Epilepsy Foundation Honors The Medtronic Foundation For Putting People First

Main Category: Epilepsy
Also Included In: Neurology / Neuroscience
Article Date: 09 Jun 2008 - 1:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   view / write opinions   rate article

The Epilepsy Foundation honored the Medtronic Foundation for its ongoing dedication and determination to helping people with chronic neurological conditions. The award was presented by the Epilepsy Foundation's president and CEO, Eric R. Hargis, during a ceremony at Medtronic's world headquarters in Fridley, Minn.

"Medtronic helps people by providing innovative therapies for those with chronic conditions and neurological problems," said Hargis, "but they also go the distance by helping nonprofit health agencies, such as the Epilepsy Foundation, fully engage all those they are committed to helping. Medtronic clearly cares about the social issues people with epilepsy face, and supports us in discovering and helping with those issues and problems."

For a number of years, the Medtronic Foundation has consistently supported the Epilepsy Foundation's initiatives in reaching out to a culturally diverse population of people with epilepsy, their families and their caregivers. For example, Medtronic grants have helped raise public awareness of epilepsy and also provided vital care and outreach for African-American, Hispanic, senior and youth populations.

"Today more than ever, it's imperative that we support patient-serving organizations and health programs that help the underserved, especially organizations such as the Epilepsy Foundation because epilepsy doesn't affect just one person, it affects the entire family," said David Etzwiler, executive director of the Medtronic Foundation. "Our long-term partnership with the Epilepsy Foundation speaks volumes to their efforts to ensure equal patient access to education, support and advocacy."

Epilepsy is not a single entity, but a family of more than 40 syndromes affecting more than 3 million people in the U.S. and 50 million worldwide. Approximately 40 percent of people with epilepsy are severely affected and continue to have seizures despite treatment.

"We are glad to have Medtronic on our side and on the side of people with neurological conditions," said Hargis. "And we look forward to a continued relationship for many years to come."

Medtronic, Inc. , headquartered in Minneapolis, is the global leader in medical technology - alleviating pain, restoring health, and extending life for millions of people around the world. The Medtronic Foundation is committed to improving the health of people and communities. Its grant making is focused in three areas: health, education and community.

The Epilepsy Foundation, a national non-profit with affiliated organizations throughout the United States, has led the fight against epilepsy since 1968. The Foundation's goals are to ensure that people with seizures are able to participate in all life experiences; and to prevent, control and cure epilepsy through services, education, advocacy and research, so not another moment is lost to seizures. For additional information, please visit http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org.

Medtronic, Inc.