DONATE PRESS ROOM For press inquiries, please contact info@www.cureepilepsy.org CURE Epilepsy is the leading nongovernmental agency fully committed to funding research in epilepsy. The organization was founded by Susan Axelrod and a small group of parents of children with epilepsy who were frustrated with their inability to protect their children from seizures and the side effects of medications. Unwilling to sit back, they joined forces to spearhead the search for a cure. Since its inception in 1998, CURE Epilepsy has been at the forefront of epilepsy research, raising more than $78 million to fund research and other initiatives that will lead the way to a cure for epilepsy. CURE Epilepsy funds grants for young and established investigators and has awarded more than 270 cutting-edge projects in 17 countries around the world to date. CURE Epilepsy has led a dramatic shift in the epilepsy research community from simply treating seizures to enhancing understanding of underlying mechanisms and causes, so that cures and preventative strategies can be found. CURE Epilepsy’s research program is cutting-edge, dynamic, and responsive to new scientific opportunities and directions through both investigator-initiated grants and unprecedented scientific programs and initiatives. Tireless in its efforts and determination, we won’t stop until a cure is found for epilepsy. PRESS RELEASES Filter By Topic November 1, 2021 CURE Epilepsy Kicks Off Epilepsy Awareness Month With Ringing the Closing Bell® at the New York Stock Exchange Chicago, IL (November 1, 2021) – CURE Epilepsy today announced they are ringing the Closing Bell® at the New York Stock Exchange to kick off Epilepsy Awareness Month, which begins November 1. They also shared that they are investing $1.8 million dollars in 2021 to fund nine new research grants to accelerate finding a cure for epilepsy. Seven of the grantees will focus on foundational research that helps identify the underlying causes and potential treatments of epilepsy. Other grantees will advance potential treatments so that they are closer to being ready for clinical trials. With the announcement of these awards, CURE Epilepsy will have raised over $78 million to fund over 270 grants since its founding 23 years ago by Susan Axelrod and a small group of parents who were frustrated by their inability to protect their children from seizures. CURE Epilepsy’s mission is to fund research to find a cure for epilepsy with the ultimate goal of creating a world without seizures. “As we kick off Epilepsy Awareness Month, we are delighted to announce our 2021 research grantees on the same day that we ring the Closing Bell® at the New York Stock Exchange,” said Beth Dean, CEO of CURE Epilepsy. “People invest in the stock exchange to create the promise of a better future for themselves and their families. CURE Epilepsy invests in talented researchers and novel science to help find cures for epilepsy and foster the promise of a better future for those living with epilepsy. Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder behind migraine, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease, but it receives significantly less federal funding for research. CURE Epilepsy’s investment provides a funding source for scientists to explore novel ideas and drive groundbreaking science.” This year’s group of talented grantees will be focusing their research on sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), sleep and epilepsy, acquired epilepsy, pediatrics, and basic mechanisms that provide the foundational understanding of what causes epilepsy. “Congratulations to these incredible researchers,” said Kelly Cervantes, chair of CURE Epilepsy’s Board of Directors. “These grants are so important to those living with epilepsy and their families and caregivers. As a long-time CURE Epilepsy board member, and the mother of a child who was lost due to epilepsy, these researchers fill me with hope for a future where children and adults live without seizures or the side effects of medication,” she continued. “Over the past 20+ years, CURE Epilepsy’s unrelenting focus on accelerating science to find a cure is what will make the difference for the 3.4 million Americans and 65 million people worldwide living with epilepsy.” 2021 winners include: Taking Flight awardees – a one-year award that promotes the careers of young investigators to allow them to develop a research focus independent of their mentors. Joanna Mattis, MD, PhD – University of Pennsylvania Ana Beatriz DePaula-Silva, PhD – The University of Utah Rina Zelmann, PhD – Massachusetts General Hospital CURE Epilepsy awardees – a two-year award for established researchers that focuses on scientific advances that have the potential to truly transform the lives of those affected by epilepsy. David Auerbach, PhD – SUNY Upstate Medical University Stefan Barakat, MD, PhD – Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands Nigel Pedersen, MD – Emory University Asla Pitkänen, MD, PhD – University of Eastern Finland Catalyst awardees – a two-year award for research that supports nimble development of new transformative therapies for epilepsy, where a positive outcome could lead to a clinical trial. Rodrigo Gutierrez-Quintana, MVZ, MVM, DipECVN, MRCVS – University of Glasgow Ruth Westenbroek, PhD – University of Washington To read more about all of our 2021 grantees, please visit CUREepilepsy.org/grants-awarded. # # # About CURE Epilepsy Our mission is to find a cure for epilepsy by promoting and funding patient-focused research. Since its inception over 20 years ago, CURE Epilepsy has raised over $78 million to fund innovative studies to advance its goal of no seizures and no side effects. To date, CURE Epilepsy has funded more than 270 cutting-edge research projects in 17 countries around the world. As the non-profit leader in epilepsy research, CURE Epilepsy is unwavering in its commitment to fund scientific study and accelerate research to reach our goal - a world without epilepsy. To learn more, please visit us at CUREepilepsy.org or contact us at info@CUREepilepsy.org. You can also follow us on Facebook at @CUREforEpilepsy, and Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn at @CUREepilepsy. PRESS CONTACT: Debby Hecht Debby.Hecht@CUREepilepsy.org 312.971.8443 September 13, 2021 CURE Epilepsy Announces 2021 Unite to CURE Epilepsy Virtual Community Fundraiser Chicago, Illinois – CURE Epilepsy is pleased to announce our 2021 Unite to CURE Epilepsy virtual community fundraiser which will be held Friday September 17th beginning at 8pm Eastern | 5pm Pacific time. You can view the free event live by registering at CUREepilepsy.org/Unite2021. Unite to CURE Epilepsy will bring together the community and advocates from around the world to help raise funds for critically needed epilepsy research. It will feature moving stories from across the epilepsy community, promising research from leading researchers, and engaging and inspirational performances from musical stars such as Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, solo artist, and member of the E Street Band and Neil Young and Crazy Horse, Nils Lofgren, and TV and film actor, and star of Broadway’s Hamilton, Miguel Cervantes. The show will also highlight a special guest appearance from 8-time James Beard Award-winning chef Rick Bayless and NBC and MSNBC medical contributor, Dr. Kavita Patel. “I am delighted to be hosting Unite to CURE Epilepsy for a second year,” said Mike Barnicle, award-winning journalist, contributor to MSNBC’s Morning Joe, and Julia’s dad. “CURE Epilepsy is an incredibly important organization to me and my family, as we too have been touched by epilepsy. Knowing that CURE Epilepsy is resolute in their commitment to finding a cure for this disease gives me hope that one day we will live in a world without epilepsy.” Beth Dean, CEO of CURE Epilepsy, added, “We’re so grateful to Mike and all the amazingly talented guests who are participating in this year’s program. Our Unite to CURE Epilepsy virtual event showcases the power of this community and the ability for research to change the outcome for those living with epilepsy. By coming together to focus our efforts and raise money, we make a difference that will allow us to find a cure for this devastating disease.” The event is free to attend. Please register to join us at CUREepilepsy.org/Unite2021. The event will air live on Friday, September 17th beginning at 8pm Eastern | 7pm Central | 6pm Mountain | 5pm Pacific. All proceeds from this event will benefit CURE Epilepsy, an organization with an unwavering commitment to funding research to find a cure for epilepsy. Since its founding more than 20 years ago, CURE Epilepsy has raised over $78 million to fund innovative research to advance our goal of no seizures and no side effects. To date CURE Epilepsy has awarded more than 270 cutting-edge research projects in 17 countries around the world with the goal of achieving our vision: a world without epilepsy. ### Press Contact: Debby Hecht CURE Epilepsy 312.971.8443 Debby.Hecht@CUREepilepsy.org June 28, 2021 Students Awarded Scholarships to Become Agents of Change for the Epilepsy Community! CURE Epilepsy, in partnership with Greenwich Biosciences, awards ten Education Enrichment Fund scholarships to students advocating for epilepsy awareness and research. Chicago, IL (June 29, 2021) – CURE Epilepsy, in partnership with Greenwich Biosciences, today announced the 2021 class of Education Enrichment Fund (EEF) Scholars. These ten individuals are impacted by epilepsy, either personally, through a family member, or as a caregiver. Collectively, they will receive nearly $50,000 to advance their education while bringing greater awareness to epilepsy. The EEF scholarships provide a one-time grant (up to $5,000). The program, now in its sixth year, supports the EEF scholars’ coursework in their chosen fields, with the hope that they will use their knowledge and skills to advocate for epilepsy awareness and research. “CURE Epilepsy is delighted to announce our 2021 EEF scholar class,” said Beth Dean, CEO of CURE Epilepsy. “This opportunity, made possible by the generous support of Greenwich Biosciences, helps these very deserving students, supports our organization’s efforts to build epilepsy awareness and promote research, and ultimately, benefits the epilepsy community as a whole. The EEF scholars represent the future of epilepsy advocacy, epilepsy research, and the promise of a future free from seizures.” This year’s class includes the sister of someone with epilepsy who is pursuing an animation degree. They want to use their art as a way to tell the stories of people with disabilities, especially epilepsy and autism. Another scholar is an individual with epilepsy pursuing a Master’s in Library Science who realizes the medical risk in internet searches about epilepsy. They hope to encourage and assist others to gain better access to reliable resources about epilepsy. Another awardee includes a future lawyer from Dublin, Ireland, who hopes to return to school after taking several years off to get their seizures under control. Their goal is to enact change in the healthcare system across Europe. Other awardees include an aspiring teacher who lives with epilepsy and seeks to end the stigma associated with epilepsy; a student studying neuroscience seeking to develop treatments to help patients like their brother; and a mother studying to be a registered nurse hoping to bring coordinated care to rural communities and help others like their child who lives with epilepsy. “Congratulations to this year’s class of EEF Scholars,” said Brook Hodgeman, 2019 EEF awardee. “This scholarship means so much more than the money,” he continued. “Knowing that the CURE Epilepsy family is cheering for me and for all the EEF scholars to succeed is what inspired me to apply. As someone who is living with epilepsy, my goal is to become a neurologist and to give someone the same amazing support and care that I received.” Launched in 2016 with three scholars, the EEF Scholarship program has grown significantly and has supported nearly fifty scholars since the program’s creation. 2021 winners include: Aubrey Brown – Saginaw Valley State University Marjorie Fitzsimmons – University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine Rachel Haubert – Clarke University Oliver Kilmartin – University College Dublin, Ireland Katherine Lonergan – Simmons University School of Library and Information Science Rachel McKelvey – Lesley University Rachel Miller – University of Michigan Kiara Mowat – McMaster University, Canada Gwyneth Robins – University of Minnesota Kirston Zandwyk – Conestoga College, Canada To read more about all of our 2021 scholars, please visit CUREepilepsy.org/scholarships. # # # About CURE Epilepsy Our mission is to find a cure for epilepsy by promoting and funding patient-focused research. Since its inception over 20 years ago, CURE Epilepsy has raised over $78 million to fund innovative studies to advance its goal of no seizures and no side effects. To date, CURE Epilepsy has awarded more than 260 cutting-edge research projects in 16 countries around the world. As the non-profit leader in epilepsy research, CURE Epilepsy is unwavering in its commitment to fund scientific study and accelerate research to reach our goal - a world without epilepsy. To learn more, please visit us at CUREepilepsy.org or contact us at info@CUREepilepsy.org. About Greenwich Biosciences Greenwich Biosciences is part of Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc (NASDAQ: JAZZ) a global biopharmaceutical company whose purpose is to innovate to transform the lives of patients and their families. Jazz is dedicated to developing life-changing medicines for people with serious diseases – often with limited or no therapeutic options. Jazz has a diverse portfolio of marketed medicines and novel product candidates, from early- to late-stage development, in neuroscience and oncology. Jazz actively explores new options for patients including novel compounds, small molecules and biologics, and through cannabinoid science and innovative delivery technologies. Jazz is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland and has employees around the globe, serving patients in nearly 75 countries. For more information, please visit www.jazzpharmaceuticals.com and follow @JazzPharma on Twitter. January 25, 2021 CURE Epilepsy and Epilepsy Canada Announce Agreement to Team Up to Fight for a Cure CURE Epilepsy, based in Chicago and Epilepsy Canada, headquartered in Toronto, two organizations at the forefront of funding scientific research, have agreed to form a strategic working relationship. October 18, 2020 We are now CURE Epilepsy Formerly-known as Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy (CURE), we have rebranded to CURE Epilepsy. April 8, 2019 Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy Appoints Beth Lewin Dean as Chief Executive Officer Beth brings 17 years of extensive experience within the epilepsy field, which has been driven by her strong commitment to understanding the needs, aspirations and hopes of patients and their loved ones. March 28, 2019 Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy (CURE) receives $2M gift from Shery and David Cotton and Lisa and Michael Cotton. This gift benefits CURE and its initiatives to find a cure for epilepsy. January 30, 2019 Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy (CURE) Launches Podcast, Seizing Life Kelly Cervantes, CURE board member and wife to HAMILTON Chicago star, to host and reveal the everyday stories of those impacted by epilepsy January 17, 2019 CURE Discovery: Predicting Acquired Epilepsy Following a Brain Infection Researchers identify a possible biomarker, detectable as early as 14 weeks before the first seizure, for predicting who will develop epilepsy following infection with malaria. December 4, 2018 New CURE-Funded Research Projects Announcing the next round of promising epilepsy research projects funded by the CURE Taking Flight and Innovator Awards! Read on to learn about our latest grantees and their studies. October 24, 2018 Announcing the 2018 Post-Traumatic Epilepsy Initiative Grantees The Post-Traumatic Epilepsy Initiative is a team science, multi-disciplinary program that will expand the knowledge around the types of injuries that predispose the brain to epilepsy, as well as a develop new models to study epilepsy that results from injury. August 21, 2018 Clinical Trial: A Study to Assess the Safety and Efficacy of Lacosamide Versus Placebo (a Pill Without Active Medication) in Patients With Idiopathic Generalised Epilepsy Who Are Already Taking Anti-epileptic Medications (VALOR) This study is investigating whether Lacosamide (Vimpat®)—when taken with current anti-epileptic medicine—helps decrease the number of seizures patients experience 1 2 Next Learn More About CURE About CURE Epilepsy Our Story Our Research Signature Programs About CURE Epilepsy Our Team CAREERS TERMS OF USE CONTACT US CURE Epilepsy is a qualified 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. (EIN: 36-4253176) © 2021 CURE Epilepsy. All rights reserved. | Send Mail to: PO Box 10572, Chicago, IL 60610 | 420 N. Wabash Avenue, Suite 650, Chicago, IL 60611 | (312) 255-1801