Epilepsy Services Foundation, Inc.
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My employer is a large law firm who has sponsored ESF for years with their various fundraisers. I became involved in volunteering with ESF five or six years ago for their annual Hyde Park Music Series event as well as their Hare Race Experience in Tampa. At each event I would always meet someone who shared their story of having epilepsy and the significant help they received from ESF and how it change their lives. I do not suffer from the disease but felt compelled to continue volunteering and helping with this great cause. As fate would have it my husband and I changed churches four years ago and we began attending Sunday service at the James A. Haley Veteran Hospital and there was Tom (ESF Executive Director) and his wife, Carole. We see Tom on a weekly basis and speak about the ongoing good results that occur for this foundation. Tom's demeanor and personality shines in his perseverance and dedication to this cause. I can only hope that he will continue to receive the resources needed to help so many who suffer from this dreaded illness. I recently attended a scholarship reception for several ESF students who will continue to work in the health field looking for a cure for Epilepsy. One particular family touched my heart where both brother and sister were diagnosed with epilepsy in their teen years and are now faced with the loss of privileges most teens take for granted, i.e., a driver's license, etc. I am blessed with good health . . . . they should be too. Any assistance for ESF is always greatly appreciated.
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I am a healthy volunteer without the need for this organization's services
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
suggest they consider social networking for better exposure.
It is going on six years that I have been involved with this fine organization. The dedication and determination of its volunteers and board members are second to none. I have seen firsthand what a difference a group of caring people, working on behalf of a caring organization, can make in the community. As a parent of a child with epilepsy, I just want to thank Tom Orth and all the volunteers for their incredible perseverance and encourage anyone looking for education, assistance, or just someone to lean on, to consider ESF.
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
The Executive Director, Thomas Orth.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Feeling that I have helped make a difference.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
One of a kind. The desire to make a difference was there every day.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Make a difference in the lives of tens of thousands of people.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
I have never worked with a more caring and dedicated group of people who desire only to help individuals affected by epilepsy, whether directly or indirectly through their loved ones. My participation with ESF began by virtue of the fact that my employer, Fowler White Boggs P.A., has been a long time sponsor and supporter of this organization. However, even if I did not have professional ties to ESF, I would gladly volunteer to assist this non-profit, which is comprised of giving and selfless individuals who make this world a better place on a daily basis. Unlike well-known national non-profit organizations, ESF is striving to expand through grass root connections and local/regional awareness with the ultimate goal of providing a wider range of support, assistance, and educational services. In my brief time volunteering with ESF, I have seen the efforts of its volunteers deeply touch the lives of children and adults who are affected one way or the other by epilepsy. Dedicating my time to this organization has been nothing but a pleasure. Please support our cause!
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the faces of children who can finally go to summer camp with their peers in a safe, friendly and fun environment.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the friends I have made and the reminder that there is so much good in this world working behind the scenes.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
absolutely fabulous.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
bring greater awareness regarding an affliction that affects millions of Americans but which is misunderstood, often misdiagnosed and regularly stigmatized.
Ways to make it better...
I had more money and time to give.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
assisting as many people as possible in the face of insufficient heath care and medical assistance.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
Epilepsy Services Foundation is an organization committed to funding valuable services to all those affected by Epilepsy. The organization raises funds through golf tournaments, an annual "Hare Race", Live Music Series, BBQ ribs for kids and more. Through the funds raised by ESF, people are given the opportunity to continue their education; both those directly impacted by Epilepsy and those looking for ways to help those affected with Epilepsy. Every year through grants given by ESF, kids are given the opportunity to attend Camp Boggy Creek. At this camp, kids with Epilepsy are allowed to be around other kids with Epilepsy and are given the chance to feel "normal". I ask you to visit their website and see for yourself the great experience this offers. For years, Epilepsy Services Foundation has proven to be a strong member of the Tampa Bay area. With the guidance and direction of the Executive Directo, Tom Orth, ESF remains at the forefront of reputable and honorable organizations.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
The smiles on the faces of kids who might not otherwise have an opportunity to smile. Through Camp Boggy Creek, Epilepsy Services Foundation allows these kids to do something they don't usually get to do... act like kids.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Look to Tom Orth for advice on a daily basis.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the feeling that I truly make a direct impact on people's lives.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Eager to help. THey all understood the reason we are here is to do good for others.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Send more kids to school to learn ways to treat Epilepsy. They could send more kids to camp and allow them to feel good about themselves.
Ways to make it better...
We could have sent more kids to camp.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
the lack of knowledge about Epilepsy. I would like to see more of the general public learn more about Epilepsy.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
This is one of the finest groups of people that I have worked with...the passion to help others is paralleled by none. By treating patients with epilepsy, I came to see more activity and assistance for those in need than any other support agency I know. The grass-roots approach of caring, and the cost-effectiveness with the case-management program should be a model applied on a large-scale to PWE to help advance our current outcomes based goals. It is a pleasure and privilege to have worked with this great team of dedicated professionals.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
direct observation and participation as volunteer, physician, and board-member help people with epilepsy who would have been lost to health care
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Lobby heavily to obtain necessary financial support,unify providers in the state, develop tighter allegiance with the national organization,and try to instill values of agencies elsewhere to adopt similar principals and programs.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
The people and their insatiable desire to help those in need.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Outstanding
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Change the lives significantly of patients with uncontrolled seizures, channel patients to epileptologists to ensure adequacy of treatment,develop projects that would improve cost-effective patient care through research
Ways to make it better...
Funding allowed for the opportunity to "cure" individuals with surgically remediable uncontrolled seizures.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
Financial
One thing I'd also say is that...
I am thankful to have had the opportunity to work with Tom Orth (past executive director for ESWCF) and Michael Finch (current director for SEA) during the many years of my involvement with the agency that helped so many people with epilepsy.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
I have been involved with ESF since early 2000; as a volunteer, as a part-time employee, and as a donor. Wishing that eveyone could see the good works that have been done and are still being done by ESF. The children that have been able to attend camp, the college students that have been given scholarship funds, the medical expenses that have been paid, the social activities for clients at holidays, and the education that has been given to the community. What an amazing organization!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the west coast of Florida.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
spend even more time helping families cope with all the medical and psychological problems that come with the epilepsy.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
attending educational opportunities with persons that have been affected by seizure activity.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
so dedicated and caring.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
help more persons get medical treatment.
Ways to make it better...
I had the $10 million bucks mentioned above, because I would use it to help the cause!
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
lack of funding sources and the fact that epilepsy seems to be one of the best kept secrets in the world!
One thing I'd also say is that...
I am very proud to be associated with a non-profit as well run and well-governed as Epilepsy Services Foundation, Inc.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
I am a proud parent of a young adult who has lived with the daily challenges of refractory epilepsy since early childhood. In addition, I have had the honor and privilege to work as an active board member, both local and state wide, with the executive director of Epilepsy Services Foundation, Inc. I have witnessed the good work this organization does. This is a grassroots Foundation created, run, and governed by persons affected by epilepsy; a caring and dedicated organization that has the commitment to improve the lives of all persons served through a variety of quality programs. As a donor and accountable board member,I can state with confidence that the gifts this Foundation receives are returned to the community so that persons affected by epilepsy can receive services that may not otherwise be possible. Linda Landreth-Harris Niceville, Florida
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
While raising awareness and educating others about epilepsy, ESF raises funds to provide grants to other epilepsy charities to provide medical services to indigent persons with epilepsy and their families, children’s and family camp, college/technical scholarships and grants for funding educational programs that promote new medical initiatives and partnerships.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Only hope to be able to carry out the excellent work of the current executive director.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Each person involved has a passion and dedication to the mission of the Foundation: to help all persons affected by epilepsy.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Intelligent,vibrant,talented, and caring individuals.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Correctly inform people about epilepsy and its consequences for the individual, the family, and the community; to give them a sense of hope as they deal with the day-in-and day-out situations that affect their loved ones and not to fear this diagnosis.
Ways to make it better...
I could replicate this organization in my community !
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
The tough economic times we are facing; it is our charge to maintain the quality services that ESF has provided since 1973.
One thing I'd also say is that...
I have never served on a Board equal to this Foundation's. ESF is truly a group that works together to maintain community relations and quality services for persons with epilepsy. I am honored to be a small part of this outstanding organziation.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
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