David and Susan Axelrod's war on epilepsy

[babylonsister]

David and Susan Axelrod's war on epilepsy
Newfound fame raises profile of charity that promotes research, education

By John McCormick | Tribune reporter
March 20, 2009


Susan Axelrod does not like that her husband is rarely home to enjoy their high-rise condominium along Chicago's lakefront, that he is constantly tired or that strangers now approach them almost everywhere they go.

Still, there are perks to being the spouse of President Barack Obama's top political guru, like getting to attend a recent Stevie Wonder appearance at the White House. For Susan Axelrod, however, one benefit easily outweighs all the others.

"I'm hoping all this publicity we have had will help open doors," she said in the River North office that used to be her husband's. "It's long overdue for this disease."

That disease is epilepsy, an ailment that first struck David and Susan Axelrod's daughter more than a quarter-century ago, forever changing all of their lives.

As her husband works in Washington, Susan Axelrod continues to spend much of her time supporting the Chicago-based charitable organization she and two other mothers founded in 1998 to promote epilepsy research and education.

The national profile of Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy (CURE) has already been boosted by the couple's newfound fame, landing Susan Axelrod recently on the cover of a Sunday magazine and on network television talk shows.

In the coming months, Susan Axelrod also plans to spend more time lobbying on Capitol Hill for additional federal research funding. An annual fundraising dinner in Chicago for 750 people on Friday evening, meanwhile, sold out faster than ever before, as business and political leaders snapped up a chance to support a cause central to one of Obama's top aides.

more...

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-axelrod-20-mar20,0,2392607.story

[Clio the Leo]

1. kick NT

[justgamma]

2. I hate this disease!

My son in law developed this suddenly. He worked steadily for 20 years. Residing and reroofing their home in his spare time. Doing that work for others on the side. Always active and always busy. Gradually it got worse. Now he is unable to use the PC because any flicker will send him into seizures. He can't go to the races because of the noise. He can't even stay in a store for more than a few minutes because of the flourescent lights.

I hope they can find some relief for the people that have this disease.

[firedupdem]

3. Kick