Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago

06/23/2026

Here's why Amy is running for EFGC's Bank of America Chicago Marathon team:

"I was diagnosed with epilepsy in 2022. Despite the challenges I have navigated over the years, I remain grateful for the opportunity to strengthen my ability to choose positivity and resilience over fear.

Throughout my journey, I have also learned that research on epilepsy is deeply underfunded, despite affecting nearly 50 million people worldwide. By running the Chicago Marathon with the Epilepsy Foundation, I aim to raise both funds and visibility for epilepsy, representing the 1 in 26 people who will develop epilepsy in their lifetime.

I will be running the marathon alongside my greatest support: my mom. I am incredibly grateful to be able to honor my journey with epilepsy through this commitment, while knowing we are also running for the support of other individuals and families affected by epilepsy."

We are so grateful for Amy's support and for sharing her story! To donate to Amy's marathon page, please visit https://bit.ly/3QUfARg

06/23/2026

Join EFGC for Little Explorers at the Zoo, a special morning designed for our young children (ages 0-6) and their caregivers to connect, play, and explore together. Lincoln Park Zoo staff will provide interactive early childhood play stations for the little ones while parents and caregivers can connect with one another before exploring the zoo at their leisure. For more information, contact Erin at [email protected].

06/18/2026

In observance of Juneteenth, our office will be closed tomorrow, June 19th. We will reopen on Monday, June 22nd.

06/18/2026

June is Men's Health Month! It's important to note the impact epilepsy can have on the health of men living with epilepsy. From increased anxiety to decreased fertility, their potential health challenges make seeking proper treatment all the more important.

06/17/2026

Over 100 participants enjoyed an overnight stay at the Great Wolf Lodge full of fun activities and camaraderie this past weekend!

06/09/2026

The special screening of Under the Lights - A Film, A Movement is coming up on June 23rd! This film follows Sam, a teenager wrestling with a deep longing for normalcy as he fights to experience prom and first love, knowing that the lights will make him have a seizure (PG13).

Filmmaker, Miles Levin, who lives with epilepsy, will be in-person for this screening at the Davis Theater. The film will be followed by a Q&A with Miles, who will also be signing posters and taking photos with attendees. This will be an evening of awareness, connection and a groundbreaking moment for our Chicago epilepsy community.

Thanks to generous support from UCB USA, we have partnered with the American Epilepsy Society, CURE Epilepsy, and The Danny Did Foundation to bring Under the Lights to Chicago. This powerful collaboration brings our community together to spark conversation, deepen understanding, and strengthen support for those living with epilepsy.

Purchase tickets today at https://bit.ly/42wUMl5

06/04/2026

Amazing news! Legislation has passed to require insurance coverage for medically prescribed, FDA-approved seizure detection devices, helping protect people living with epilepsy in Illinois! Expanding access to this technology will improve safety, independence, and quality of life for so many impacted by epilepsy.

Big news for Illinois families living with epilepsy! 🎉

After years of advocacy, collaboration, and persistence, groundbreaking legislation has passed the Illinois General Assembly and now awaits the Governor's signature! Once signed into law, it will expand access to FDA-cleared seizure detection devices through both Illinois Medicaid and private insurance coverage.

This is a major step forward in helping more people access technology that can improve safety, independence, and quality of life. We're incredibly grateful to the advocacy partners, families, clinicians, and community members who helped make this possible. In addition, we celebrate the chief sponsors of this legislation: State Senator Julie Morrisoni and State Representative Bob Morgan, for their tireless efforts.

This expanded device access helps to close a critical gap in epilepsy care—and we are excited for the impact this will have for thousands of Illinois residents in the years ahead. 💙💜

06/02/2026

Here's why Rebekah is running for EFGC's Bank of America Chicago Marathon team:

"I was diagnosed with epilepsy at 8 years old. As I got older, my seizures became more severe and often happened while I was running or playing soccer. My sports and running were the very things that made me feel most alive. After multiple life-threatening seizures, ICU stays, and years of being told to stop running, I lost not only my sport, but at times a major part of myself. I had to stop running altogether for years.

"Running was always my freedom even from a young age and after years of setbacks, fear, and rebuilding my confidence, I found my way back one mile at a time. My last seizure was in 2017 and I have been seizure free and running without worry for the last 6 years! This year I am preparing to run my 5th marathon: the Chicago Marathon with the Epilepsy Foundation. I’m running for every person living with epilepsy who has felt limited, afraid or alone. I’m running for all the times I could not and to overcome the epilepsy for all those fighting against it!"

We are so grateful for her support and sharing her inspiring story!

To donate to Rebekah's marathon page, please visit: https://bit.ly/4x0LY53

06/01/2026

Happy Pride Month! We will be kicking off our celebration THIS SATURDAY (6/6) with an in-person clinical workshop focused on honoring the LGBTQIA+ community and promoting equality for all. For more information, please contact Agatha at ademarchi@epilepsychicago,org or Karli at [email protected].

05/28/2026

We successfully completed another amazing Family Camp this past weekend! it was great to see our members and their families connect, participate in outdoor activities, and step outside of their comfort zones. We look forward to next year!