Epilepsy Association

08/28/2026

We know now it's not safe, but sometimes we still hear the bad info to put something in someone's mouth during a seizure to stop them from "swallowing their tongue. Here's what to say if you hear this myth being spread:

1. They can't swallow their tongue. It's not possible.
2. You might make them choke, break their teeth, or hurt the muscles in their jaw.
3. You can get bitten, because the person having a seizure may not be in control of any of their movement.

It's also dangerous to give them any oral medication, food, or water during the seizure or before they fully recover.

Did you know school staff in Ohio are required to learn seizure first aid, even if they don't currently have a student with epilepsy? We offer free trainings for teachers and students in the Cleveland area! Email [email protected] to learn more or schedule training!

08/27/2026

Are you signed up for next month's free epilepsy webinar? Join us from 12-1pm EST on September 8 to hear all about how epilepsy impacts your brain's health, and what you can do to keep your brain healthy.

September's expert presenter is Anny Reyes, PhD, from Cleveland Clinic.

Sign up for free here: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/2026EAseminars

08/25/2026

Were you at Outrace Epilepsy! on August 16th? How did we do? Please fill out a short survey, it'll take less than two minutes and help us make this awareness event bigger and better every year. We couldn't do this without your support, so your opinion is important to us!

Answers are anonymous unless you fill in the last question. Take the quick survey here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/lnLEaa7/outraceepilepsy

08/24/2026

08/20/2026

Tickets are now available for the 35th Anniversary Epilepsy Association Gala! Celebrate Epilepsy Awareness Month with us in style with fine dining, auctions, live dueling pianos, and an awards ceremony honoring some of the most dedicated epilepsy advocates in Northeast Ohio.

This year's theme is Ebony & Ivory, so we'll be wearing black and white, and of course purple for epilepsy awareness!

Join us on November 6 at Windows on the River in Cleveland: onecau.se/eagala

Reserve your seat soon to take advantage of the early bird discount!

08/19/2026

THANK YOU to everyone who made this year's Outrace Epilepsy! our biggest EVER! Every single person who came out or donated has made a massive difference for epilepsy awareness and services in our community.

We had 871 people Outrace Epilepsy, $22,000 donated, and $54,000 raised total! In 2024, we had about 370 people, so we've more than DOUBLED the size of this event in that short amount of time!

We couldn't have done it without our teams. Luke's Troops, Beverage Distributors, Angelina's Army, Team Avery, Love for Lily, Lucy, and Luka, Kilometers for Chris, and so many more.

Another huge thank you to our sponsors: Akron Children's, SK Life, UCB, Neurelis, Dollar Bank, and Acadia!

Stay tuned for photos! Share yours in the comments!

08/12/2026

Yesterday, EA case manager Barb went to the Cuyahoga County Fun Day to educate local families about epilepsy! She handed out easy seizure first aid guides, showed kids a model brain, and spread the word about the free programs the Epilepsy Association offers to the community.

One of those programs is a free seizure first aid training for schools and businesses! The presentation is in-person and takes about an hour or less. One of our staff, like Barb, will come to you and talk all about the symptoms of seizures, how to help, and other effects of epilepsy you may not have heard about!

Thank you Barb for taking the time to spread epilepsy awareness in our community!

PS: Come meet Barb and the rest of our staff at the race on Sunday! Ask your epilepsy questions, learn seizure first aid, or just come say hello!