Expressions of Courage® Art Contest for People with Epilepsy Now Accepting Entries: Deadline is August 28

Expressions of Courage® is a national art contest for people with epilepsy. A program developed and funded by Ortho-McNeil Neurologics® in partnership with the Epilepsy Foundation, the contest showcases the talent and inspiration of people across the country living with the condition. For people living with epilepsy, art can serve as a visual demonstration of the feelings of living with epilepsy. From a finger painting on a sheet of paper to an intricate drawing on a canvas, art provides an opportunity for people with epilepsy to vibrantly convey how they live with the condition. Anyone diagnosed with epilepsy is eligible to submit artwork for the contest. To participate in the contest, participants should send an original drawing or painting that reflects their feelings. Artwork may be done in ink, pencil, crayon, or paint on paper or board no larger than 8 1/2" x 11". Participants must complete the entry form found at http://www.expressionsofcourage.com/rules/rules.html and submit it with their artwork. Artwork must be submitted no later than August 28, 2009 to Expressions of Courage, c/o Ortho-McNeil Neurologics, 389 Pittstown Road, Pittstown, NJ 08867. If you are a resident of middle or west Tennessee and would like your submitted artwork showcased on our website and/or in our newsletter, please scan your artwork or take a digital photo and submit to before mailing your original artwork to Ortho-McNeil Neurologics.

Epilepsy Support Group Relaunching in Hendersonville on July 7

A support group for people with epilepsy and/or their family members in Hendersonville and Sumner County will begin meeting on Tuesday, July 7, from 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at Victory Assembly of God at 1001 Center Point Road (next to Tractor Supply) in Hendersonville. Because seizures and medication can sometimes create difficulties with memory and concentration, the meeting’s topic will be “Games and Strategies for Improving Brain Function” led by the Epilepsy Foundation’s Patty St. Clair. There is no cost to attend and you do not need to pre-register. For more information, call (615) 269-7091.

Kids Speak Up's Jackie Proffitt Meets Congressman Gordon in Washington, D.C.

Jackie Proffitt, a fifth grader from Red Boiling Springs, met with Congressman Bart Gordon, U.S. Representative for Tennessee's 6th Congressional district, during the Kids Speak Up! advocacy program in Washington D.C. on March 30. Accompanied by his mother Danielle Rufener and sister Brinkley, Jackie was able to share his personal story with Congressman Gordon about living with epilepsy. Jackie was thrilled to be in D.C. and to "meet the person who helps make the laws." Joyce Whitmer, executive director of the Epilepsy Foundation Middle and West Tennessee, also spoke to Congressman Gordon about the 162,000 Tennesseans living with epilepsy and the great need for funding for epilepsy research, including $10 million for the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Epilepsy program, $4 million for the Project Access epilepsy program at Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and $160 million in overall funding for epilepsy research at the National Institutes of Health. Thanks to Congressman Gordon and his staff for taking the time to meet with Jackie and his family and to learn about the challenges people with epilepsy face on a daily basis.

GDSI Racing Teams Up with Epilepsy Foundation Middle and West Tennessee for 2009 Racing Season

GDSI Racing and the Epilepsy Foundation Middle and West Tennessee have teamed up for the 2009 racing season, beginning with the Scotts Saturday Night Special celebrity charity race at the Bristol Motor Speedway that took place on March 21. Drivers Sterling Marlin and ESPN race analyst Andy Petree finished first in the 50 lap race in a GDSI Racing car, owned by Bryan Dant, president and general manager. Marlin donated his winnings to the Epilepsy Foundation Middle & West Tennessee. During the rest of the 2009 racing season, Marlin will drive in six races at the Fairgrounds Speedway at Nashville. Visit http://www.gdsiracing.com or http://www.fairgroundsspeedwayatnashville.com/pages/schedule.html for information about upcoming races.

Epilepsy Foundation Middle and West Tennessee Celebrates 30 Years of Service

See what the Epilepsy Foundation Middle and West Tennessee has planned to celebrate our 30th year by clicking on "Events" on the right-hand side of this page. Also, stay tuned for more details about the upcoming concert with Emmylou Harris, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Byron House and Jon Randall on December 12 to benefit the Epilepsy Foundation Middle and West Tennessee.

Mission Statement

The Epilepsy Foundation Middle and West Tennessee will ensure that people with seizures are able to participate in all life experiences; and will prevent, control and cure epilepsy through services, education, advocacy and research.

More than 3 million Americans have epilepsy. Because of the likelihood that you will know someone who has epilepsy or see someone having a seizure, the Epilepsy Foundation is committed to educating children and adults about seizure recognition and first aid, and how to best assist a person having a seizure. We believe that by raising the level of awareness and teaching the general public about epilepsy, we can help reduce the fear and stigma associated with the disorder. It is our hope that people with epilepsy will be able to participate in all life experiences without fear of having a seizure in public and how others will react to them.