Iowa epilepsy advocates to form youth council
BY HILLARY ROSENCRANTS | APRIL 22, 2013 5:00 AM
Local advocates say those diagnosed with epilepsy at an early age deserve a support system, and one newly formed group will seek to provide just that.
The Iowa Epilepsy Foundation recently received a $2,500 grant to fund the Iowa Youth Council for Epilepsy. The council will be open to all Iowans between the ages of 13 and 22 who suffer from epilepsy.
Roxanne Cogil, the director of the Iowa branch of the Epilepsy Foundation, said she thinks that this council is a great need for people with epilepsy in Iowa.
Thats such a difficult time to be diagnosed, she said.
Cogil said the council is in the planning states, but a preparation session is scheduled for May 10.
The University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics has the only level-four comprehensive epilepsy program in Iowa meaning that when someone is diagnosed with epilepsy, UIHC provides a greater variety of treatment options.
The Iowa Epilepsy Foundations board has 13 members, most of whom were involved in an epilepsy walk in Iowa City this past weekend.
The Iowa Epilepsy Foundation hosted a walk, 5K run, and silent auction in order to raise awareness and funding for epilepsy on April 20, with a meet and greet at the Iowa City Public Library the night before.