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Youth

Young Epilepsy Advocate to Meet with Congressional Leaders

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

At the age of 9, Chad Hodges from Springfield, MO, is about to embark on a significant journey to Washington, D.C. to advocate for improved access to care, public education, and research toward a cure for epilepsy. As one of 37 young ambassadors with epilepsy participating in the Kids Speak Up! program, Chad will meet with congressional leaders on March 29-31, 2009, to make his voice heard. The program, coordinated by the Epilepsy Foundation and funded by Abbott Laboratories, aims to support young people with epilepsy to personally petition for aid.

Key Takeaways:

  • Chad Hodges, a 9-year-old boy from Springfield, MO, will travel to Washington, D.C. to advocate for epilepsy public health programs and research toward a cure.
  • Chad is one of 37 young ambassadors with epilepsy participating in the Kids Speak Up! program, coordinated by the Epilepsy Foundation and funded by Abbott Laboratories.
  • The program aims to provide young people with epilepsy the opportunity to personally petition congressional leaders for aid in improving access to care, public education, and research.
  • Chad was selected to participate due to his willingness to speak openly about his experiences with epilepsy, showcasing his courage as an inspiration to others.
  • Epilepsy is the most common neurological condition in children, affecting approximately 350,000 children under the age of 15.
  • Despite modern therapy, about one million people in the U.S. continue to experience seizures or significant side effects from treatment for their epilepsy.
  • Epilepsy imposes an annual economic burden of $15.5 billion on the nation in associated health care costs and losses in employment, wages, and productivity.

Statistics:

  • 350,000 children under the age of 15 are affected by epilepsy in the U.S. (Eric Hargis, President and CEO of the Epilepsy Foundation).
  • Approximately one million people in the U.S. experience seizures or significant side effects from treatment for their epilepsy (Epilepsy Foundation).
  • Epilepsy imposes an annual economic burden of $15.5 billion on the nation (Epilepsy Foundation).

Sources:

  • Eric Hargis, President and CEO of the Epilepsy Foundation
  • Kids Speak Up! program
  • Abbott Laboratories
  • Epilepsy Foundation
  • NewsRx.com
  • Biotech Week

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