About the Foundation
Bringing Hope to the Helpless
Angie Epilepsy Foundation is a Non-profit, Non-governmental Organization, dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. Creating a foundation for a condition like Epilepsy can be an arduous journey, demanding substantial time, energy, and financial resources. In 1990, my world was filled with joy when my first child, a brilliant and handsome boy, was born. He excelled in nursery and primary school, but college brought unexpected challenges. Mysterious fevers plagued him, and in his fourth college year, a doctor mentioned Epilepsy. I reacted with a vehement 'God forbid!'
This marked the onset of a challenging journey. My son successfully navigated college, achieving good grades, but it also marked the beginning of years filled with nightmares. His seizures, defined by doctors as 'simple partial seizures,' were anything but simple, occurring up to 10 times a day. I felt shattered, thinking my world was collapsing. For years, I lived in sorrow, shielding my son during each seizure episode and desperately seeking herbal remedies, traveling from village to village.
Yet, as is often the way in life, a turning point arrived. My son and I met Reverend Father Alfred Agbonlahor, a priest who rekindled and stabilized our wavering faith. Empowered with newfound confidence, I put an end to the visits to native doctors, who had been exploiting my situation. Their interventions only worsened matters, pushing me into financial hardship as I sold off properties to meet mounting medical bills.
But as my faith grew, I returned to the Psychiatric Hospital we had once avoided. There, I began to perceive Epilepsy differently—a condition that could be stabilized with effective management. Seizures became less frequent, and hope began to shine through, despite my son experiencing occasional fits.
One rainy September day, a vivid dream shook me to my core. In the dream, a man asked, 'Who cares for those with no one to turn to?' Troubled by this dream, I confided in my priest the next day, and he affirmed its significance. I couldn't help but think about other epileptic patients like us who couldn't afford basic medications like Tegretol. This compelled me to spread a message of hope worldwide: Epilepsy is not the end; it can be managed, allowing for a fulfilling life. I initiated a weekly program on Edo Broadcasting Service, gaining popularity, and we're soon launching one on Delta Broadcasting Service titled 'Epilepsy and the Society,' tagged 'Hope for the Epileptic.'
I have decided to set up this foundation with the following aims and objectives:
- Creating awareness of the causes and dangers of Epilepsy and providing treatment to those suffering from it who cannot afford it.
- Providing selfless, non-discriminating service to them.
- Encouraging and boosting the self-esteem of the abandoned ones in society.
- Fostering hope and love among parents whose children have Epilepsy.
Families with children who have Epilepsy bear a heavy burden of pain due to seizures, often facing stigmatization, discrimination, and isolation. It's evident that individuals with Epilepsy and their families require support. Thus, I embraced the objectives mentioned above. I initiated this foundation because I've experienced the pain, rejection, and sorrow firsthand.
All these factors, my personal experiences, and my vision compelled me to establish this foundation on September 16, 2010. I reached out through the Church bulletin, inviting those with epileptic loved ones to connect with me. The positive response led to our first seminar on December 15, 2010, followed by successful workshops and awareness campaigns in religious places, dispelling myths about Epilepsy and advocating against stigmatization.
However, my message extends beyond religious institutions to media houses, as I aim to raise global awareness about the misunderstood and stigmatized condition of Epilepsy. Often referred to as 'falling sickness' due to the characteristic falling during seizures, this condition is riddled with myths. Some believe it's a form of madness or results from consuming 'evil' food. Misconceptions even extend to the belief that it's contagious, transmitted through a patient's saliva. These myths are far from the truth.
In reality, Epilepsy is defined as the occurrence of multiple convulsive fits unrelated to fever. It affects over 50 million people worldwide, with a higher prevalence in developing countries like Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and Liberia. Leading causes include mismanaged childbirth, brain injuries from accidents, and underlying medical conditions like stroke or brain tumors. In some cases, it may have a genetic component. It's crucial to emphasize that Epilepsy is treatable and should not dehumanize individuals or hinder their academic, social, or family lives. Stigmatization has no place in this narrative.
My TV program is titled 'Hope for the Epileptics.' Just as there's hope for HIV and asthmatic patients, there's hope for those with Epilepsy. Let's come together to support and encourage them to embrace the life that God has promised. I invite you, dear people, to join me in caring for these unique individuals.
Angie Epilepsy Foundation is proud to be at the forefront of ensuring Hope for people with Epilepsy.
Our Vision
A well informed society on the causes, prevention, early detection, burden and stigma of Epilepsy
Our Mission
Creating awareness on the causes, early detection, dangers and treatment amongst persons with epilepsy and their families
Our core values
We stand for:
Compassion, service to humanity, dignity of life, unconditional acceptance of persons with epilepsy, hospitality and integrity
Our goals
- To see an independent life despite in persons with Epilepsy
- To replace ignorance and fear about epilepsy with understanding and care among persons with epilepsy and their families
- To help all persons with epilepsy get access to the right treatment and help in the subsidization of anti-epileptic drugs for easy accessiblity and accessibility for sufferers of epilepsy
- To help in setting up skill acquisition and education for those recuperating from epilepsy
- To help raise funds in supporting sufferers with short comings
