Epilepsy Services Foundation, Inc.
Invite reviews
Invite friends and colleagues to share their experiences with this nonprofit
June 12, 2013
As a volunteer I have the opportunity to help plan, collect donations, get volunteers and golf in a great outing with some of my fellow colleagues. It's a thrill to see how the community comes together on behalf of the children with epilepsy giving donations, funds, time, raffle prizes, and food! I didn't know much about eplilepsy before volunteering to help make the golf outing a success. It's stunning to hear how many precautions that people with epilepsy have to take to keep from having a seizure. Without this organization there are many children who would never get to experience a camp because the cost is prohibited with the 24/7 medical assistance needed. I was looking for something to give back to the community and even though this is only a once a year event, I am thrilled to participate. This organization is great. Tom Orth who is in charge is the most kind and sincere person you will ever meet. It's not about him. It's about the kids! When the community gives so much it's great just to watch Tom, he's like a kid himself. He gets so excited and never loses gratitude. If you are looking for a solid organization to volunteer or support, I highly recommend this one. Donna B, Tampa FL
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Nothing
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
October 17, 2012
(I apologize in advance for any typos, as I recently dislocated my shoulder during an epileptic seizure and am typing 1 handed.) As both "client" and volunteer with ESF I can honestly say that this is a true non-profit that cares more about the people helped than to ever making $$ for themselves. Through a variety of walks and other events ESF not only brings Epilepsy awareness and education to the community, but also raise funds to send kids with Epilepsy to summer camp, college scholarships for students with Epilepsy as well as for those going into the field of neurology, and more. I am really glad I have become involved with ESF and hope to continue to be for a long time.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
June 12, 2012
Epilepsy Services Foundation, Inc. of the greater Tampa Bay area is a driving force in education, awareness, and aid for families effected by epilepsy. As a person living with epilepsy, the knowledge base of the organization was immensely helpful to me early in my dealings with my condition. As a volunteer, I have had the pleasure of serving on the planning committee for our annual Purple Day Walk for Epilepsy in Lakeland, FL, through which we not only raise awareness for Epilepsy but also funds to send kids with epilepsy to Camp Boggy Creek - a summer camp in the area for medically needy kids. This year we raised enough money to send 22 kids to summer camp! Other events held throughout the last several years have also provided scholarships to college students planning a career in neurology, and scholarships to students effected by epilepsy. I am very proud to be associated with ESF!!!
Photos
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
September 3, 2012
The Epilepsy Services Foundaiton, Inc. is a unique foundation that supports the need to spread awareness of a very important cause that impacts children of all ages. The executive director, Tom is wonderful and truly cares for the foundation and is very dedicated. I feel honored to be a part of a wonderful team.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
August 16, 2012
Once I had received an initial diagnosis of Epilepsy from the USF Department of Neurology, I was lost. I had attempted on several occasions to find support on my own, but unfortunately without success. There were several reasons for this, inclusive of an inability to connect with patients like myself: adults who were suffering from epilepsy. Many of the epilepsy patients I originally met were children, under the age of 18, many suffering from Grand Mal seizures and in the care of parents. I, unfortunately, could not connect with them, their problems relating to the type of seizure I suffer from, as well as the social issues attached to it. The Epilepsy Services Foundation offered a viewpoint I had not seen before. It took a one on one approach to me, asking questions, both about my medical problems and issues as well as my personal life and social struggles. They proceeded to connect me with several doctors who took me in, and directed a "fix it" approach to my illness. In addition, Epilepsy Services Foundation also connected me with several support groups, and proceeded to keep me informed on a regular basis in regards to informative seminars and events throughout the Tampa Bay area. It has now been 8 years, and several surgeries later. I am unfortunately still a seizure patient. However, I am also still being kept up to date on changes in the area regarding informational events, seminars and socials that allow me to learn, grow and connect with professionals as well as patients like myself. Epilepsy Services Foundation is an excellent program from my perspective: that of a seizure patient. I am glad for, and appreciative of, the opportunities they continue to present to me.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Create more options for support group meetings...perhaps on a Saturday.
More feedback...
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
Likely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
How did you learn about this organization?
Via USF Epilepsy Department
August 15, 2012
The Epilepsy Services Foundation has given me the opportunity to get involved with the community and help other individuals with seizure disorders - like myself - by allowing me to be a part Project Access. As a volunteer, I have witnessed first had the hard work board members put in to assure individuals with seizure disorders receive proper care, put together events that intend to educate others about epilepsy, fund raise, and most importantly provide a loving environment in which a person can feel welcomed and accepted for who they are. The foundation has also granted me a scholarship that will help me further my education in hopes that one day I will be able to create programs to improve the quality of life of persons with seizure disorders through the public health sector. The foundation deserves this award and much more!
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
August 14, 2012
I became involved with this foundation through my wife who has epilepsy. Like most people I didn't know much about epilepsy and had very stereo-typical ideas about people with epilepsy. i.e. they look different, they act different, they are constantly having an "episode", they cannot lead a normal life, they are "slow", etc. I know it sounds awful but it's what many people believe. My wife is the very opposite of the above description; she is one of the most physically fit, motivated, disciplined, and intelligent persons I have ever met. She did not tell me about her epilepsy until months after dating and even after getting married I sometimes learn of old adversities that she has had to face due to others prejudices. This foundation has taught me so much about this condition and has encouraged me to give back in both my professional life and personal life. I am a chiropractor and have dedicated a significant portion of my practice to helping those that have epilepsy through spinal and cervical adjustments. It's no cure but the research shows there are benefits. Without this foundation, my wife would still be the incredible person she is today, she's a fighter, but I'm not sure I would be the husband that I am today. Thank-you Epilepsy Services Foundation.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
August 14, 2012
My story starts when I was diagnosed with Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy at the age of eight. Luckily for me my condition was so minor that even my closest friends were not aware that I had epilepsy; epilepsy in a way became my dark secret in life. I led a very normal active life. I began my college career with the intention of becoming a lawyer, but subsequently determined that my passion at that time lied in a career in law enforcement. I applied for a very competitive scholarship with the Tampa Police Department. After a year-long background screening process that involved numerous psychological, fitness, and academic testing I eagerly accepted TPD’s scholarship offer. I had graduated from the police academy third in my class academically. A week after getting sworn in, I received a phone call from the doctor informing me that he would not be able to approve me medically fit to receive the pension. Consequently I lost my job. My worst nightmare had come true in the worst possible way. The doctor said that my condition was a “disability” and the department said that they would not be able to make any accommodations for me. I had never been called disabled before or treated in such a way, and now I was losing my job over my so called “disability”. Looking back I now realize that this was a turning point in my life. Before, I never considered myself an epileptic, but I was now forced to realize that I was. I was angry and realized that I shouldn’t be ashamed to have epilepsy and that I needed to fight back not just for myself, but for others with epilepsy that either had or will eventually be discriminated against as I was. This experience had given me a new perspective on life and illuminated a new career path in law. This was when I became involved with the Epilepsy Services Foundation. For six years now I have volunteered and have committed myself to this Foundation, but this foundation has helped me more emotionally, psychologically, and philosophically than I can ever return. I will be graduating from Stetson University Of Law in December and will continue to volunteer, support, and promote those that have epilepsy. I'm a living example; I'm epileptic and yes I can!
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
August 13, 2012
This charity is amazing! As the mother of a teenager recently diagnosed wiith Epilepsy, which was the result of a head injury sustained while wrestling around with friends, I decided that I wanted to become involved with anything to help raise awareness and funding for Epilespy. I volunteered for an event, an Epilepsy fundraising race, and instantly felt like one of the family. Everyone was very welcoming, and each had their own stories of how Epilespy has touched their lives. Epilepsy Services Foundation has opened my family's eyes to resources available to us in the community and support groups that we were previously unaware of. They even told us about a camp specifically for children with Epilepsy, Camp Boggy Creek, which my daughter attended in July, and she had a blast!!! For the first time since her head injury, she was able to relax and not be afraid of her seizures. Epilepsy Services Foundation has really helped my daughter to see that she is not alone, that there is help for her, and that people really do care and want to help find a cure for her and others dealing with Epilepsy.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
that my daughter was accpeted as a camper at Camp Boggy Creek.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
not make any changes at all- they are awesome!!!
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
What one change could this group make that would improve your volunteer experience?
I truly cannot think of one change.
Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)
Yes, I met a lot of people dealing with the same issues as my family.
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
Meeting others dealing with similar issues has made my family feel less alone in our struggles and it has given me hope about my daughter's future.
August 13, 2012
I just wanted to let you all know how wonderful you the foundation was to provide my son the opportunity to go to the Boggy Creek Camp. My son attended the camp for the first time this year because the Epilepsy Foundation sponsored him to go. He had the most amazing week at a beautiful camp that gives children that would not normally be able to participate in camp the opportunity to do so. The Foundation is a wonderful group that makes the dreams of children like my son a reality. They provided a normal week of camp participating in activities that would not have been possible for them without all the medical support and volunteers that were all truly amazing. The Epilepsy Foundation is a wonderful group to provide the support to the children that have this condition. My son has had five different kinds of Epilepsy and has had other learning disabilities and health conditions, but what the Foundation did for him is something I will never forget and will always be grateful. There are really are not enough words that could say how appreciative we are for the life changing experience my son had a the camp.
More feedback...
How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
August 13, 2012
Tom Orth does an amazing job as an administrator and this is the only group I commit personal time to. I have lived with my seizure disorder for almost 40 years and the quality of the relationships I have is why I am so committed to the Epilepsy Services Foundation.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Some
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
Filter by reviewer role:
Support This Nonprofit
Help this nonprofit get more reviews
5 tips for getting reviews