Epilepsy Foundation Western/Central PA – Fact Sheet
o Epilepsy is a neurological disorder – sometimes called a seizure disorder – characterized by recurrent seizures.
o Seizures occur when there are excess electrical discharges in the brain.
o Seizures can alter awareness, physical movements, emotions, or actions.
o Seizures generally last from a few seconds to a few minutes.
o One in ten people will have a seizure in their lifetime.
o Epilepsy affects one to two percent of the population.
o More than 200,000 Pennsylvanians live with epilepsy/seizure disorder.
o Epilepsy is as common as breast cancer, and takes as many lives each year.
The Epilepsy Foundation Western/Central Pennsylvania (EFWCP) will ensure that people with seizures are able to participate in all life experiences; and will prevent, control and cure epilepsy through services, education, advocacy and research.
In an effort to assist families and adults with the many epilepsy/seizure disorder-related medical, social and emotional issues that may impact them, the EFWCP offers a variety of services. These include:
o Information and Referral Services
o Seizure Recognition and First Aid Training
o Employment Readiness Assistance
o Summer Camps and Teen Retreats
o One-On-One Consultation and Advocacy
o Support Groups
o Conferences, Seminars, and Workshops
o Emergency Medication Assistance
Please visit www.efwp.org or call 1-800-361-5885 to learn more.
United Way number - 288
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United Cerebral Palsy – Fact Sheet
Cerebral Palsy is:
• A number of disorders of the developing brain affecting body movement, posture and muscle coordination.
• Caused by damage to one or more specific areas of the brain, usually occurring during fetal development; before, during or shortly after birth; during infancy; or early childhood.
• Not a disease, not progressive, nor communicable.
The Statistics (United States)
• The United Cerebral Palsy Research and Educational
Foundation estimates between 1.5-2.0 million children and adults have cerebral palsy in the United States.
• 10,000 babies and infants are diagnosed with cerebral palsy annually.
• 1,200 - 1,500 preschool age children are also recognized to have cerebral palsy each year.
Serving Americans with Disabilities for More Than 50 Years
• Through a national network of affiliates, United Cerebral Palsy provides services to more than 30,000 people every day
• Services include employment training, independent living, housing and homeownership, assistive technology, community outreach, family supports, early intervention and more
• More than 65% of clients served by UCP have a disability other than cerebral palsy
• System-wide, more than 85% of all revenue goes directly to programs and services
• Among the top ten health charities in the United States
It is the mission of the United Cerebral Palsy Research and Educational Foundation to support research and to disseminate data that will lead to prevention, evidence-based care and a cure for cerebral palsy.
For more information, visit www.ucp.org or call (800) 872-5827
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