JoshProvides Epilepsy Assistance Foundation, Inc.

JoshProvides Epilepsy Assistance Foundation, Inc. was founded by Sandi & Bruce Chapnick in 2008 after the passing of their son Joshua, who was diagnosed with epilepsy.  The Chapnicks wanted to establish an organization that would provide information, resources, and financial assistance to families, who like themselves, had a child diagnosed with epilepsy and did not know where to turn for help. Epilepsy is an insidious neurological disease which will impact 1 in 26 people. 

Our Mission: To improve the quality of life for individuals living with epilepsy & other seizure disorders. 

JoshProvides offers HELP & HOPE to children, families and individuals diagnosed with epilepsy or other seizure disorders as well as to parents, spouses and caregivers. Specifically, JoshProvides offers: Monthly Epilepsy Support Groups, Epilepsy Awareness & Community Education, Seizure Alert & Detection Devices, assistance with Medical Services and Transportation, and seizure alert training of epilepsy service dogs.  

Here is how YOUR donation will help children, families and individuals living with epilepsy:

• Epilepsy Support Group:  Individuals and families living with epilepsy or other seizure disorders oftentimes feel socially isolated due to the stigma associated with this neurological disorder. Our Epilepsy Support Group provides a community connection for individuals, families and caregivers and features local resources, speakers and an opportunity to share their experiences, ask questions and offer each other emotional comfort. Our Support Group meetings are held virtually, on Zoom, the first and third Tuesdays of the month. 
• Distribution of Seizure Alert & Detection Devices: JoshProvides will purchase devices such as the FDA approved Empatica Embrace2 Seizure Detection Watch, Epi USA Movement Monitor and Sami3 Monitor to help children, families and adults live independently and safely
  
• Medical Service Grants: These grants help children and adults undergo diagnosis of their seizures through video EEG and MRI testing to determine course of treatment. The grants also assist with the cost of medical visits and help families secure safety devices such as helmets, walkers, strollers, and special equipment.
• Transportation Assistance: individuals are prohibited from driving until they are six-months seizure-free. This can impact a person's ability to get to medical appointments, attend school or get to work. JoshProvides offers bus passes for the local SCAT system and SCAT Plus as well as ride vouchers for either UBER or LYFT for the period of time that the individual is unable to safely operate a vehicle. 
• Seizure Response Dogs: Trained epilepsy seizure response service dogs can offer lifesaving care for individuals who suffer from seizures. JoshProvides offers specific funding for epilepsy seizure response training of a service dog to aid in the treatment and response of an individual's seizures.

Our grants and assistance are paid directly to the medical provider or vendor after a thorough review of a client’s application. The assistance and grants are awarded to those who are most at-risk and vulnerable and without the financial means to pay.  JoshProvides Epilepsy Assistance Foundation receives referrals from the Epilepsy Foundation, hospitals and medical centers, insurance companies and social service organizations. JoshProvides is a member of Epilepsy Alliance America. We are listed with national referral agency, FindHelp.org; the local network UNITE US;  and have a strong web and social media presence for self-referrals. 

In 2021, JoshProvides received 660 inquiries for assistance. We were able to award 182 grants to provide families with seizure alert & detection devices, medical services and transportation assistance. 

We are experiencing a dramatic increase in requests for assistance. Thus far, for the six month period through June 2022, we have received 517 inquiries for help and to date, have awarded 155 grants. In order to meet this increased demand, it is vital that we reach out to the community through A Community Thrives Campaign to raise vital funds for these grants. 

Your donation will allow JoshProvides to offer HELP & HOPE to children, families and individuals living with epilepsy.