He was standing at the register, trying to pay for breakfast. A card swipe. A pause. An awkward smile. Then, the sinking realization: his paycheck hadn’t cleared.

My 16-year-old son called me from the counter. “Can you pay the tab?”

I had to say, “No.”

No help was coming. Not in that moment.

About 50 years ago, June sat in an emergency room with her daughter, terrified and searching for answers.

A seizure. A diagnosis. Then the complications—medication side effects, psychiatric concerns, and more questions than answers.

• Who could explain what was happening?

• Which doctor had the right knowledge?

• What would happen to her child?

No help seemed to be coming for her, either.

Today, people like June have found strength, not in a perfect solution to epilepsy, but in a community. In you.

• You, the person living with epilepsy who shares your story

• You, the caregiver who keeps showing up

• You, the researcher seeking new answers

• You, the pharmaceutical partner creating access

• You, the parent fighting for your child’s inclusion

• You, the advocate turning lived experience into policy change

• You, the volunteer helping build a stronger tomorrow

   

Today, people like June have found hope because of people like you.

You are the heartbeat of our community.

You are what makes US a network of support rather than a place of last resort.

Back to my son. Was no help coming for him, after all?

Financial help? No. That tab remained unpaid.

But what he did get was something far more valuable: a lesson in preparedness, responsibility, and the quiet assurance that even if I couldn’t spare him the sting of the moment, I was only a phone call away.

He came home, a little wiser and a lot more thoughtful. And that afternoon, we watched a movie together—The Accountant. Let me just say, it’s not the movie you think it is. A fitting title, though—because that day, he learned how to balance more than just a budget.

That’s the kind of help we offer—because of, and with, YOU.

Not always flashy. But steady, reliable, and human.

We may not have every answer. But we are here—for the hard questions, for the long road, and for each other.

No help is coming?

On the contrary. We are already here.

— Susan Linn, President & CEO, Epilepsy Foundation New England

👏 Kudos This Week 👏

🏊 Michael, a longtime Purple camper, for his incredible perseverance!

Three years ago, he didn’t pass the swim test—but instead of giving up, he took swim lessons, earned his wristband last summer, and made his high school swim team this fall. We’re so inspired by his drive and determination. Can’t wait to see him back at camp this summer!

🎉 Meg Richardson — a passionate, longtime EFNE volunteer, advocate, and supporter — for closing in on her goal for the Boston Walk for Epilepsy! Meg is currently the top individual fundraiser, and we’re so grateful for her incredible dedication to the epilepsy community. Go, Meg!

🫶 Jennifer Cardillo and Kimberlee Schumacher, who will be concluding their service on our Board of Directors in June. Their leadership, insight, and dedication have made a lasting impact on EFNE. We’re incredibly grateful for all they’ve contributed and look forward to celebrating them in the months ahead. Thank you, Jennifer and Kimberlee — your work has helped move our mission forward in powerful ways.

💪 James Bieler — a longtime friend who helped build the Young Leaders Network, spoke at our gala, and stood by us during tough times. After chasing his dreams in California, he’s heading back home, locking down a new job, apartment, and focusing on his health. James said, “I forgot how awesome you are,” but truth is — we never forgot how amazing he is. Welcome back, James. We’ve got you, just like you had us.

🎸 Almost the Cure — Where else can you see scientists + charity + rock bands together on one stage? At Battle of the Biotech Bands, where Frank Salituro and his bandmates will be competing for the top prize. We’re excited for this fun night on May 15 and hope you’ll introduce yourself to me there! Almost the Cure has raised more than $250,000 for the Joseph’s Hope Scholarship Fund & Financial Assistance Fund.

🎤 Our friends at the Hidden Truths Project and What the EF podcast

We’re thrilled you’ll be joining us at the New England Epilepsy Convention, September 4–6 in Cambridge! Your continued partnership and advocacy help bring visibility, support, and services to the epilepsy community — thank you.