History
CURE was founded through a grassroots effort by parents who were frustrated by their helplessness in protecting their children from the devastating effects of epilepsy and seizures and by the limited treatment options available for those suffering from the disease. In 1998, President Susan Axelrod established the organization with the mission of finding a cure and raising public awareness. Since its inception, CURE has helped to increase federal attention and funding for epilepsy research. Additionally, CURE has raised $20 million to fund research and other initiatives that will lead the way to a cure. CURE funds seed grants to young and established investigators to explore new areas of research and collect the data necessary to apply for further funding by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and has provided seed grants to 134 innovative studies.
CURE has also worked to establish epilepsy as a disease that receives crucial funding support for research through the United States Department of Defense for its program entitled “Prevention of Epilepsy after Traumatic Brain Injury.” For many soldiers suffering TBI on the battlefield, epilepsy will be a long-term consequence.
Through its focus on raising funds for research, the national ad campaign first released in Parade Magazine, CURE is increasing public awareness about the prevalence and devastation of epilepsy. In addition, Melora Hardin, best known for her appearances in The Office, Hannah Montana: The Movie, and Seventeen Again, has lent her voice to the millions suffering from epilepsy in CURE’s public service announcements, which are running nationwide. CURE has enjoyed extensive media coverage, as well. President and co-founder Susan Axelrod has appeared on the TODAY Show, MSNBC’s Morning Joe, in a special segment on 60 Minutes with Katie Couric, Fox News Network, Andrea Mitchell Reports, CNN with Campbell Brown, and CNN's Piers Morgan Tonight. In addition, the February 15, 2009 PARADE Magazine cover story, “I Must Save My Child,” shared Axelrod and her family’s experience with epilepsy and why CURE was founded. In their April 20, 2009 edition, Newsweek published a cover package, “The Mystery of Epilepsy: Why we must find a cure,” highlighting stories from CURE families. Axelrod contributed an essay, and Board member Gardiner Lapham was also featured.
Axelrod has been recognized internationally for her advocacy. Honors have included awards from Washington, DC-based Research!America, the Child Neurology Foundation, and the American Epilepsy Society. Most recently, she was named Chicagoan of the Year by Chicago Magazine and recognized as an Ambassador for Epilepsy by the International League Against Epilepsy and the International Bureau for Epilepsy.
CURE has been named a top-rated charity by Charity Navigator —America’s largest and most trusted independent evaluator of charities. Due to the passion and generosity of families, friends, and volunteers, over 92 cents of every dollar goes directly to support these critical research and awareness programs.
Read more about this topic: Citizens United For Research In Epilepsy
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