RAISE is a 100% volunteer based nonprofit organization founded by the parents and siblings of those who have been harmed by epilepsy. RAISE is committed to changing the public perception of epilepsy by providing a consistent and accurate message about the devastation it has inflicted on our loved ones. We pledge that we will use every dollar earned to DIRECTLY support this mission.

1. Promote charity events and media campaigns to educate the private and public sector to RAISE Awareness
2. Provide assistance for individuals and their families to RAISE Involvement for those who are living with epilepsy, and the families of those who have died
3. Sponsor cutting edge research in the medical community to RAISE Support in epilepsy research

RAISE believes there is a need for RAISE.

We believe that each organization in the U.S. has a very necessary and specific agenda in the fight against epilepsy. Here are links to each organization's website to help you understand their mission:

• Epilepsy Foundation of America (EFA) - The organization works to ensure that people with seizures are able to participate in all life experiences; and to prevent, control and cure epilepsy through research, education, advocacy and services
• The Epilepsy Therapy Development Project (ETDP) - The mission of the ETDP is to advance new treatments of people living with epilepsy
• Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy (CURE) - The mission of CURE is to protect their children from the devastation of seizures and the side effects of medications
• Parents Against Childhood Epilepsy (PACE) - PACE is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to building awareness about epilepsy

We applaud each of these organization's missions and believe that they each play a critical role in the fight against epilepsy. We hope that someday these organizations will form a united front against epilepsy as we believe there is strength in numbers, but it cannot be done at the expense of any one organization's message. Because there is such a wide spectrum of outcomes under the umbrella of epilepsy including those who will die, we believe that one organization cannot tell the entire story effectively. Our mission is to focus solely on those who have died and those who have suffered irreversible damage due to epilepsy.

RAISE believes in an "in your face" approach.

In order to find a cure and end the devastation, we believe we MUST first change the public's and the government's perception of epilepsy. We firmly believe that the funds necessary to advance the science of curing epilepsy will come from an awareness campaign that changes the image of epilepsy from one of bronze medals, softball games, picnics, and picturesque landscapes to one of severe medication side effects, debilitating seizures, and death. While 70% do well and can live somewhat normal lives, 30% do not; and the terms "rare", "seldom", and "not common" do very little to comfort us. We believe that the 30% are in need of the most help and that including these individuals in the epilepsy story is paramount. We feel that because the public's general perception of epilepsy is one of a benign condition, we must be an in your face organization. We pledge to tell the truth, no matter how uncomfortable that may be for some to hear.

RAISE believes in 100% disclosure of the risks between doctor-patient.

We believe that physicians should tell patients about the risks of permanent damage and death in epilepsy, ESPECIALLY when patients have the risk factors. We believe that as the caregivers and patients we are ENTITLED to this information and that physicians should not make this decision for us. We believe that this actually endangers those patients who are at risk because we as caregivers cannot make informed decisions regarding their care. We believe that physicians should present this information in easy to understand terms so that patients and caregivers comprehend the risks associated with SUDEP and permanent brain injury from seizures. We believe that informed consent means just that, informed.

RAISE believes seizures are damaging.

We believe that seizures can be extremely dangerous and that any message publicizing that seizures are "just scary, but not harmful" is irresponsible and misleading. Seizures can cause permanent brain damage and seizures can kill. It's that simple.

RAISE believes in the truth.

We do not want to cause unnecessary anxiety in those who are well controlled or have little to no risk of death. Instead we want to inform those caregivers and patients who do have risk factors that epilepsy is VERY serious and that they should press their medical professionals for help in deciding the appropriate course of action to ensure the safety of the patient. We hold integrity in presenting information to the public at the TOP of our core principles.

For our loved ones, epilepsy has been a nightmare. And we will speak for our loved ones.

RAISE believes we owe them that.