Challenges WomenWith Epilepsy Face (NAPSA)—Nominations are being sought for the “Making A Difference Award,” which honors the spirit of women and raises the awareness of the unique health challenges women with epilepsy face. The following is an example of those challenges. fired from a job, unable to get a driver’s license until she was 28, EPILEPSY _ sw FOUNDATION against her will. She was sub- @ Lisa Zobian-Lindahl has been and often taken to hospitals jected to these injustices simply because shehasepilepsy. Lindahl, 49, inventor of the first sports bra and founder of Jogbra Sports Bras, has overcome these challenges to become a successful entrepreneur, teacher, advocate and inspiration to the more than one million women and girls in the United States with epilepsy. From changing the face of women’s athletics to calling for research and better medical care for people with epilepsy, Lindahl has made a difference in the lives of women. And now she’s encouraging others to do the same, by seeking nominations for the Epilepsy Foundation’s Making a Difference Award. The Making a Difference Award honorsthe spirit of women The winner of the award will receive a $1,500 prize and an all expense-paid trip to the Epilepsy Foundation’s 2001 National Con- ference. The award is sponsored by a grant from GlaxoSmithKline. Those wishing to nominate a woman with epilepsy who has used the power of one to inspire and change the lives of others need to submit a nomination form; a 300-word description of the nominee’s contributions; and at least one letter of recommenda- tion to the Epilepsy Foundation by September 10. A recent study has shown women with epilepsy may not be getting adequate health care. A survey in the November 2000 like Lindahl whose commitment issue of the Journal of Women’s Health and Gender-Based Medi- to women everywhere. “It is knowledge and a high degree of and dedication are an inspiration important to acknowledge andcelebrate courageous women who have dared to reach beyond their so-called ‘limitations’, inspiring others with their spirit,” Lindahl said. The Making A Difference Award will be given to a woman who has contributed in a signifi- cant wayto: Support and advance the quality of life for women with epilepsy; or Inspire people with epilepsy and those with other chronic disabilities; or Enhance public understanding of epilepsy and its impact on women. cine documented a low level of uncertainty among health care professionals about best practices in caring for women with the disorder. The survey was part of the Epilepsy Foundation’s Women and Epilepsy Initiative. The Epilepsy Foundation, with national offices in metropolitan Washington, D.C., and a network of affiliates throughout the nation, is the nonprofit volunteer organization that works to improve the lives of people with seizure disorders through research for the cure, edu- cation, advocacy, and the provision of services in the community. For additional information, call 1-800-EFA-1000 or visit www. epilepsyfoundation.org.
