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Chartered in 1977 as the Epilepsy Council of Southeast Louisiana, the Epilepsy Foundation of Louisiana was formed to provide services to individuals with epilepsy and their families. Since that time, the Foundation has been the only agency of its type in this region to exclusively provide outreach, education, and advocacy to individuals with epilepsy and seizure disorders.
The Foundation's mission statement is, "The Epilepsy Foundation of Louisiana leads the fight to stop seizures, find a cure, and overcome the challenges created by epilepsy."
It has driven the organization's service delivery throughout its history.
Services are developed as a result of consumer need. A strong volunteer pool allows the Foundation to provide these services that are developed with consumer input.
Over the past few years the agency has added programs targeting specific consumer groups.
Camp NOLA began in 1999 and now is an exclusive week long outdoor experience hosted by Med Camp, Inc. for youth with epilepsy. Information Day was implemented at the same time to provide an opportunity for adults to attend a comprehensive educational presentation on topics related to epilepsy and the newest medical information available in the community. Early in the Foundation's history it was viewed as an information and referral agency. The focus over the past few years has been to transition into a more "hands on" agency which provides direct community service. Out of this thinking came the development of Charity Hospital's outreach program and patient assistance programs.
The Foundation is funded by both United Way of Greater New Orleans and United Way of St. Charles parish. In addition, local and statewide fund raising events are conducted to support services. All dollars raised are used locally. Look for "Seize The Day" race each spring and/or join the Foundation's annual gala conducted in the fall.
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