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Feature Article: Epilepsy Services of New Jersey

The Epilepsy Services of New Jersey (previously known as the "Epilepsy Foundation of New Jersey") is a long-standing organization that has been supporting and helping those New Jersey residents who have seizures and their families for many years. Within the last year, a big change took place in that the agency became independent from the Epilepsy Foundation of America and became part of the Epilepsy Alliance of America (EAA).  We wanted to hear all about how these changes will benefit the agency and the people they serve and what changes might we be seeing.

How old was the Epilepsy Foundation of New Jersey?

Epilepsy Services of New Jersey (ESNJ), formerly Epilepsy Foundation of New Jersey, has been operating for 49 years.  Our organization was founded in 1970 by parents of children with epilepsy.  Next year, we will be celebrating our 50th anniversary.

What services and resources does the Epilepsy Services of New Jersey now offer?  We know that you used to offer respite care, run a summer camp for children with epilepsy, provide scholarships, organize awareness-raising events, and so much more.  Are all of these services going to continue? Will you be offering new services?  

Epilepsy Services of New Jersey's primary focus is to better the quality of life for people with epilepsy and their families in New Jersey.  Our staff will continue to serve people with epilepsy in New Jersey and their loved ones. All the services listed above continue!  We look forward to introducing new services to families in New Jersey as part of EAA.

What might be some of the main differences between your Alliance and the Epilepsy Foundation of America?

Epilepsy Alliance America is dedicated to supporting those impacted by epilepsy in local communities by confronting the spectrum of challenges created by seizures.

Are you working on any research projects alongside local Epilepsy doctors and programs?

ESNJ continues to be supportive of researchers and their efforts.  We have recently developed a research committee in partnership with local epileptologists and pharmaceutical companies.  In the future, EAA is looking forward to partnering with a nationally renowned research organization.  EAA is partnering with Neurology Reviews in the My Epilepsy Journey project.  

We know that the Glow Walk and Run for Epilepsy (which has become a tradition of fun, awareness-raising, and fund raising) is already on the schedule.  Tell us when and where this will take place and why this event is unique and so popular.

Glow Walk Run will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2019 at Liberty State Park in Jersey City.  GWR is a family friendly event which includes a family fun walk.  Everyone is encouraged to wear Halloween costumes and visit the trick or treat stations.  This is a great opportunity to meet others with epilepsy and learn more about resources.   

What other activities should we be looking out for this year? 

Our 43rd Annual Golf Classic & Dinner will be held on Monday, July 8th, 2019 at the Upper Montclair Country Club in Clifton, New Jersey. The outing will feature 18 challenging holes of golf, hole-in-one contests, lunch, awards dinner, tournament prizes and silent auction.  For more information, please visit www.epilepsygolfclassic.org.  

Our Day at the Beach will be held on Friday, July 26th at the Governor's Beach House on Island Beach State Park.  This is a free event but registration is required because space is limited.  Join our email newsletter list to find out when registration opens.  

Do you offer educational programs during the year? How would someone find out about these?

Yes we offer in person and webinar trainings throughout the year.  To be sure to hear about them, please join our ezine list by visiting our website www.epilepsyservicesnj.org or following us on Facebook at Epilepsy New Jersey.

Are you looking for volunteers? What sort of activities might a volunteer engage in?  Are there different times of the year or amount of hours that someone can offer?

Yes, we always appreciate the time volunteers donate to ESNJ.  Volunteer opportunities exist at our office in East Windsor or at our special events.  

When someone donates to the Epilepsy Services of NJ, what might those funds be used for?

Some areas where donation funds can be used are college scholarships, camper scholarship and our prescription assistance fund.  

Do you have a website, social media presence, what are your office locations, etc.

The website for ESNJ is: www.epilepsyservicesnj.org.  You can find us at Facebook at Epilepsy New Jersey or @epilepsynj.  

Our office is centrally located at 50 Millstone Road, East Windsor, NJ.  You can contact us by calling 800.336.5843. 

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