EFMN relies on the support of individuals, private foundations and companies to help people with seizures realize their full potential.  Thank you for your partnership and making a difference.

Together we will… 

EDUCATE the community about seizures and epilepsy to reduce the stigma surrounding epilepsy. 

CONNECT people with epilepsy to others, and to resources. 

EMPOWER people living with epilepsy and their loved ones. 

Donor Spotlight: Janine & Bill Atwell

Our daughter Stephanie Atwell, died on August 4, 2008, after suffering a seizure in her sleep. She was only 26. At the time we searched for something to make some sense out of this devastating loss. We wanted to do something good in her honor and the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota became the focal point for our efforts. Over the past seven years, all members of our family have taken part in EFMN fundraising activities like the Gala and the Rise Above Seizure Walk. Two of us have served on the Board of Directors.

Another major reason for our involvement is that EFMN was important to Stephanie. She was diagnosed with epilepsy as a senior in high school. When she returned home from college, she became a volunteer with the teen program. She really believed that supporting young people as they dealt with living with epilepsy would enable them to build successful lives.  We do as well.

Last year we decided to amend our estate plan to include a major donation to EFMN. The Foundation supports many programs and provides services in the community. One program where we have been personally involved is Seizure Smart Schools, which strives to educate teachers, administrators and students about seizures to lessen the stigma attached to students who have epilepsy. We are also highly supportive of the EFMN scholarship program, which provides funds for students with epilepsy to pursue their academic dreams. Most of us work much of our lives and if we do well financially, we may have an estate of very significant value. After providing for our families in our estate plans, it is often possible to leave a legacy that will continue to help others after we are gone. A bequest to EFMN does exactly that.