We have seen the great work being done by Sofies Journey and Epilepsy Awareness Day at Disneyland. Connection g providers, research teams, hospitals and other services with patients and families who deserve answers to their questions and information to make decisions related to their care. The Expo is 100% volunteer driven and it’s lots of fun! One in 26 people have Epilepsy. The expo gives patients hope. Hope to find answers, hope to find treatment and hope that they find compassionate people to help them navigate their way through the journey.
This nonprofit tirelessly works hard to make sure people in the Epilepsy community are connected.
My daughter has a rare genetic disorder that is represented at their yearly EADDL event. This organization makes sure that the latest advances are being shared with the community and we are very thankful for them.
We attend EADDL every year. It's an opportunity for my daughter to be herself among others like her.
What a special event! Epilepsy can feel scary and lonely at times. It’s amazing to see such a supportive group of people all in the happiest place on earth! The learning is incredible with speakers, devices, hospitals, therapy dogs etc. We are so thankful for this event.
Being a woman who has had epilepsy for now half of my life, I truly find it comforting to be able to have a place my loved ones and I can have opportunity to meet others who live with epilepsy, hear on updated technology and finding new resources all in one spot!! Then, on top of all that, the sense of love and community when all meeting at the Disneyland Park for a HUGE photo of supporters means the world ♥️
This event is empowering for the members of the Epilepsy community. To be able to gather so many resources in one space is truly remarkable. This event not only gives those whose lives are touched by epilepsy to access vital information, it also allows companies to have first hand contact with those utilizing their products. By adding the Disney aspect to this event, gives families an opportunity to spend time in the Happiest Place on Earth together and create amazing life changing experience with a dash of pixie dust. One can not leave this event feeling lifted up and hopeful.
We had the most amazing experience traveling from NYC to California for this wonderful event. We made the most memorable memories and even more left with cherished friendships that will last a lifetime .. we were so grateful to learn more and be apart of this experience, praying we will be able to return again soon !
I was excited to find out about how our Epilepsy Support Group is once again meeting in town!
However, I must point out I have a tight schedule. Monday (after 1 PM) I'm usually open for the day. Tuesday, I'm open from 1 PM to 2 PM. Wednesday, I' m open from 1 PM to 3 PM. Thursday, generally speaking, I'm free for the day (after 1 PM). Friday & Saturday, I have to be away from home all day. Sunday, I'm free for the day (after 1 PM) unless I have an extra event to.attend at church.
Also, I need to take Medicine at times during the meetings we have (depending on when the meeting is held). The 3 main times that medicine might need to be taken are Noon/1 PM, 4/5 PM, & 7 PM.
I volunteer every year to help with the merchandise and registration. It is amazing to see so many people in one room for one purpose. Awareness. People come from near and far to give and get help. Everyone is just there it help each other and it is so inspiring to see.
I worked with Brad and Candy and supported their event professionally. My daughter has epilepsy and the work that they have both done to bring resources to the epilepsy community is incredible. Many organizations talk about their connection and support to the patient, Brad and Candy live it every day with their actions.
Sofie's Journey / EADDL is such an amazing organization and we are so grateful for them. They bring together top researchers and physicians from all over the world! EADDL is such a fantastic conference for families hungry for information ~ whether your searching for a cure, services for your loved one, desire to connect with other families or to learn the latest on items or services available to help improve quality of live while living with epilepsy ~ it's all there!
We have had the opportunity to partner on a few projects and look forward to what the future holds for all of us in the epilepsy community!
This year the conference is virtual in the comforts of our homes ~ it will be fantastic!
Thank you for your passion Brad and Candy!
~Heather from Hannahtopia
I loved the event. Even with the crash my page and group people did not like that it crashed. I was new at changing over people that were in charge of the page in the first months and was in charge of the full account. Wanted to do something for fun and some joined the videos so that was great. I could not control that but figured out how to do it. Was 3 hrs time change and still had stuff recorded for everything. The information is great hoping to go meet my new Facebook and Instagram friends at the event in 2022 !!! I loved how many people want to go now and the cover post for the event times is my cover page. Everyone that joined me liked it as well !!! I would love to have the packet like what we had in 2019 but its all good loved the shirt the group gave an extra one for me that I payed for when I asked. Thank you I'll be back for more Epilepsy expos at Disney.
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Our time at EADDL was amazing, informative, and educational. We also got to meet the Levy family, a wonderful family with an incredible story. We met a Specialist, who finally got our son on the right meds, and thoroughly enjoyed our time at Disney. If you get the opportunity to go, please do, we were truly blessed by our experience!
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Epilepsy Awareness Day at Disneyland is the most inspirational international event bringing together patients affected by epilepsy and medical professionals. It was created to bring people together, creating a united front to fight this chronic and oftentimes, debilitating condition. Our organization highly recommends this event to the families and professionals we serve. EADDL and Expo create a sense of community that inspires much-needed hope for individuals. It is a really fun event at the "Happiest Place on Earth. Marck your calendar and we will see you there!
What an important group if you or a loved one has Epilepsy! I learned so much and found so many resources, knowledge is power and commraderie is everything when you're fighting the unknown!
This charity is near and dear to my heart! A wonderful friend was diagnosed with epilepsy as an adult and has had to reorder his work and life. With help from this organization he has done so. The resources provided are so important. Epilepsy Awareness Day Brings much needed education to those suffering from, living with and related to a person with this disease!
An amazing nonprofit that we are honored to support. We know the difference this organization makes and we cherish our friends who share their voices for this cause!
This event has given us such great and useful information to help our daughter with epilepsy. So much information in one place and then we learn even more when we meet others during a wonderful day in Disneyland!
I volunteer for this non-profit and they do incredible things for their community. It’s unbelievable what they are able to accomplish with this event each year. There is an incredible response from the community, the Doctors and presenters that attend and participate in this event. I would encourage anyone with epilepsy or affected by it to communicate with this organization.
We loved our experience at Epilepsy Awareness Day at Disneyland last year! So thankful to Sofie’s journey to make events like this possible!
I have lived with Epilepsy as a part of my life since I was one and a half. With my first seizure, they approximated I couldn't breathe for three minutes. Tegretol totally wiped out my white blood cell count. They thought I would never be able to walk or talk again.
As you can see by the videos, that was wrong. I graduated college in 4 years with a 3.55 in business. I majored in marketing and minored in psychology. I had a job and was an officer in 3 clubs. I also did intramurals. I had my seizures come back at the end of my first semester of my senior year. Over the next year, I had 17. I had brain surgery the year after I graduated. I had a temporal lobectomy and a selective amygdala hippocampectamy. We tried a few medicines after. I didn't like Onfi and Keppra made me suicidal.
I am now on divalproex and vimpat. I am seizure free for five years and have my first full time job ever. I live on my own in King of Prussia. All of the programs that the EFEPA offers for little or no cost is amazing and unlike many other branches. I take part in: the young adult group, the education exchanges, the gala, the golf event, the walk, camp achieve, speaking up to senators, many of the zoom chats they have been doing, helping with mailings and more.
Epilepsy can feel invisible. This can help so many people feel included. And childhood epilepsies are so very challenging for kids. The whole family needs a day to just enjoy life- and Disneyland is the perfect place for that!
They helped connect our family with experts and products to help our daughter, but more importantly they connected us to other epilepsy families! It’s unlike any other event or organization.
An amazing event where information on products, resources and treatment can be found in abundance. Not only that but with so many attending you truly feel like you are part of a family and not stuck doing this on your own.
We got soooo much information and encouragement from this event. We saw the machine that our surgeon used for my husband’s surgery, we listened to experts discuss all aspects of epilepsy. It’s such a big event and very well done. We like it so much, we volunteer for the Expo each year. I urge everyone to come to our Expo and see for yourself. It’s free!
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Sofies Journey is a remarkable non profit born of the need to provide the world with resources and support for anyone with epilepsy. We became involved when we met Sofie. We had to help. This is a vitally important opportunity for people with epilepsy to learn about their illness and to meet and share with others with epilepsy. We applaud the work Sofie’s Journey is doing for OC and LA as well as other countries whose citizens do not have access to doctors, medications, service dogs and more. And they also have a fun day at Disneyland with hundreds of people with epilepsy participating. It’s a wonderful, informative, friend-building non profit.
My son has had seizure since he was 5. EADDAL has been an awesome resource for us. It been a great chance for my kid's to be able to be around kids in a fun setting who are going through the same thing as them!
This event and non-profit are truly amazing. The amount of information, small group lectures from the top doctors and opportunities to connect with others in this community are like nothing you can experience anywhere else. We had been struggling for information and direction for 11 months when we were introduced to this event. In one day, I learned more than I had spending hours every day for months. We were connected to one of the leading hospitals/programs and there has been a marked difference in our son’s progress/seizures. The access information on products and cutting edge technology at the booths is also incredible. The Disneyland day, for us, is one of the most heartwarming experiences. To walk through the park and see so many people in the same shirts as you, truly makes you feel like you are not alone! The people who run and started this are some of the most genuine people you can meet. I can’t recommend them enough! They are life changers!
I don't know where to begin in expressing how much the Epilepsy Awareness Day at Disneyland and the Levy family mean to us. We were lucky enough to attend in 2017. The people we met and the things we learned truly changed our life and the way we think about epilepsy. I cannot imagine the tremendous amount of work that goes into making such an amazing event. We will return some day!
The conference always gives me renewed hope and I leave feeling fueled up again for the seizure/neurological challenges ahead. A wonderful benefit is getting to enjoy a wonderful playground like Disneyland, a break from the everyday. It has become our go to vacation each year, the amazing and well done conference with the Happiest Place on Earth.
Two days to listen, interact and have your questions answered by top notch professionals in area of Epilepsy/neurology. Invaluable and free - I would pay if needed! Brad (Sophie's Dad) has been supportive and always willing to help. Love this very worthy charity.
Sofia’s Journey Inc organizes a two-day very large expo bringing awareness to Epilepsy. Last year my husband and I decided to go attend the expo in hopes we could learn something new after battling epilepsy for over 20 years. We met amazing doctors and in fact we transferred my husband’s care to UCI after meeting the doctors. This expo is life changing and Sofies Journey is literally changing the lives of so many people by hosting this amazing event! We will forever be appreciative of this amazing organization!
Sofies Journey organizes an epilepsy educational expo that is the largest in the country. For two full days thousands of patients and caregivers are given access to resources and education from all over the country. They move from booth to booth learning of new ways to fight their epilepsy. Guests at the expo meet neurologists, hospitals, pharma, nutritionists, device manufacturers, non profits, seizure response dogs, and researchers all in one room.
The event then takes a day to celebrate the children (young and old) who are living with epilepsy at the happiest place on earth- Disneyland! When the families take over Main Street USA, each child is reminded that they are not alone. It is quite an experience! that will give you goosebumps. It is a day away from dr appts and therapies - a day to just be a kid.
We were so grateful to find this amazing annual event! Brad and Candy work tirelessly all year long to present the best expo of epilepsy-related information you could hope to find. Through information and awareness booths to speaker presentations by specialists in the field to those marketing new devices to assist those with epilepsy, this event is phenomenal. Every year we come back having learned so much more than we knew before! And the hosts are amazing at connecting visitors with the experts they need to speak with. This is a DON’T MISS event!
Brad, Candy, Sophie and crew are awesome and do a great job in putting this event together, to bring awareness to Epilepsy and bring patients together. We've attended every year, and plan to continue to do so!
My husband and I care for my brother, Robert, who has had epilepsy his entire life. His seizures have never been controlled but he maintains such an excellent attitude! We have taken Robert to Epilepsy Awareness Day at Disneyland since year 2 (sadly, we missed year 1) and have the absolute best time! The expo has grown and provides all kinds of free information and just being with other families experiencing the same challenges as us is refreshing and inspiring. We look forward to coming every year! (And we invite more family and friends every year too!)
My family and I have been so lucky to be part of EAD since the very beginning! My older brother was diagnosed at age 14, and our whole family has benefited from attending every year. There is so much education, acceptance, and love during the expo, and then going to Disneyland with a whole crew of matching purple shirts just tops the whole thing off!
What a wonderful event! Miracle Flights loved being a part of it! Families were really looking to engage and gather information. Other booths were open to discuss collaboration opportunities and learn from one another. The event ran super smoothly and the energy was really positive throughout.
This was by far one of the best experiences we had as new parents to an epilepsy warrior. Our little guy wasn't able to attend with us but we gained and connected with so many wonderful organizations through this experience. We were able to take and spend time with my family and it was a great way to get them involved and advocating not only for our epilepsy warrior but for the epilepsy community as a whole. Even the little kids got involved and still talk about their experience at epilepsy awareness day. We hope to make it again this year!
My connection with epilepsy is my granddaughter. I was able to go to Disneyland and was greatly impressed. My family had a great time and also learned a lot. My daughter earned continuous credit for her work. I am glad their is an organization like this.
I went to my very first Epilepsy Day at Disneyland in 2017. It was the most wonderful experience of my life. I love the fact that the expo is education and how many different doctors, Service Dogs, education, and reasearch there is for people suffering from seizures. When I was diagnosed with epilepsy and seziures at 6months old in the late 80’s there was nothing like this organization for my parents. It is so amazing Sophie’s journey today has given so much to so many people and we are not alone. I love going every year to meet new people, get new information, and yes go to Disneyland but most of all the experience. My family, service dog Bud, and I have been twice and can not wait until November to see everyone again. You have truely changed peoples life’s thank you ❤️
I am the UK Ambassador for #Epilepsy Awareness Day at #Disneyland Resort. I've been coming since the beginning (2013), advocating, producing short films, spreading the word etc.. EADDL is the greatest Epilepsy event and educational expo that supports people and families affected by #seizures and syndromes. Brad, Candy and Sofie of Sofies Journey Inc organise this event and they do a fantastic job of putting it on a fab show and day in the park, full of fun, smiles, educational support, Mickey Mouse and screams (on rides). They are a fab, kind nonprofit.
This is the best event ever to raise awareness about epilepsy. To meet other families who share experiences like you are going to. To meet professionals who can help you with questions you may have and just help provide support and love you and your family for you! It’s an event that is life changing!
"Sofies Journey Inc." and "Epilepsy Awareness Day at Disneyland" are responsible for uniting the "Epilepsy Community" together and helping us understand we are not alone fighting our battles with "Epilepsy".
"My Assistance Dog Inc." has proudly participated in this wonderful event every year since it's beginning in "2013".
"Epilepsy Awareness Day at Disneyland (EADDL)" has an important goal, which is to raise awareness about the common challenges that are faced every day by people affected by epilepsy and to end the stigma that so many face on a regular basis. It is the combined effort of one family's thankfulness for their daughter's recovery (8 years seizure free) and a united community's passion for winning the fight against epilepsy.
This year, "EADDL" will again be partnering with the ILAE, the IBE, and Citizens United for Research (CURE), and this year's event is expected to draw approximately 80 national and regional epilepsy support groups, and 2,500+ people from six (6) continents, as far away as the UK, Germany, South America, and Australia.
"My Assistance Dog Inc." and other assistance dog organizations proudly participate at both the "Epilepsy Awareness and Education Expo" and "Epilepsy Awareness Day at Disneyland". This is an opportunity for us to help educate individuals and families about the beneficial effects that assistance dogs can have when partnered with someone who is dealing with epilepsy.
Come on out and join us on: November 5th, 6th for the "Epilepsy Awareness and Education Expo" and November 7th, for "Epilepsy Awareness Day at Disneyland". We hope to see you there !
It meant the world to my daughter on our first visit to Epilepsy Day at Disneyland 5 years ago. To see all the other people epilepsy affects. In our small world at home she was the only one. After that first visit she took pride in her fight. Sophie's Journey is behind that and I'm so grateful!
Sofie's Journey presents the most amazing epilepsy expo there is. We've participated for the past 5 years and have watched it grow and grow. The founders work year around to make Epilepsy Awareness Day and Expo at Disneyland the huge success that it is. A VERY special experience for everyone involved.
I came in 2017 for the first time met great friend author Lowell Evan's and several others. Am coming in 2018. Will know more people and better awareness. Advocacy and Epilepsy education is very important.
My family and I have gone for the past three years and every year it gets better! There is nothing like coming together, at the happiest place on earth, to celebrate and unify the epilepsy community, which I am proudly a member of! All the love and support you get from just walking around and sharing the same purple color attire is one of the most loving feelings in the ... it truly makes you feel as though you are not alone in this fight! Please continue doing what you do!!! We love it and makes us feel a part of a great and inspiring movement! Let’s end epilepsy and find a cure!!!
I am so proud to be a participant in this wonderful event every year since it's beginning.
"Epilepsy Awareness Day at Disneyland (EADDL)" began in 2013 with a goal of helping to raise awareness about the common challenges that are faced every day by people affected by the disease and to end the stigma that so many with epilepsy face. It is the combined effort of one family's thankfulness for their daughter's recovery (8 years seizure free) and a united community's passion for winning the fight against epilepsy.
Sofie Levy's school day was almost always cut short. She'd suffer a seizure at noon and spend the rest of the day recovering, and medication was no help. Seven plus years ago, the now-16 year old underwent surgery. Her freedom from seizure inspired her family to create "EADDL".
This year, "EADDL" will again be partnering with the ILAE, the IBE, and Citizens United for Research (CURE), and this year's event is expected to draw approximately 80 national and regional epilepsy support groups, and 2,500+ people from six (6) continents, as far away as the UK, Germany, South America, and Australia.
Come on out and join us for "2018 Epilepsy Awareness Day" on Wednesday, November 7th, 2018. I hope to see you there.
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Both, "Sofies Journey Inc." and "Epilepsy Awareness Day at Disneyland" are responsible for uniting the "Epilepsy Community" together and helping us understand we are not alone fighting our battles with "Epilepsy". I have attended this wonderful event each year from the beginning and I can say it is truly educational and loads of fun, fun, fun for me. The "Expo" is full of "exhibits" from many different companies and organizations that are truly beneficial for individuals like me dealing with epilepsy. Then "Epilepsy Awareness Day at Disneyland" with everyone wearing "Purple Shirts" is a truly fun experience with the opportunity to intermingle and meet so may people that share a common cause - dealing with "Epilepsy". I would not miss this special event, because it brings true joy and happiness to us all. So start planning now for this years event, November 6th, 7th and 8th, 2017. I hope to see you there - both me and my "canine partner", named: "Alepo".
sofiesjourney 10/01/2020
happy to have you as a part of "the family"