The Cameron Boyce Foundation (TCBF)
Focus: Funding research, education and awareness campaigns to cure epilepsy while supporting causes that Cameron felt were important.
The origin: Actor Cameron Boyce (known from Disney Channel’s Jessie and Descendants) died in 2019 at age 20 from sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). His family founded this nonprofit in his memory.
Signature programs: Its Now What?! campaign is designed to be a first stop for someone newly diagnosed with epilepsy, offering resources that address the physical and emotional challenges of the condition.
Learn more: thecameronboycefoundation.org
Lily’s Fund for Epilepsy Research
Focus: Raise money for research, with an emphasis on cutting-edge ground-work being done at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
The origin: Founded by UW-Madison alumni Anne and Dave Giroux in 2007 in honor of their daughter, Lily, who was diagnosed with epilepsy at age 2.
Signature programs: Lily’s Fund Fellows provides funding to scientists focused on epilepsy, while Grace’s Grants (named for another young woman living with epilepsy) offer $100,000 to researchers focused on projects that can spark new thinking about the condition.
Learn more: lilysfund.org
Eric’s Corner for Epilepsy Research
Focus: Offer resources that help people manage an epilepsy/seizure diagnosis.
The origin: Eric Nostrand was diagnosed in 2010 and founded this nonprofit a year later with a friend whose daughter has epilepsy. Eric’s Corner refers to the section of a nearby library that his friends helped turn into a mini center for epilepsy resources.
Signature programs: In addition to free monthly support group meetings, held both virtually and in person in California, Eric’s Corner organizes social outings for those with epilepsy and their loved ones, as well as community events to educate the public on the condition.
Learn more: ericscorner.org
Empowering Epilepsy
Focus: Connect people with epilepsy to events and programs that emphasize education, health, and fun.
The origin: It was founded in 2014 by people with epilepsy in Cleveland, Ohio, including Leigh Goldie, its executive director. With limited resources when they were diagnosed, they were determined to create their own community to proactively manage their seizures and focus on what they can do.
Signature programs: Offerings include art therapy classes and free support groups—many of them virtual—tailored to kids, teens, young adults, adults, seniors, and parents.
Learn more: empoweringepilepsy.org
FROM TOP: BEN COPE, COURTESY OF FOUNDATIONS, BUTTONS GETTY IMAGES