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DATE & LOCATION Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Beverly Wilshire Hotel, Beverly Hills, CA
HONOREE



Michael De Luca
Founder, Michael De Luca Productions
Columbia Pictures, Development/Production Agreement.
CO-CHAIRS Mark Borman
Andrew Gumpert
HONORARY COMMITTEE Lorenzo DiBonaventura
Bryan Lourd
Amy Pascal
Todd Black
Jason Blumenthal
Steve Tisch
Brad Weston
Dr. W. Don Shields
THE NEED

1 in 26 people will be diagnosed with epilepsy in their lifetime.

Epilepsy affects about 3 million people in the USA, and 160,000 of them live in and around LA county. That is more than the number of people with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease -- combined.

An estimated 50,000 deaths occur each year in the USA from status epilepticus (prolonged seizures), Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy, and other seizure-related causes, such as downing and other accidents. That is more than the number of deaths due to breast cancer each year.

In children, uncontrolled seizures can damage the developing brain and result in mental retardation, severe functional limitations and even death. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to maximizing long-term prognosis but, unfortunately, effective treatment of children with epilepsy is significantly hampered by a continuing shortage of specialists in pediatric neurology and epilepsy.
THE GOAL
Our ultimate goal is no child diagnosed with epilepsy. Until then, with your support, we strive to ensure that all children with epilepsy can get specialty care and their families can have greater hopes for cures. The Benefit raises funds for fellowships to support specialists and researchers because improved understanding of epilepsy and faster intervention to eliminate seizures can improve the course of a child’s life and set the stage for even better treatments and cures. The Benefit also supports programs that prevent epilepsy, promote seizure control, proclaim acceptance, protest bullying, and connect children with epilepsy to others who understand.
 
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
While there is still much to be done, we are very produc of our accomplishments. The previous CARE AND CURE Benefits have support and/or are currently supporting: 
  • 13 Fellow/faculty positions are UCLA, USC-County and CHLA (including 1 at UCSF) 
  • 5 Research projects (including stem call)
  • 2 Pediatric Dietary Therapy Programs - UCLA and USC-County Medical Centers
  • 2 years of statewide advocacy to ensure children can access 'seizure rescue' medication in school
  • 5,400 students were educated about the importance of caring for the brain and how to perform seizure first aid during the Love Your Brain Now Bus Tour
2013 PHOTOS Coming Soon! 
2013 VIDEO Coming Soon!