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Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy (CURE)
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Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy (CURE) is a growing non-profit organization based in Chicago, Illinois focusing on raising awareness and funds for research targeting a cure for epilepsy[1]. Established in 1998, CURE is dedicated to providing those who are affected by epilepsy hope for a cure in the near future.
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 by the limited treatment options available for those suffering from the disease. In 1998, President Susan Axelrod established the organization with the mission to find a cure and to increase public awareness of the disease. Since its inception, CURE has increased federal funding for epilepsy research from $68 million to over $100 million. CURE has raised more than $8 million to fund research and other initiatives that will lead the way to a cure for epilepsy. CURE funds seed grants to young and established investigators to explore new areas and collect the data necessary to apply for further funding by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and has provided seed grants to over 70 innovative studies, including the cutting-edge work of University of Wyoming professor Steven Bealer, Ph.D. and Harvard Medical School graduate Frances E. Jensen, M.D.[2] CURE granted Bealer The 2008 Northwestern Dance Marathon Award. Funding for Bealer's epilepsy research was provided by Northwestern University's 2007 Dance Marathon benefiting CURE[3].
CURE has also worked to establish epilepsy as a disease which merits and now 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. CURE is raising awareness through its focus on raising funds for research into cures and, also, through a national ad campaign that was first released in Parade Magazine. In December 2007 CURE was featured on the Today Show. CURE's advocacy has been recognized nationally with an award to Founder and President, Susan Axelrod in 2007 from Washington, DC-based Research!America.
Mission
The mission of CURE is to increase public awareness of the nation-wide prevalence and devastation of epilepsy and to increase funding to provide grants for research designed to find a cure for epilepsy. CURE's vision is a future in which the millions of children and adults with epilepsy no longer have their lives defined by life-altering and life-threatening seizures.
Leadership
Founder and President Susan Axelrod established CURE in 1998, and continues her advocacy efforts for a cure at their offices located in Chicago, IL. CURE is additionally supported by an honorary board of directors, including its Chairman, U.S. Senator Herb Kohl[4]. Barbara Kelly serves as the organization's Vice President and Chair of its Research Review Board.
Events
As part of its efforts to increase funds and awareness for epilepsy, CURE hosts and co-sponsors a number of benefits throughout the year. Each year CURE hosts its Annual Benefits in Chicago specifically targeted toward finding a cure for epilepsy, an event which has over the years drawn such noteworthy keynote speakers as former First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton (1999 and 2003), Governor Jesse Ventura (2000), President Bill Clinton (2001), Governor Rod Blagojevich (2001), Senator John Edwards (2004), Senator Barack Obama[5] (2005), and dearly missed Meet the Press Host Tim Russert (2007)[6].
References
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External Links
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