Our Programs

Individuals with epilepsy often face challenges in their day-to-day lives. We are here to provide the resources they need to feel safe and supported. We offer a variety of programs that focus on support, education, awareness, and unique opportunities to connect with others who are facing the same challenges. 

Group of people participating in an outdoor team-building activity, with one person wearing a red helmet crossing a rope bridge, and others clapping and supporting.

Adult Retreat

  • Many people who grow up with uncontrolled seizures wind up missing out on opportunities that many kids are able to enjoy and can reflect on with wonderful memories later on in life.  One of these experiences is attending a summer camp.  Because of understandable safety concerns, children with epilepsy often grow up unable to attend summer camp because of some of the riskier physical activities that take place.  By the time they reach their adult years, their childhood memories are void of summer camp stories that many of their adult friends have.

     

    In late summer/early fall, the Epilepsy Foundation of Wisconsin offers a solution for this.  We provide a three-day/two-night adult retreat that brings summer camp adventures to life.  It affords clients the opportunity to not only participate in common summer camp activities, such as rock climbing and hiking, campfires, boating, arts and crafts, and wagon rides (just to name a few), but also the chance to create new memories that they can share with others.

    Throughout the weekend, there are both physical and relaxed activities taking place at the same time, offering choices for both preferences.

  • Click HERE to start the registration process

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Ambassador Program

  • The Ambassador Program brings together passionate individuals who represent and support the Epilepsy Foundation of Wisconsin (EFW) in a variety of ways. Ambassadors may volunteer at events and fundraisers, lead an online support group, or share their personal story on the EFW website. EFW is grateful to have Ambassadors actively involved in the communities we serve.

    The program is open to anyone touched by epilepsy (individuals 17 and under may participate with parental consent). Ambassadors are asked to commit to the program for one year, with the option to continue longer, and work closely with EFW staff to determine how they can best contribute in their role.

  • Applications are closed for the current year and will reopen in December 2026 for the 2027 program year.

    Questions? Reach out to info@epilepsywisconsin.org.

Memorial image with "In loving memory of Sara Marie White" and her birth and death dates. The design includes her photo and floral decorations.

Sara Marie White Memorial Scholarship

  • The Sara Marie White Memorial Scholarship is a $3,000 reward that will provide financial support for a Wisconsin student with epilepsy in pursuit of a higher education.  It is in honor of the late Sara Marie White (1977 – 2024), a long-time advocate, friend and volunteer of the Epilepsy Foundation of Wisconsin.

    Sara Marie White was a consistent and uncompromising advocate of education and encouraging others.  Her epilepsy was never anything she allowed to hold her back in her quest to constantly invest in ways to serve, advocating for accessibility and inclusion.  It’s why she took her ambition to create the scholarship we once named the “Seize Your Education” Scholarship and, in her honor, now call the Sara Marie White Memorial Scholarship.  This scholarship seeks to continue her legacy by supporting Wisconsin students who have demonstrated a passion for advocacy, service, and support for people with epilepsy.

    In addition to the time she dedicated to the Epilepsy Foundation of Wisconsin, Sara was a beloved volunteer at The Beacon, a daytime homeless shelter and resource center, in Madison.  Her compassionate nature, vibrant personality, and love for helping others left a lasting impact on everyone she met.

    This $3,000 scholarship serves as a  tribute to a life lived with a purpose, joy, and a passion for removing barriers.  By investing in the education of fellow Wisconsinites, we honor Sara’s remarkable legacy and her belief that everyone, regardless of ability, deserves access to the resources and opportunities to help them succeed.

  • CRITERIA FOR ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:

    1. Must be a legal Wisconsin Resident

    2. Must have a primary diagnosis of epilepsy (seizures may be controlled or uncontrolled)

    3. Must be a current Wisconsin High School Senior who has been admitted to a four-year college or university or a two-year community college or technical / vocational school

    4. If not a current Wisconsin High School Senior, the applicant must have graduated from a Wisconsin High School and currently be a legal resident of Wisconsin

    NECESSARY MATERIALS:

    1. Contact Information (submitted online through the selected application)

    2. Academic Achievements Information (submitted online through the selected application)

    3. Information About the Applicant’s Involvement in Various Activities (submitted online through selected application)

    4. One written response to the essay question (entered within the application form)

    5. A copy of an acceptance letter from the school the applicant will be attending in the fall (this letter can be provided at a later date if not yet available)

    6. One letter from the applicant’s doctor, confirming the applicant has a primary diagnosis of epilepsy. (Submission instructions are located in the application).

    7. One letter of recommendation (Submission instructions are located in the application).  Applicants may choose one from the following three categories: 

    • A school official (includes a guidance counselor, current or former teacher, school administrator, school club advisor, or sports coach)

    • A community member (includes a person who knows the applicant well.  Examples include, but are not limited to, a church pastor, a current or former school club advisor or sports coach, etc.  FAMILY MEMBERS and FRIENDS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.

    • A work or volunteer work reference (a co-worker or supervisor who you’ve worked with within the past three years).

    PROCESS INFORMATION

    • The deadline for this scholarship application is Friday, May 29, 2026.  Applications received after May 29 will not be considered.

    • The acceptance letter from the school does not have to be provided with the submission of this application.  However, it must be provided before a winner can be selected.  Therefore, the applicant him/herself must email it as soon as it is available.  Send a copy of the letter to John Mirasola at:

      jmirasola@epilepsywisconsin.org

    • All scholarship applications will be reviewed by a 3-5 person committee.  The winner will be selected on a score/point system that each individual reviewer will submit.  The applicant with the most points will be the winner.  In the event of a tie, further instructions will be given to the necessary applicants. 

    • Please direct your questions to John Mirasola at: jmirasola@epilepsywisconsin.org OR (608) 665-9942

    DEADLINES AND NOTIFICATION

    The application deadline is Friday, May 29, 2026.  Applications received after May 29, 2026 will not be considered.  Applicants will know their standing no later than June 30, 2026.

  • The Sara Marie White Memorial College Scholarship is now closed for the 2026-27 School Year

    Check back during the spring months of 2027 for updated information.