Epilepsy Association

Some great people we celebrated at yesterday's Annual Meeting! In order of their photos:
We'd like to thank Mark Holcomb for his leadership in his term as our Board President, Dr. Michael Devereaux, who is retiring from the Professional Advisory Board after over 20 years of service to the Epilepsy Association, and congratulate our 2026 Client of the Year for their personal achievements in the face of epilepsy and other life challenges.

Are you making a run for largest team at Outrace Epilepsy! this year? Team Luke's Troops has an early lead with 41 members. Last year, they had over 100 people run and walk with them!

You can also compete for top fundraising team, top fundraising individual, and of course train all summer to win the race itself! Medals will be awarded to top finishers by age and gender, and we'll have another prize for the other competitions.

Come up with a team name and round up your friends to do a 10K, 5K, or 1-mile with you! Remind them that registration includes free zoo admission after the race, AND kids ages 5 and under get in for free! Register here: https://runsignup.com/outraceepilepsy

About a third of people with epilepsy have drug resistant, also known as uncontrolled, refractory, or intractable, epilepsy. This means they have tried at least two different medications and are still having seizures.

For drug resistant cases, some people may chose an implant device or look into other treatment options that could be right for them.

Heat can mean more seizures for people with epilepsy, or sometimes a heat stroke causes a seizure in someone who doesn't have epilepsy. Some tips to keep yourself and others safe this summer:

-Drink water before, after, and during time outside or physical activities.
-Wear light-colored clothing
-Make sure people you're with know your seizure action plan or seizure first aid
-If you don't have air conditioning, look for a free cooling center near you before our first heat wave. Here's a free tool for the city of Cleveland: https://cuyahoga.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/nearby/index.html?appid=bad3d28dafe0405d8bd013022f62ce2c

How do you deal with the heat in the summer?

We are 3 weeks away from the Annual Epilepsy Association Golf Outing! Join us at Sweetbriar Golf Course in Avon Lake for raffles, golf games, and more! Registration includes lunch and a golf cart.

Register or learn more about sponsoring: https://weblink.donorperfect.com/2026EAGOLF

Thank you to Gilbane, Terrace Construction, and Precision Environmental for sponsoring the outing this year!

With warm weather finally here, let's talk about swimming safety for epilepsy.

A seizure that happens in any depth of water, shallow or deep, always requires a 911 call. Inhaling water during a seizure can cause illness, heart issues, or even drowning.

Never swim alone. Better still, only swim with people who know how to help if you have a seizure.

Stay hydrated and stop swimming before you get physically tired.

Have a safe and fun summer!

In observance of Memorial Day, the Epilepsy Association is closed.

We hope everyone who has this day off enjoys their parades and family get-togethers, but we also hope that you take a moment to remember the fallen men and women of our military.

Invite your friends and family to walk or run with you at Outrace Epilepsy! on August 16! Remember to tell them that kids 5 & under register for free, and everyone's registration comes with free admission to the zoo after the event!

The captain of the largest team will be presented an award after all of the 10K, 5K, and 1-mile runners/walkers finish. Last year, that honor went to Luke's Troops, with over 100 members!

Your team can also fundraise! Each team has a customizable page with a donate button that you can share. All proceeds go towards free programs for adults with epilepsy and families of a child with epilepsy.

Sign up and create your team or join an existing team: https://runsignup.com/outraceepilepsy

For Mental Health Awareness Month, take time to check in on someone you know. You never know what someone is going through, and how much of a difference you can make.

People with epilepsy often feel isolated and are more likely than those without epilepsy to have a mental health condition. Someone struggling with their mental health is also at risk of increased or breakthrough seizures.

Even if they seem fine, take time this weekend to ask a friend or family member if they're doing okay or if they need to talk about their problems.

Our Annual Golf Outing wouldn't be possible without the support of our corporate partners! Thank you to Gilbane, Terrace Construction, and Precision Environmental Co. for being part of our outing and helping us continue our free programs for people with epilepsy in NE Ohio.

We are still accepting sponsors! There are opportunities to fit any budget. Potential benefits include your logo on hole signs, tickets for golfers, an ad in the program book, and more.

Email [email protected] or call 216-579-1330 to learn more.