H.O.P.E Mentoring Program

Epilepsy offers many challenges for the 2.3 million Americans who live with the disorder. But now, a mentoring program is tapping a rich source of hope for managing seizure disorder s - people affected by epilepsy themselves. The Epilepsy Foundation's H.O.P.E. Helping Other People with Epilepsy) Mentoring Program provides trained speakers, who are directly or indirectly affected by epilepsy, for community presentations about this complex and diverse medical condition.

The speakers program is part of a national project to educate people about the disorder and improve the lives of people who have it. All speakers are trained in basic epilepsy knowledge and presentation skills.

Hope presentations:

• Present facts about epilepsy to the community and to other people with epilepsy who search for a better understanding of the condition.
• Offer shared personal experience that others can relate to and from which they can gain strength.
• Are a valuable resource for the epilepsy patient, family and healthcare professional.

Who are H.O.P.E. Mentors?

• People living with epilepsy or family members willing to share their personal experience with epilepsy can become mentors.
• Mentors complete an Epilepsy Foundation-certified training program developed by leaders in the field.

What will you learn from a H.O.P.E. Presentation?

• Epilepsy and Seizures - Defines the disorder and discuses the causes, diagnosis, treatment and seizure first aid.
• Impact of Epilepsy - Focuses on issues surrounding epilepsy, such as education, employment, safety and coping with emotions.
• Advocacy and Self-Management - Helps people with epilepsy find community resources and learn good self-management habits.

Who can benefit from a Presentation?

H.O.P.E. presentations may be tailored to different audiences, including:

• Support groups, schools, churches, civic organizations, corporations, or any other interested community group.
• People with epilepsy who are newly diagnosed.
• Family members and loved ones.
• Healthcare professionals.

Mentors tailor their presentations to the specific needs of their audiences.

Interested in scheduling a H.O.P.E. Presentation?

To schedule a presentation, call the Epilepsy Foundation of Southeast Wisconsin at:
414-271-0110 and ask for RuthAnn Guthmann, (H.O.P.E. Program representative) and she will help you arrange for a mentor.

Interested in becoming a H.O.P.E. Mentor?

To volunteer to become a trained H.O.P.E. mentor in your community, please contact RuthAnn Guthmann for details and training at 414-271-0110.