Healthy Living
Statistics reveal a dire need for epilepsy advocacy. 1 in 10 people will experience a seizure in their lifetime, and 1 in 26 will develop epilepsy. These numbers highlight the pressing urgency of the cause and the scale of impact that events like Wings of Hope: A Fundraising Gala Benefiting the Epilepsy Foundation of AL help ensure.
In an event that melds a passion for aviation with a dedication to epilepsy advocacy, Wings of Hope marked a historic moment in fundraising efforts for epilepsy awareness in its inaugural year last year. Spearheaded by Miss Alabama’s Teen, Elaina Burt, this landmark event etched its name in epilepsy advocacy and will happen again on November 18 at 5 p.m. at The Southern Museum of Flight in Birmingham.
At the heart of this cause lies a poignant personal story. Charlie Mae, Burt’s cousin, is one among the staggering 50 million people worldwide diagnosed with epilepsy. It’s this deep personal connection that led Burt to form Charlie’s Chance, aiming to educate, advocate, and fundraise for those with epilepsy. “We invite people from the community to join us and fill the Southern Museum of Flight, echoing the unified chant of hope for every epilepsy warrior out there,” Burt shared. Last year’s gala raised an awe-inspiring amount of over $32,000, making Charlie’s Chance the nation’s leading individual fundraising contributor for the Epilepsy Foundation last year, and she hopes to exceed that goal this year.
Learn more about the Wings of Hope Gala at www.charlieschance.org/wings-of-hope-gala or email [email protected]. †
