A QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE EPILEPSY FOUNDATION WESTERN/CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA

Spring 2008

www.efwp.org

20th20th AAnniversary!nniversary! Fun Run/Walk Going 20 Years Strong EPILEPSY FOUNDATION WESTERN/CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA

Western PA Office: Central PA Office: 1501 Reedsdale Street 900 South Arlington Avenue Suite 3002 Suite 126 Pittsburgh, PA 15233 Harrisburg, PA 17109 TOLL FREE: 1-800-361-5885 TOLL FREE: 1-800-336-0301 PHONE: 412-322-5880 PHONE: 717-541-0301 FAX: 412-322-7885 FAX: 717-541-1202 WEBSITE: www.efwp.org EMAIL: [email protected] South Central PA Office: TDD EOP/AUX AID: 1-800-855- 2880 1450 Scalp Avenue Suite 1150 Northwest PA Office: Johnstown, PA 15904 915 State Street PHONE:814-262-7494 Suite 101 Erie, PA 16501 A copy of our official registration and financial information may be obtained from the PHONE: 814-451-1135 Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. FAX: 814-451-1150 Registration does not imply endorsement.

Policy Board Tom Trimm, Esq. Denis McCarthy James Valeriano, M.D. President Karin A.Vanek Team Aiden came out in full force for the 19th annual Pittsburgh Pirates Fun Run/Walk last year. Justin Yakovac Claudio F. Abreu, Ph.D. Sharon Aulicino Board of Governors Dick Barton Douglas Dick Joyce Bender Steve Morris Louis Catalano, M.D. Rich Ryan Fun Run/Walks All Tom Chakurda Advisory Board James D. Chiafullo Barbara Johanson Patricia Crumrine, M.D. Bobbie Martha Eugene DeFrank C. James Parks Kristin Lesker Eisel Across the State! Ronald Rohm Julie Faneca James Valeriano, M.D. The EFWCP is gearing up for another busy summer of fun run/walks all across Steve Greenberg George Whitmer George Harakal the state, and we need your help. As you can see from the front cover, we are Scott Heeter Professional Advisory John Hinds Board ecstatic to be celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Pittsburgh Pirates Fun Judge Maureen Lally-Green David Adelson, M.D. Run/Walk on June 21st, but we are also getting ready for the 5th annual Erie Carole Lane Jill Bischoff, CRNP SeaWolves Fun Run/Walk and the 6th annual Harrisburg Senators Fun Run/Walk. Lawrence Leventon, Esq. Jane Breck, M.D. Edward Little Patricia Crumrine, M.D. It is never too early to form a team for any one of these fun run/walks and ask your Theresa MacLean Kevin Kelly, M.D., Ph.D. family, friends, co-workers and neighbors to contribute to your efforts. There will Grant Mellon Carole Lane Robert Moorehead William McGhee, Pharm. D. once again be awesome prizes for the top three fundraising teams at each event, Paul Nemiroff, Ph.D., M.D., Fran Meyers, D.O. and individual fundraisers will earn great gifts too! F.A.C.S. Donald Middleton, M.D. James H. Norris, Esq. Mark Scheuer, M.D. Even if you are not able to join us in person for a Run/Walk, you can Dan Orie Carol J. Schramke, Ph.D. become a Virtual Walker, and even form a Virtual team. As a Virtual Walker you Donn Patton James Valeriano, M.D. Lou Testoni Anne C. Van Cott, M.D. can walk in your own community on or before the date of the scheduled event. Rajiv Varma, M.D. You are still eligible to win all of the prizes and receive recognition for your hard work as long as you inform our office of your efforts. STAFF These walks are an integral part in supporting the programs offered Judith K. Painter Mary Grattan Executive Director Regional Coordinator, throughout the year, but they are also a wonderful opportunity to raise South Central PA Peggy Beem-Jelley awareness of epilepsy/seizure disorders while having a great time with family Associate Director Gretchen Knaub and friends! Last summer Regional Coordinator, Kayla Brickell Central PA over 2,500 of you came Special Events Coordinator PattI McVey out to support a Susan Edmonds Education Coordinator Run/Walk in your area, Regional Coordinator, Northwest PA Francine Reyher and with your help we Adult Services Coordinator Ricki Eggers hope to make that Information Management Jesanne Wagner number even greater this Coordinator Community Outreach & Events Coordinator, year. See you at a Colleen K. Fulkerson Central PA Special Events Coordinator Run/Walk! Kate Wilson Lynne Gensamer Children & Family Financial and Benefits Services Coordinator Administrator

Interaction is published quarterly by the Epilepsy Foundation Western/Central Pennsylvania (EFWCP). We welcome your feedback. Questions, comments, letters to EFWCP staff member Gretchen the editor, story ideas, articles, poems, photography or art submissions should be addressed to Interaction Editor, c/o EFWCP, 1501 Reedsdale Strret, Suite 3002, Knaub poses with The Rascal and Pittsburgh, PA 15233; 1-800-361-5885, 412-322-5880, 412-322-7885 (Fax), walkers during last year’s www.efwp.org or for the hearing impaired TDD EOP/AUX AID 1-800-855-2880. Harrisburg Senators Fun Run/Walk.

2 Interaction A Note of inside this issue

2 Statewide Fun Run/Walks With three run/walks this summer, there Welcome is bound to be one close to you, dust off those tennis shoes and come support the from the Executive Director EFWCP as we make every step count! 5 Kids Speak Up! Dear Friends, Drew Woods and Hunter Fritschie shared their stories of living with epilepsy on Capital Hill last month, This summer brings new beginnings and exciting adventures here at the and now they share them with us. Epilepsy Foundation Western/Central PA. We will once again be asking the whole family to dust off those tennis shoes Parent Support Groups for the fun run/walks throughout the state. This year is the 20th anniversary for Come out for one of the six groups around the Pittsburgh area and meet the Pittsburgh Pirates Fun Run/Walk and we have a lot in store to celebrate this other parents who are experiencing the momentous occasion on Saturday, June 21 at PNC Park. During the Run/Walk same issues you are. we will be launching our new awareness campaign created by MARC USA. This 6 New Youth Council Forming is sure to be an event that cannot be missed. in Western/Central PA We will also be holding the 5th annual Erie SeaWolves Fun Run/Walk at We catch up with Bridget Green to talk Jerry Uht Park on Saturday, August 2 and the 6th annual Harrisburg Senators about the National Epilepsy Foundation’s Fun Run/Walk on City Island on Saturday, August 9. These Run/Walks are a Youth Council and why area youths should be excited to join the EFWCP’s wonderful opportunity to raise awareness and funds while having a great time new Youth Council. with family and friends. Please join us as we make every step count toward epilepsy. 7 Teen Getaway For the third year in a row, Camp Frog will be leaping into action during Teens with epilepsy and their friends once again had a great weekend at two different weeks! The first will take place at Camp Conrad Weiser, near Camp Allegheny! Reading, June 22 – 28 and the second will be held at Camp Fitch, near Erie, July EFWCP Begins New 6 – 12. We are very excited for the opportunity to once again take our young Employment Program people with epilepsy/seizure disorders on this week long adventure full of Need employment assistance? Then this outdoor activities such as swimming, horseback riding, wall climbing, and most program is for you! importantly relationship building. 8 Ladies and Gentleman, We are very excited for all of the great family outings the EFWCP will be Boys and Girls... holding this summer, and we hope that you and your family will be able to join The 13th annual Westmoreland County in on the fun. Not only do they offer a great day of fun, they are a wonderful Sports Dinner and Auction was a opportunity to meet other people with epilepsy/seizure disorders and support fabulous night at the circus! our mission of helping you live all of life’s experiences without compromise. So 9 Calendar of Events please come out and support a Run/Walk or family adventure in your area this summer! Expressions of Courage Art contest for anyone diagnosed with Best wishes, epilepsy/seizure disorder announces the entry deadline. 10 Who Says A Woman Can’t Be King? Judith K. Painter 14th Annual Mardi Gras Gala an Judy Painter amazing success! Executive Director

EFWCP Welcomes New Board President! This past February, the EFWCP welcomed a new Board President, Denis McCarthy. Denis, who is President of Fluid Power Resources, LLC, has served on the Board of Directors for the past 14 years. We are very excited for all of the great work that is sure to come under Denis’ tenure. Denis replaces former president, Louis Testoni; Lou served as Board President for eight years and was an integral part of the foundation’s growth during that time, for which we are Former Board President Lou Testoni “passes the extremely grateful. Thank you Lou and welcome Denis! gavel” to new Board President Denis McCarthy. www.efwp.org 3 rew Woods of Fox Chapel and Hunter Fritschie of Verona traveled to Washington, D.C., March 30 – April 1 toD tell lawmakers about their experiences with epilepsy as part of the National Epilepsy Foundation’s Kids Speak Up! Drew, 12, and Hunter, 7, were two of 51 youths from across the country picked to participate in Kids Speak Up!, a national program coordinated by the Epilepsy Foundation and funded by Abbott Laboratories. The program rallies Drew and Ellen Woods were excited to get to Capitol Hill so Drew could share young ambassadors with epilepsy his personal story with legislatures. Kids Speak Up!

between the ages of 7 and 16 to personally petition congressional leaders for aid in assuring better access to care, improved public education and research towards a cure for epilepsy. The EFWCP could not be more proud of the great work that both Drew and Hunter did while in DC this year. Special thanks to their mothers, Ellen Woods and Marcy Surra, who also did an amazing job! Here are Drew and Hunter’s personal stories of their experience with epilepsy that they so graciously shared with legislatures, and now

Hunter Fritschie and his mom, Marcy, pose in front of the capitol building with all of us. before meeting with legislatures.

4 Interaction Drew Woods • Hunter Fritschie • Drew Woods • Hunter Fritschie Fritschie • Hunter Woods • Drew Fritschie • Hunter Woods Drew Drew’s Story It all stared one day when I was playing basketball. I felt dizzy Parent and came into my house and had a grand mal seizure. I woke up in the ambulance as it was pulling up to Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh. Being diagnosed with epilepsy changed everything, but Support not for long. I was a perfectly happy, active 11 year old who excelled in sports, school and life. I refused to have epilepsy control my life. The medications for epilepsy can be worse than the epilepsy itself – Groups I know because I have been on three different medications in less than one year. It was hard to concentrate in school and think clearly. I just worked harder than ever and I made the honor roll Going and the varsity basketball team while only in sixth grade. I am proud to say that I was one of the high goal scorers on the soccer team. Just as I am getting ready to become a teenager and get Strong! more independent, I am now faced with more restrictions than ever. This past February five new There needs to be more money for research into a cure for epilepsy parent support groups began and better medications to control epilepsy without all of the side meeting in the Pittsburgh area and effects. I am here because I want your help to make this possible. I have found great success so far! A will always work my hardest to be the best I can be, but I am one of sixth group has just been added in thousands of kids who need to live seizure-free lives. Helping people Butler County, making it even lead more productive lives helps everyone. I am glad my mother easier for parents to find a group found the Epilepsy Foundation Western/Central PA. They have close to them. The groups helped me so much. I wanted to help other children with epilepsy so generally meet once a month, and I wrote a book for children called My Brain and the Big Storm. I are organized by a local parent hope to have it published some day. who has volunteered their time and serves as the liaison between the group and the EFWCP. These groups are a great opportunity for parents to discuss all of the issues Hunter’s Story they face when they have a child My name is Hunter Fritschie. I am 7 years old and have with epilepsy/seizure disorder, as epilepsy. I was first diagnosed in June 2007. I suffer primarily well as make valuable contacts with from absence seizures, but also have had other types from which I other parents in their area. There needed to have a hospital stay. I am now on 2 different is no commitment involved, just a medications that I must take several times a day to control my casual meeting for when you need seizures. My doctor had a hard time finding the medicines that someone to talk to who will worked for me, but we may have finally done it! If my seizures do understand. So please come out not remain under control, or worsen, I will need to have a Vagus and join us for a parent meeting Nerve Stimulator inserted. We are hoping it doesn’t get to that near you. point, but if it does, my doctor and everyone at Children’s There are currently meetings Hospital in Pittsburgh will be there to help me. I get scared having being held in the following areas: epilepsy at times, but my Mom tells me I am very brave. I do not ■ like having my blood drawn often or having an E.E.G. I especially do Fox Chapel not like staying in the hospital overnight, but my Mom and Dad are ■ Greensburg always with me. I have to take medicine everyday during school, ■ Monroeville also. My teachers, nurse, and principal are very good to me and ■ Butler very understanding. I go to Verner Elementary in Verona, PA. It is ■ South Hills the best school ever! Some people think that because I have ■ North Hills epilepsy, I am different. That really is not true. I just want to be thought of as a normal kid. Not “different.” I am very excited to be For more information check going to Washington D.C. to talk with the congressman about our website: www.efwp.org, or call having Epilepsy. I think it is important that I can possibly help or email Patti at 412-322-5880 / other boys and girls with the same disorder. I am also looking [email protected] forward to meeting other kids. Thank you for reading my story…Please remember, “Epilepsy is what I have, not who I am.”

www.efwp.org 5 NewNew YouthYouth CouncilCouncil FormingForming inin Western/CentralWestern/Central PAPA Last spring the EFWCP was proud to announce that Bridget Green, a young woman from Cranberry, had been selected to join the National Epilepsy Foundation Youth Council. This year we are excited to announce that we will be starting our own Youth Council in Western/Central Pennsylvania. We recently caught up with Bridget to get an update on what the Youth Council has accomplished within the last year, how the relationships she has created have helped her, and why area youths should become part of the EFWCP’s Youth Council.

EF: Can you tell us a little bit about leader in Elizabeth Goldberg, and all council is working to fight this and in the Youth Council, when you meet, of the individuals involved really want the process we have formed amazing and what you have accomplished in to make a difference in the relationships. the past year? community and I believe we have made great strides towards doing that EF: Why should area youths become a BG: The youth council meets in in the past year. part of the EFWCP’s Youth Council? person twice a year, and on two other occasions we hold phone conferences, EF: Do you enjoy being a part of the BG: I think it is a wonderful so there is a total of four meetings National Youth Council? opportunity for individuals in the throughout the year. During meetings Western/Central PA region to be part we work on group projects. These BG: It is such an honor to be part of of a youth council. You have the projects primarily focus on different the youth council. As an individual ability to talk about your frustrations ways to end the stigma related to with epilepsy, you sometimes think and really understand you are not epilepsy. When we first started that no one knows the battles that you fighting alone. I look forward to the meeting we decided on a few issues face with medicine and school, for meetings and the phone calls all of that we wanted to target and set as example. But when you get a group of the time! For the first time, you find a goals; education of epilepsy in colleges individuals together who you are able group of people who you do not feel and better understanding the law as it to relate to on a different level, you the need to apologize to for having a applies to people with seizures were form a very close bond. It gives me an seizure. And while you are creating two we picked as important issues for amazing feeling to realize that I am these amazing relationships you are youths today. The individuals on this not alone. It is hard to have epilepsy working towards goals to help others council are truly inspiring and their because it is a disability that isn't with epilepsy. It is very empowering. dedication is amazing. We are talked about, and it carries a very fortunate enough to have a wonderful heavy stigma. As much as people Young adults over the age of would like to deny the stigma exists, 18 in the Western/Central PA you simply have to walk into a youth region who are interested in council meeting to hear that it still does exist; most of the individuals becoming a part of the EFWCP have lost a friend or two because the Youth Council should contact friend witnessed a seizure. The youth Francine Rey her at 412- 322- 5880 or feden@ efw p.org. We look forward to hearing from you!

6 Interaction Medication Interchange Survey

The EFWCP would like to thank everyone who called in or logged online to take the medication interchange survey. The results have been critical in helping us understand the problems epilepsy patients face when their medications are interchanged from a brand product to a generic product, a generic product from one manufacturer to another manufacturer, or when different formulations of the prescribed antiepileptic drug product are switched for another. We will be taking this information to Fun times at Camp Allegheny! Harrisburg and speaking to legislatures about the importance of consistency and patients rights, stay tuned! Teen Getaway Nineteen young people and five counselors attended the EFWCP’s annual Teen Getaway weekend, held at Camp Allegheny on April 25-27. The teens enjoyed all the camp had to offer, including scavenger hunts, challenge courses, wall climbing, sports, crafts, camp fires, and movies. Most importantly the teens had the opportunity to speak with other people their age who understand the issues and challenges that having seizures can cause. “It is important for teens to feel connected to others just like them and the weekend retreat provides the perfect opportunity for them to start building those lasting friendships” explained Kate Wilson, Children and Family Services Coordinator. The Ian, Morgan and Cole Reish went above and beyond collecting videos to EFWCP would like to send a special thank you to our donate to the EMU! wonderful counselors and to Jenny Ferko, RN, who once again provided onsite medical supervision for the weekend. Thank You! Thank You! EFWCP Begins New Thank You! Employment Program ecently, the children of the Reish family (Morgan, Ian and Cole – shown above) The EFWCP is offering a new program which provides saw a need in their community and free employment assistance to individuals with acted on it. Patients who enter the EMU at Conemaugh epilepsy/seizure disorder. If you have epilepsy/seizure RMemorial Medical Center for five to seven day stays disorder and are unemployed, underemployed or looking have to pay for TV rental, an expense that many families to change careers, we can help! The services offered in simply cannot afford. After hearing about this from a this program include: help with resumes, cover letters, member of the Bedford support group, the three interviewing and networking skills, individual employment children of the Reish family decided to collect videos to assistance and a weekly job club – all free of charge. If you donate to the EMU. With help from their family, are interested in taking part in this program please call friends, and community, they collected over 500 videos Francine Reyher at 412-322-5880 or 1-800-361-5885 – TDD which have been donated to the EMU to create a video EOP/AUX AID 1-800-855-2880. library and are now making life a little bit more enjoyable for the patients there. Way to go Reish kids!!

www.efwp.org 7 Ladies and Gentleman, Boys and Girls… 13th Annual Westmoreland County Sports Dinner and Auction Event hosts, Dr. Lou and Diana Catalano, pose with EFWCP Executive Director Judy Painter and Board President Denis McCarthy

ver 350 guests came Otogether to prove that you are never too old to have fun at the circus as they joined ringleader, and EFWCP board member, Dr. Lou Catalano and his wife, Diana, for the 13th Annual Westmoreland County Sports Dinner and Auction at Ferrante’s Lakeview in Greensburg on April 9, 2008. A balloon artist circled the room We could not do it without the awesome committee. From left: Jill & Dr. Michael Mazowiecki, Ricky & Terri Shawley, and turned the crowd into Tom & Jenny Bean, Colleen Fulkerson, Dr. Lou & Diana Catalano, Cathy Tofani, Kayla Brickell, Al Tofani, and Colleen & butterflies, princesses and Jason Harchuck warriors, as guests dined on a delicious dinner followed by a clown themed desert. The live and silent auctions were a huge hit, with items such as Muhammad Ali signed boxing gloves and trip to Cabo San Lucas in Mexico fetching prices that were no laughing matter. No one felt like a clown as they went home with prizes from the exciting auctions, mystery bags, and raffles! As always, we could not have done it without the support of Dr. Lou and Diana, and the entire Westmoreland committee, thank you! Also, many, many thanks to the guests whose generosity helped to make this one of the best years ever, raising almost $70,000 to support EFWCP’s Committee members Shawn & Heidi Fay play a huge programs and services. role in the event’s success, thank you!

Champion | Allegheny Iron & Metal Co., Inc. • Dr. & Mrs. Lou Catalano • Cyberonics, Inc. • DeBernardo, Antoniono, McCabe, Davis & DeDiana, P.C. • Heeter Direct • Latronics Corporation • McTish, Kunkel and Associates • Teva Neurosciences • Westmoreland Sleep Medicine Play-Off Sponsorship | Abbott Laboratories • Donegel Construction • Dr. & Mrs. David Kenney • Groff Tractor & Equipment • Jason, Inc. • Quatrini Rafferty Galloway, P.C. Table Sponsor | A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. • All Crane Rental of Pennsylvania • Bender Consulting Services, Inc. • Burke’s Heating & Cooling, Inc. • CMRI Open • Frank Bryan, Inc. • Godlewski & Associates • Hanson Aggregates • Heartland Home Health Care & Hospice • Highland Tire • Joseph B. Fay Co. • Joseph B. Fay Co. • Joseph B. Fay Co. • McCarthy Family • Mosso’s Medical Supply • Norwin Construction • Richard Catalano, Esq. • The Balance Center • The Stereoshop, Inc.

8 Interaction calendar of events June 12 July 6-12 August 5 Young Adult Group Camp Frog Johnstown Afternoon WellSpan Neurology, York Camp Fitch, North Springfield Support Group John P. Murtha Neuroscience and June 17 July 8 Pain Institute Lewistown Support Group Altoona Support Group Lewistown Hospital, Lewistown Bon Secours Hospital August 7 Young Adult Group June 21 July 10 WellSpan Neurology, York 20th Annual Pittsburgh Pirates Young Adult Group Fun Run/Walk for Epilepsy Location TBA (Harrisburg Area) Johnstown Evening PNC Park, Pittsburgh Support Group July 11 John P. Murtha Neuroscience and June 22 – 28 Vine Street Support Group Pain Institute Camp Frog Vine Street Towers, Johnstown Camp Conrad Weiser, Wernersville August 8 July 12 Vine Street Support Group June 24 Picnic at the Park (and a game!) Vine Street Towers, Johnstown Erie Support Group Jerry Uht Park, Erie Palace Business Centres, Erie August 9 July 24 6th Annual Harrisburg Senators June 26 Parent Support Group – Butler Fun Run/Walk for Epilepsy Parent Support Group – Panera Bread City Island, Harrisburg Greensburg July 29 ARC of Westmoreland August 12 Erie Support Group Altoona Support Group Parent Support Group – Butler Palace Business Centres, Erie Bon Secours Hospital Panera Bread July 30 August 20 July 1 Hershey Support Group Seizure Recognition and Johnstown Afternoon Hershey Medical Center, East Campus, How to Help Support Group Building B – Hershey Palace Business Centres, Erie John P. Murtha Neuroscience and July 31 Pain Institute August 26 York Support Group Erie Support Group July 3 WellSpan Neurology, York Palace Business Centres, Erie Johnstown Evening August 2 Support Group August 28 John P. Murtha Neuroscience and 5th Annual Erie SeaWolves York Support Group Pain Institute Fun Run/Walk for Epilepsy WellSpan Neurology, York Jerry Uht Park, Erie

Art can provide an escape from board no larger than 8 1/2” x 11”. the day-to-day experiences of living Participants must complete the Art Contest with any disease or illness, and may be contest entry form and submit it with a way for people to express how they their artwork. The entry form can be feel about hope, strength, courage downloaded from the website by for People and freedom. Now, people with visiting expressionsofcourage.com. epilepsy can show their creative Please contact the Expression of talents by participating in the 2008 Courage help desk at 1-800-224-4935 with Epilepsy Expressions of Courage Art Contest. with questions. Anyone diagnosed with epilepsy is Artwork must be submitted no eligible to submit artwork for the later than July 16, 2008. Mail in 2008 Expressions contest. To participate in the contest, your artwork and entry form to: participants should send an original Expressions of Courage, c/o Ortho- of Courage Art Contest drawing or painting that reflects their McNeil Neurologics, 389 Pittstown feelings. Artwork may be done in ink, Road, Pittstown, NJ 08867. pencil, crayon, or paint on paper or www.efwp.org 9 Who Says A Woman Can’t Be King? Mardi Gras Gala an amazing success

he halls of the Westin Convention Center Pittsburgh were once again transformed into the boisterous streets of New Orleans as more than T850 guests came together on Fat Tuesday for the EFWCP’s 14th Annual Mardi Gras Gala. The evening began with a parade through the extravagantly decorated room and crowd, who wore beads, masks and gowns fit for a queen, or rather, a king. They were joined by roaming musicians, jugglers and magicians to add to the festive occasion; guests dined on a French Creole sit-down dinner, and danced the night away to the music of The John Parker and Dixieland bands. This year’s Mardi Gras Gala came with a twist as the EFWCP crowned it’s very first female King, Michele Fabrizi, President & Chief Executive Officer of MARC USA’s nationwide advertising division. Ms. Fabrizi was joined by King’s Court members Kim Tillotson Fleming, President Hefren Tillotson; Gretchen Haggerty, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer United States Steel Corporation; David Malone, President & Chief Executive Officer Gateway Financial Group; Todd Moules, President National City; James Rohr Chairman & Chief Executive Officer The PNC Financial Services Group; and Thomas VanKirk, Chairman & Chief Executive Office Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC. Through the generosity of Gala King of Mardi Gras Michele Fabrizi, President and Chief Executive Officer MARC USA Advertising guests, $360,000 was raised to support the EFWCP’s programs and services. Thank Division, heads to the stage to accept her crown. you to all of our donors for making this Mardi Gras Gala an amazing success!

MARC USA African American Chamber of Company King’s Court Sponsors MARSH Commerce of Western PA Pepper Hamilton, LLP A.C. Dellovade, Inc. Monroeville Chrysler Jeep Bender Consulting Services, Inc. Pittsburgh CLO Acusis, LLC Ms. Nadine E. Bognar Bender Consulting Services, Inc. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. National City Burns, White & Hickton Poerio Inc. Babst, Calland, Clements & Burt Hill PPG Industries Zomnir, P.C. Pfizer Chester Engineers Ralph A. Falbo, Inc. Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC PricewaterhouseCoopers Cohen & Grigsby, P.C. Reed Smith LLP Children’s Hospital pf Pittsburgh Reed Smith Cyberonics Sargent Electric Company of UPMC Federated Investors Schneider Downs Citizens Band of Pennsylvania S4B, Inc. Foundation, Inc. Snavely Forest Products Deloitte & Touche The Bank of New York Mellon Greater PA Regional Council Soffer Organization The PNC Financial Services of Carpenters Sprint Eckert Seamans Cherin & Group Hefren Tillotson Mr. Stephen Ross Green, Esq. Mellot, LLC Tube City IMS Jewish Healthcare Foundation and his daughter Bridget M. Gateway Financial Services UCB Pharma JRG Advisors, LLC Green Heeter Direct United States Steel Corporation Katz Graduate School of The Hillman Company Hefren Tillotson UPMC Corporate Business, University of Thorp Reed & Armstrong, LLP Inc. UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh University of Pittsburgh Huntington National Bank UPMC Passavant KPMG Valeant Pharmaceuticals I.B.E.W. Local No. 5 Voyager Jet Center & Kurt J. Lesker Company International Irwin Builders Supply Team Scotti Ladies Hospital Aid Society of Corporation Jones Day Western Pennsylvania West Penn Allegheny Inc. McKamish, Inc. Health System Laborers’ District Council of Table Sponsors Meyer, Unkovic & Scott LLP Yakovac Family Chiropractic Western Pennsylvania AAA East Central MSA Center Corporation Abbott Online Stores, Inc. Yanni Partners

10 Interaction Epilepsy Foundation Western/Central PA Board President Denis McCarthy and his wife, Elizabeth.

Emcee for the evening, Jim Roddey and King of Mardi Gras Michele Fabrizi Dinner Chair Kim Tillotson Fleming, President Hefren Tillotson, poses with a share a laugh. stilt-walker at the 14th Annual Mardi Gras Gala.

Mardi Gras wouldn’t be Mardi Gras without masks, King of Mardi Gras Michele Fabrizi (middle) poses with her court. From left: Thomas VanKirk, Kim Tillotson feather boas and lots of beads! Fleming, Gretchen Haggerty, Todd Moules and David Malone. www.efwp.org 11 “My family and I have enjoyed participating with the Epilepsy Foundation Western/Central PA, and we appreciate the hard work and dedication of their many volunteers”

- Alan Faneca in the Sunday, April 6, 2008 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Thank You Ad to his fans

Epilepsy is what you have, not who you are. The EFWCP would like to thank the Faneca family for all of the great memories they created with us here in Pittsburgh as they continue their journey on to New York. While we will miss Alan as a Pittsburgh Steeler, we will always be Faneca Fanatics! We wish the entire family the best of luck, thank you for your constant support and most importantly, your friendship!

For more information, visit www.efwp.org or call 1-800-361-5885.

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1501 Reedsdale, Suite 3002 Pittsburgh, PA 15233

Services delivered by the Epilepsy Foundation Western/Central Pennsylvania are supported by the Pennsylvania Department of Health through the Maternal and Child Health Services Title V Block Grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as well as State funds. The Pennsylvania Department of Health is an equal opportunity provider of grants, contracts, services and employment.

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