Author: efsd

SAN DIEGO – “Safe, reliable transportation remains one of the greatest barriers for many individuals living with epilepsy. For those who cannot drive, getting to work, school, or a doctor’s appointment can take hours – multiple transfers, delays, and limited routes turn simple errands into exhausting journeys. For someone managing seizures, that unpredictability can be overwhelming.

Many in our community depend on public transit because they have no other choice and are often left out of the conversation. MTS is an essential service, but it simply isn’t meeting the needs of riders living with epilepsy and other disabilities. Long waits and inconsistent schedules can mean missed medical care, lost income, or trips abandoned altogether.

The constant possibility of a seizure also turns crowded public settings into a source of anxiety and stigma. Experiencing a seizure on a packed bus or busy station can be traumatic, for the individual and for those who may not know how to respond. More options mean fewer risks, fewer barriers, and greater independence.

Waymo’s arrival in San Diego matters because it represents possibility – shorter and more affordable trips, safer travel, and greater autonomy. It offers dignity, choice, and access to the everyday moments many take for granted.

This is not an either/or issue. We applaud efforts to strengthen MTS while expanding access to new mobility solutions. When San Diegans living with epilepsy have multiple transportation options, they gain opportunity – employment, healthcare, education, and true connection to their community.

We look forward to what this progress will bring and encourage local leaders to prioritize accessibility and innovation for those who need it most.”

Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) is a fatal complication of epilepsy, occurring without warning and often in individuals with uncontrolled or frequent seizures.

If you’re unfamiliar with SUDEP, you’re not alone. It’s a topic that’s often overlooked or not openly discussed, even within the medical and epilepsy communities. It isn’t the easiest topic to talk about but that’s exactly why we need to talk about it.

During a virtual support session hosted on Thursday, October 2, we were honored to have Dr. James Grisolia, neurologist and epilepsy specialist, alongside a courageous family, Lynnette and Kent, who shared their lived experience of losing their son, Tim, to SUDEP.

Their stories and expertise helped us understand more about:

• What SUDEP is and who it affects.
• Risk factors and preventive strategies.
• How to have meaningful conversations with care teams and loved ones.

This meaningful conversation brought SUDEP into the light but with compassion, honesty, and community—giving families the tools, information, and confidence they need to make informed decisions, reduce risk, and feel supported.

For those who were unable to attend the workshop or would like to review SUDEP materials, please review the SUDEP Facts and Dare to Say SUDEP documents by tapping on the following buttons.

We are honored and deeply grateful to share that the Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County (EFSDC) has been named as a beneficiary of the Lee E. Mattei Family Trust, receiving a generous gift of approximately $175,000. We are also receiving an additional $47,000 from Ruth Mattei’s IRA, bringing the total impact of this contribution to over $220,000 in support of our mission.

Half of this remarkable contribution will support the Foundation’s ongoing charitable programs, while the other half has been used to establish a permanent endowment—the Epilepsy Foundation / Lee E. and Ruth S. Mattei Fund. The income generated from this fund will be used in perpetuity to further the charitable mission of EFSDC, helping to ensure long-term support for individuals and families affected by epilepsy.

Ruth S. Mattei, who passed away at the age of 101, met her husband Lee Mattei in San Diego. They were married for over 60 years until Lee’s passing in 2011. She was preceded in death by their only son, Gary. Together, Ruth and Lee built a successful development company responsible for many residential and commercial projects that helped shape San Diego’s historic growth.

Their legacy of building community continues through this incredible gift, and we are proud to honor their memory by carrying their generosity forward.