CURE is constantly working to raise awareness about epilepsy and to raise money for more research and cures.  They have a number of upcoming events, intended to raise awareness and funds, and are always working tirelessly with their board members, including Connie Milstein, to develop more ideas and events.

A few of the upcoming events for this summer and beyond include: the Gordon Research Conference from August 8-13, 2010 at Colby College; the Golf Tournament Benefiting CURE on August 23, 2010 at the Wentworth Hills Golf Club in Plainville, MA; the 6^th Annual Drive for CURE on August 26, 2010 at the ThunderHawk Golf Club in Beach Park, IL; and the 3^rd Annual CURE New York City Benefit with special guest New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg on October 14, 2010 at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City.

CURE drew an amazing sold-out crowd at the Chicago Field Museum for their annual benefit on April.  More than 800 guests were in attendance with guest speaker Katie Couric, Chair Susan Axelrod and others to raise money for cutting-edge epilepsy research.

They were also joined together to celebrate a fantastic year for CURE, which raised record-breaking fundraising dollars for CURE’s research programs.  Certainly board members such as Connie Milstein, LeeAnn Brigido, Gardiner Lapham, Jeanne H. Donalty and others help to make these successes possible.

As Susamn Axelrod said, “Never before has epilepsy received attention of this magnitude. We know this has and will continue to make a huge difference for epilepsy patients and their families.”

Couric, as the keynote speaker, added her insights and experiences as a disease advocate, for the work that she has done for colon cancer awareness and research.  She commended the work that CURE has done to raise awareness and research dollars.

Connie Milstein’s parents, Seymour and Vivian, established the Seymour and Vivian Milstein Award (more commonly known as the Milstein Award) over 20 years ago. This year will mark the 22nd ceremony of its kind and will present an award for “scientific achievement in interferon and cykotine research.” Interferons and cykotines take part in all the body’s biological workings and can advance certain diseases like hepatitis, influenza, cancers, autoimmune disorders like multiple sclerosis and lupus. Interferons are so crucial that they have been referred to as “evolution’s first and perhaps most important invention for the survival of animals.” The reason research in this area is so vital is that  over 50% of all communicable diseases that affect humans are caused by viruses. Interferons should help one’s immune system “detect and thwart foreign invaders such as viruses,” which makes it all the more important that we “continue to probe the nature of interferon and other cykotines and [establish] how they are integral to a healthy immune system.” That is why the Milstein Award is so important to help the world find cures for such terribly, oft-fatal, diseases.

Many organizations use an incredible amount of creativity and thought to touch the lives of those in need. The Medical Missions for Children, founded with the help of Connie Milstein and many others, is one such organization. Their Giggles theater performs in a hospital in New Jersey three times a week to bring laughter and entertainment to sick children. Learn more about their amazing mission here.