$1.2 Million Raised for Epilepsy Research Through Local Efforts Benefiting Bronte Epilepsy Research Program at UC Davis, With an Additional $1.8 million in Research Grants.

Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 9, 2003

In only four years, the Bronte Epilepsy Research Foundation has raised over $1.2 million to advance the research of epilepsy. Under the leadership and direction of Mary Lou Sordi, whose granddaughter, Bronte, was diagnosed with the most severe form of epilepsy (and has been fighting this disorder for 10 years), Ms. Sordi determined that she would help fight this disorder by raising money for epilepsy research.

Currently, work has begun to donate $850,000 of the $1.2 million raised toward an Endowed Chair for epilepsy research with a goal to raise $1.5 million for an endowment that would support the world-class epilepsy research program in Sacramento. Nationally, more than 2.5 million people have epilepsy, and everyone is at risk of developing this disorder at any age. Epilepsy's medical and social costs to Americans each year are $12 billion. The personal cost is incalculable. In conjunction with national research efforts, as well as the collaboration of other pediatric epilepsy research laboratories and programs, this research will aid in a breakthrough in the advancement of epilepsy research worldwide. The benefit of all this collaborative research is that awareness of this disorder and the funds necessary for a cure have tremendously increased. Current statistics indicate that one in 50 children will be diagnosed with epilepsy this year. Only research can lead us to an eventual cure and only research can make that dream a reality.

The Bronte Epilepsy Research Foundation funds a series of collaborative lectureships providing a forum bringing the world's best physicians and scientists together in Sacramento to share research knowledge on a regular basis. The research program is supported by UC Davis Medical Center and the Sutter Health Neuroscience Institute.

New funds for epilepsy research will yield more breakthroughs. Your contribution will set in motion a mighty effort, a research commitment like no other, so finally, a cure will be found.

To make a difference in this research and to contribute to this great effort, please contact Mary Lou Sordi at 916-965-5510 or visit [e-mail].