EFNE Awards $155,000 in Local Grants

Supporting local research in epilepsy!

Epilepsy Foundation New England is proud to celebrate groundbreaking research and innovation in the fight against epilepsy. At the 4th Annual Blue Skies Research Event, we recognize the dedication and achievements of researchers committed to advancing treatments, improving care, and finding a cure.

We are thrilled to announce the recipients of this year’s grants, whose work is paving the way for a brighter future for individuals and families affected by epilepsy:

💰$75,000

Research in Epilepsy: Innovations in Diagnosis or Treatment

🏆 Epileptic Seizure Predication using non-invasive EKG Heterogeneity
📍 Dr. Trudy D. Pang & Dr. Steven C. Schachter - Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/ Harvard Medical School.
🔬 By monitoring T-wave heterogeneity (TWH), a measure of cardiac electrical instability, is a potential marker of seizure risk, particularly for generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS), and may be a superior method for seizure prediction than heart rate acceleration.

💰$75,000

Research in Epilepsy: Innovations to Improve Quality of Life

🏆 Life Beyond Seizures: Developing SALUD
📍Dr. Christina Briscoe and others from Boston Children's Hospital
🔬 Screening for Access, Language, and Unmet Determinants.  Current quality of life screeners for patients often do not include questions about social determinants of health (SDOH) like insurance status, food security, or access to medication.  With SALUD, the goal is to improve the quality of life of children with epilepsy by identifying and addressing SDOH.

💰$5,000

Community Engagement: Bringing Our Community’s Ideas to Life

🏆 Rosie’s Ruck, New England Tournament for Epilepsy Awareness
📍Parker Vitagliano-Hill from Bradley School East Boston, Alicia Vitagliano PhD, LMHC and Jason Hill, BS

🔬 A Rugby tournament to raise awareness about epilepsy and funds for those seeking seizure alert dogs.

These visionary researchers exemplify the spirit of discovery, and we are honored to support their work. Congratulations to all the winners! Your efforts bring us closer to a world where epilepsy is better understood, better treated, and ultimately cured.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all participants, supporters, and partners who make this event possible. Together, we are creating Help for Today and Hope for Tomorrow for those living with epilepsy.