has funded and sharing other key findings that will lead to cures for epilepsy. With the availability of this additional content which helps arm people with additional knowledge about epilepsy, CURE Epilepsy reinforces their commitment to educating the community about this condition that impacts over 65 million people worldwide.

CURE Epilepsy is committed to updating and refining the content as appropriate to maintain the most up-to-date information for the epilepsy community. This content will help educate the community, empowering people to advocate for themselves and their loved ones.

About CURE Epilepsy

CURE Epilepsy’s 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.

With research there is hope. 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.

Media inquiries
CURE Epilepsy
debby.hecht@cureepilepsy.org

About SK Biopharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. and SK Life Science, Inc.

SK Biopharmaceuticals and its U.S. subsidiary SK life science are pharmaceutical companies focused on the global research, development and commercialization of treatments for disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) and oncology. The companies’ R&D efforts on CNS began in 1993 and, in 2017, SK Biopharmaceuticals established a research center to begin their expansion into oncology. For more information, visit SK Biopharmaceuticals’ website at www.skbp.com/eng and SK life science’s website at www.SKLifeScienceInc.com.

Both SK Biopharmaceuticals and SK life science are part of SK Group, one of the largest conglomerates in Korea. SK Inc., the parent company of SK Biopharmaceuticals, continues to enhance its portfolio value by executing long-term investments with a number of competitive subsidiaries in various business areas, including pharmaceuticals and life science, energy and chemicals, information and telecommunication, and semiconductors. In addition, SK Inc. is focused on reinforcing its growth foundations through profitable and practical management based on financial stability, while raising its enterprise value by investing in new future growth businesses. For more information, please visit http://hc.sk.co.kr/en/.

Media Inquiries
SK Life Science, Inc.
media@sklsi.com

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

Chicago, IL (January 24, 2022) – The Cameron Boyce Foundation and CURE Epilepsy have again joined forces to award The CURE Epilepsy Cameron Boyce SUDEP Research Award. This year’s award goes to Dr. David Auerbach of SUNY Upstate Medical University for his research study Cardiac and Autonomic Pathological Markers for Arrhythmias and Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy Patients. The $250,000 grant for Dr. Auerbach’s research will further the understanding of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), one of the most devastating possible consequences of epilepsy. SUDEP was responsible for Cameron Boyce’s death in 2019.

Dr. Auerbach’s innovative study will use analytical tools that are well accepted in the field of cardiology, but new to epilepsy and SUDEP, to identify epilepsy patient populations at risk of cardiac-related SUDEP. This novel research is designed with the goal of developing a comprehensive SUDEP risk assessment tool to help identify people with epilepsy who are at risk for SUDEP, so that measures can be put in place to prevent SUDEP from occurring.

“The Cameron Boyce Foundation is honored to continue our partnership with CURE Epilepsy and to explore ways to work together to improve epilepsy awareness, accuracy of treatments, and to ultimately cure epilepsy!” said Libby Boyce. “In honor of our son Cameron, who lost his life due to SUDEP, The Cameron Boyce Foundation and our donors are happy to fund Dr. David Auerbach’s research with The CURE Epilepsy Cameron Boyce SUDEP Research Award. We thank CURE Epilepsy for allowing us to participate in this work and for including us in their community. We are confident that working together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of people living with epilepsy.”

“As we enter the second year of this partnership, CURE Epilepsy is so grateful to The Cameron Boyce Foundation for their continued commitment to funding critically needed epilepsy research,” said Beth Dean, CEO, CURE Epilepsy. “No one should have to experience what the Boyce’s have. Through this relationship, Libby and Victor further demonstrate their unrelenting dedication to helping better understand SUDEP so we can prevent it, which will make the difference in the lives of people living with epilepsy now and for years to come. Their investment is essential in helping provide a brighter future for the 65 million people worldwide living with epilepsy. Through research there is hope.”

Epilepsy research is an area that is significantly underfunded. Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder behind migraine, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease but receives significantly less federal funding. CURE Epilepsy has helped fill that void, especially in the area of SUDEP research. Through funding The CURE Epilepsy Cameron Boyce SUDEP Research Award, The Cameron Boyce Foundation recognizes the promise of this work, and it reinforces their resolve to honor Cameron’s legacy by supporting epilepsy research, awareness, and education.

About SUDEP: Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) occurs when a seemingly healthy person with epilepsy dies for no known obvious reason. SUDEP is the leading cause of epilepsy related mortality. It is estimated that approximately 1 in 1,000 people with epilepsy (3,000 people in the US) die each year from SUDEP, however, the number is likely greater due to poor surveillance and underreporting. SUDEP can happen to anyone with epilepsy, although certain individuals are at a greater risk. While steps can be taken to reduce this risk, there is a critical need for continued SUDEP research to understand the underlying causes in order to prevent it from occurring.

About CURE Epilepsy: CURE Epilepsy’s 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, including over $5.3 million dedicated to 38 SUDEP research studies. 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.

Through research there is hope. 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.

About The Cameron Boyce Foundation: The Cameron Boyce Foundation (est. 2019) honors the legacy of Cameron Boyce by aiming to cure epilepsy through funding research, education, and awareness campaigns while still supporting causes that were important to Cameron. Cameron was an extraordinary individual, whose kindness and philanthropy will live on through those who knew and loved him. The foundation created in his honor is just as multi-faceted as he was and strives to put forth every effort to use the best resources possible to help others and make the world a better place.

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.

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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

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 17^th 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 17^th 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.

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Press Contact:

Debby Hecht

CURE Epilepsy

312.971.8443

Debby.Hecht@CUREepilepsy.org

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.

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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.

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

Epilepsy research in North America has received a major boost. 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 that formally commenced on January 1, 2021.

As the need for a cure for epilepsy remains ever present, it is essential that the pace of epilepsy research accelerate to ensure that scientific advances to address this challenging condition move forward. This partnership will further both organizations’ ability to drive science and research to find a cure for epilepsy through more efficiently and strategically targeting their financial resources to drive progress.

“CURE Epilepsy funds ground-breaking research all over the world. To date, we have funded innovative epilepsy studies in 15 countries, including several in Canada,” said Beth Dean, CEO, CURE Epilepsy. “Partnering with Epilepsy Canada is a natural step for us in our drive to advance epilepsy research and find a cure. This strategic relationship makes sense on many levels, as our missions are aligned, we have a shared passion for finding answers through science, and researchers from both countries have a long history of collaboration.”

Gary Collins, President, Epilepsy Canada, added, “Over the past few years, Epilepsy Canada has sought strategic alliances that would enable us to direct more funding to epilepsy. We believe the CURE Epilepsy partnership will be an outstanding win. Both organizations wish to find a cure for epilepsy by funding and promoting scientific research into a cure. By working with CURE Epilepsy, Epilepsy Canada is increasing its ability to impact that goal ten-fold.”

About CURE Epilepsy: Since its inception in 1998, CURE Epilepsy has raised more than $78 million USD to fund epilepsy research and other initiatives that will lead the way to cures for the epilepsies. CURE Epilepsy awards grants for novel research projects to prevent epilepsy related to post-traumatic epilepsy, advancing the search for a cure, eliminating treatment side effects, and reversing deficits caused by frequent seizures. CURE Epilepsy funds grants for young and established investigators and to date has awarded more than 250 cutting-edge projects in 15 countries around the world. To learn more, please visit CUREepilepsy.org or contact us at info@CUREepilepsy.org.

About Epilepsy Canada: Epilepsy Canada was founded in 1966 has raised more than $4.3 million CDN since 2010. Since our inception, we have been a leading advocate and significant supporter of epilepsy research at Canadian universities and research hospitals. The organization is totally funded by corporate and individual donations and each year seeks out significant research projects to support. To learn more, please visit Epilepsy.ca or contact us at garycollins@epilepsy.ca.

We are now CURE Epilepsy

Chicago (October 19, 2020) — Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy (CURE), the private non-profit leader laser-focused on finding a cure for epilepsy, today announced the organization’s rebrand to CURE Epilepsy. The rebrand includes a new name and logo to better align the brand with its stated mission.

CURE Epilepsy’s single-minded dedication to funding and promoting patient-focused research to find a cure for epilepsy sets the organization apart. Founded in 1998 by Susan Axelrod and a small group of fellow parents who were frustrated over the state of epilepsy treatments, they had one goal – to cure epilepsy. “The rebrand to CURE Epilepsy reinforces the core of who we are and have always been. We are tireless in our determination to find the cure for this dreadful disease that devastates so many families, so no one has to suffer another seizure, another hospital-stay, or another death from epilepsy, ever again,” said Susan Axelrod, founder of CURE Epilepsy.

The new CURE Epilepsy logo includes a bold, innovative depiction of a microscope. This icon serves to reinforce CURE Epilepsy’s unwavering commitment to accelerating breakthrough science that will help CURE Epilepsy achieve its mission. “CURE Epilepsy is known in the epilepsy community for being tenacious and determined in driving discoveries that will make the difference,” said Beth Dean, CURE Epilepsy’s CEO. “This iconic microscope represents our cutting-edge, data-driven approach to scientific study that will change our understanding of this disease so that we will one day cure epilepsy.”

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 $70 million to fund innovative studies to advance its goal of no seizures and no side effects. To date, CURE Epilepsy has awarded more than 240 cutting-edge research projects in 15 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 our website CUREepilepsy.org or contact us at info@CUREepilepsy.org.

Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy Appoints Beth Lewin Dean as Chief Executive Officer

Chicago (April 8, 2019) – Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy (CURE) announced today the appointment of Beth Lewin Dean, MBA, MPA as the new Chief Executive Officer. Beth brings 17 years of extensive experience within the epilepsy field, which has been driven by her strong commitment to understanding the needs, aspirations and hopes of patients and their loved ones.

“We are absolutely delighted to bring Beth to CURE,” said Ann Benschoter, CURE Board Chairman. “The board and I were impressed with Beth’s strong track record of engaging with physicians, researchers, thought leaders, and patient advocacy groups. Additionally, we were attracted by her passion for volunteerism and her dedication to patients that is illustrated by her many years of partnering with the epilepsy nonprofit sector.”

Following a national search, the search committee selected Beth. Not only did she demonstrate strong analytical skills and leadership capabilities, but the process also revealed her deep belief in CURE’s mission. Colleagues have praised her for both her strategic leadership and her ability to foster collaboration and strong teamwork in both the corporate and voluntary sectors.

Beth’s background combines exceptional academic and professional credentials. After graduating from Cornell College, Beth continued her education, earning an MPA from Indiana University and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Her professional experience includes marketing executive roles at Lundbeck and Abbott Laboratories where she was well-known and respected for her work managing brands and the relationships formed with patient groups and disease-state thought leaders.

“I am highly motivated by CURE’s mission of advancing science and research that will lead to a cure,” said Beth Lewin Dean. “I look forward to working with the entire CURE community of supporters, patients, families, and researchers to continue to accelerate CURE’s research efforts toward our shared goal—a cure for epilepsy.”

“Beth’s impressive background and enthusiasm will help accelerate CURE’s mission to cure epilepsy, transforming and saving millions of lives,” said Susan Axelrod, CURE founder. “We are thrilled that Beth will be leading CURE forward.”

ABOUT CURE

The mission of Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy (CURE) is to find a cure for epilepsy by promoting and funding patient-focused research. Since its inception in 1998, CURE has raised over $60 million to advance its goal of no seizures and no side effects. To date, CURE has awarded more than 220 cutting-edge research projects in 15 countries around the world. CURE is the leading non-governmental agency fully committed to funding research in epilepsy. For information about CURE, please visit our website at: www.cureepilepsy.org or contact us at: info@CUREepilepsy.org.