About the Event

EAD is an annual event operated by the Irvine based non-profit foundation Sofie’s Journey, now in its ninth year which draws people from across the globe. “We wanted to create an opportunity to drive epilepsy awareness, the key to overcoming challenges created by epilepsy,” stated Candy Levy, Co-Founder of Sofie’s Journey/EAD. “At our event we bring together patients, physicians, advocates, non-profits, services, pharma and CBD, and they will still have an opportunity to meet  possible, future service dogs virtually.”

“People with epilepsy and their families/caregivers represent the most important contributors to our quest to find cures. Now, more than ever, they want to be educated on their condition and learn about the newest advances in treatment. EAD is the venue that brings together the entire epilepsy community around this common goal to the benefit of everyone involved.” Scott Perry, MD

“EADDL is so unique because it is the only event dedicated to bringing families living with epilepsy in direct contact with experts from around that globe that manage and treat epilepsy. It is so powerful when those impacted by epilepsy can learn from the experts, ask questions, and understand the different services and options that are available to them. Families leave feeling supported and empowered. It’s a beautiful thing!” Tracy Dixon-Salazar, PhD

Sofie’s Journey began with Sofie Levy, who had her first seizure at 5 years old. After years of pursuing treatments and options, the Levy family was given the opportunity of brain surgery for Sofie. Sofie is now in college and just celebrated 12 years of seizure freedom. To further focus their passion for epilepsy awareness, and to ensure others are afforded great epilepsy care, the Levy Family created EPILEPSY AWARENESS DAY with the first event held on November 7, 2013.

“The Epilepsy Awareness Day at Disneyland has become a unique opportunity for patients with epilepsy and their caregivers to interface with non-profit and other groups to openly communicate about their needs and available services,” said neurosurgeon Dr. Gary Mathern. “This is a model meeting that should serve as an example for others around the world.”

“The good we are doing, it’s an incredible feeling that goes beyond description,” said Brad Levy, Co-Founder. “We are now offering resources helping with physician referrals and working with both pharma and providers on many new projects. We have an updated website featuring photo and video galleries of guests as well as many of the nation’s leading physicians giving talks on their field of expertise.”

On a brighter note, we have already secured our dates for the 10th annual Epilepsy Awareness & Education Expo and Epilepsy Awareness Day for 2022. The Expo, at the Disneyland Hotel Conference Center, will fall on Monday, October 31 and Tuesday, November 1, and our park day on Wednesday, November 2. This larger than ever event will also include an all-inclusive Halloween costume ball in the Magic Kingdom Ballroom on Halloween night!

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