News
August 3, 2021Make-A-Wish® Northeast New York Wish Kid Gives Back to Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern New York
The Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern New York is excited to announce a new emergency medication fund thanks to Make-A-Wish Northeast New York and the generosity of one wish kid, Maria Lutz, who decided to use her wish to give back. Maria wished to help others with epilepsy secure life-changing medication, and now she can do just that through a new fund called Maria’s Epilepsy Medication Emergency Fund.
Maria’s wish starts a dedicated $10,000 fund to be administered by the Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern New York that will help families in all 22-counties in their service area obtain vital medications and will be a bridge until insurance is approved or the individual can access a patient assistance program. To learn more or donate, visit www.epilepsy.com/northeastern-new-york.
“My wish was to create a dedicated fund within the Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern New York that will help people with epilepsy pay for medication,” she continued. “The No. 1 reason for skipping doses is cost. I want to individually help others and possibly even change their life with this fund to help raise money and awareness. The Maria’s Epilepsy Medication Emergency Fund will help raise awareness and money for people who are struggling to afford seizure medication.”
Maria’s impactful wish drew praise from many, including the Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern New York’s Executive Director, Jeannine Garab.
“We are excited to be partnering with Make-A-Wish Northeast New York, and so thankful to Maria for choosing to use her wish as a “Give Back Wish” to help other people with epilepsy,” Jeannine said. “For most people with epilepsy, medication is the only option for treating their seizures. Without it, their seizures and quality of life would be drastically affected. With Maria’s Epilepsy Medication Emergency Fund, we can ensure that people with epilepsy will be able to afford the lifesaving medications that they depend on.”
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder defined as having two or more recurring seizures; it can happen to anyone, at any age, at any time. One in 26 people will be diagnosed with epilepsy in their lifetime. Epilepsy is more common than Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease combined. For more information, call the Epilepsy Foundation at 518-456-7501 or visit our website at www.epilepsy.com/northeastern-new-york.
