A Personal Note From Our Chairman of the Board

Growing up with a best friend who lived with seizures since childhood, and as someone who has worked in the field of epilepsy for over ten years as an employee of UCB, Inc. (often referred to as “The Epilepsy Company”), I have witnessed the challenges and triumphs of many individuals and families living with epilepsy and seizure disorders. I have supported individuals and families while hearing their laughter and tears as they fought for answers and advocated to be heard. I have also seen their fear of the unknown and wishes for a brighter future. 

Over the years, I learned of the unique privilege and responsibility I had come to have—being the voice for others when they otherwise could not or did not wish to speak. As a Board Member for the Epilepsy Foundation of Georgia since 2014, I have had the opportunity to support families living in Georgia by supporting and working with this incredible Foundation that offers comprehensive services and programs to help every individual and family navigate their unique journey.

In the years to follow, I will work with our Board to continue our unwavering support for our community through continued education and awareness, enhancing health equity across the state by increasing access to affordable and advanced treatment options, and continuing to nurture and advance our suite of services. 

We understand that care is a family affair and that it takes a village to support both the person living with a seizure disorder and all those who come around that person to provide love and care. Whether you are personally living with a seizure disorder, caring for another living with a seizure disorder, or simply wishing to be an ally and a voice, we are here to support and work with you. We are your village.

As you read this note, I invite you to join us as we help to transform one person at a time from a feeling of “me” to “we.” Together, we can make a difference for the more than 110,000 people living with epilepsy in our great state of Georgia. 

If you are interested in speaking with us to offer ideas, suggestions, or feedback for the Foundation, please reach me on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/jameshlavenka or email at [email protected].

The Board Members of the Epilepsy Foundation of Georgia are volunteers dedicated to helping Georgians with epilepsy and seizure disorders. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Board, please contact us at [email protected].