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Our Programs

Creativity & Connection

Kids & Teens: Valentines Fun 2026

Creativity & Connection

Purple in Power
Tuesday, March 24 2026, 4:00–5:45 PM
Open to all ages in our community

Mission Valley Library—Community Room
2123 Fenton Parkway, San Diego, CA 92108

Creativity & Connection: Power in Purple brings our community together to celebrate strength, resilience, and unity. Purple Day is a powerful reminder that no one faces epilepsy alone. This event creates a welcoming space for individuals and families to connect, express themselves through creativity, and turn awareness into action. By coming together in purple, we build confidence, spark conversations, and strengthen support for everyone impacted by epilepsy.

RSVP by March 20, 2026

Launched in 2025, Creativity & Connection is a joyful, in-person gathering offered once a month to provide community members with an opportunity to build friendships, share experiences, and celebrate connections with others who understand what it means to be impacted with epilepsy.

Living with epilepsy—or being a loved one of someone who is—can sometimes feel isolating. Together, we can strengthen our community and remind one another that no one faces epilepsy alone.

Each Creativity & Connection is free to attend, but RSVP is required.

For more information, please reach out to Programs and Client Services Manager Sarah Waters, MSW, ASW at (619) 296-0161 x103 or sarah@epilepsysandiego.org.

Community members of all ages are invited to join our next Community Creativity & Connection: Power in Purple on March 20, 2026!

RSVP by March 20, 2026

Donate in support of the Creativity & Connection Series! Funds raised help us continue to provide Creativity & Connection participants with complimentary snacks and refreshments, as well as help us maintain and/or replenish supplies associated with activities hosted during the events (eg. art supplies, paper, etc.)

Donate Today

See Photos from Past Events

Kids & Teens:
Valentines Fun 2026
See Album
Adults:
Crafting Hope for the New Year 2026
See Album
Kids & Teens:
Friendsgiving 2025
See Album
Kids & Teens:
Purple Pumpkin Painting Party 2025
See Album
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Our Programs

Servicios y Programas de Apoyo en Español

Servicios y Programas de Apoyo en Español

La Fundación para la Epilepsia de San Diego reconoce la necesidad de mejorar la calidad de vida y de extender los esfuerzos y el apoyo a todas las familias hispanas afectadas por la epilepsia. Nuestro personal bilingüe brinda servicios a familias de habla hispana. Estos servicios incluyen grupos de apoyo para personas con epilepsia, padres y cuidadores; terapia individual y familiar; capacitación en primeros auxilios; becas escolores; musicoterapia para niños y adolescentes; y materiales educativos que están disponibles para la comunidad hispana en general.
Contáctenos

Grupo de Apoyo de Habla Hispana 

¿Tiene epilepsia o conoce a alguien con epilepsia? Están invitados a participar en el foro abierto para la discusión, intercambio de información, y apoyo entre pares, (combinado con oradores invitados ocasionales) con la Fundación de Epilepsia de San Diego.

Cuándo: el 1er Jueves de cada mes a las 6pm 

Para mas información y servicios, contacte a Marie Picazo, Coordinadora de Alcance Comunitario Bilingüe, Programas y Servicios, al (619) 296-0161 ext. 114 o envienos un email marie@epilepsysandiego.org 

¿Usted o un ser querido fue diagnosticado con epilepsia?

Puede ser una sorpresa que usted o uno de sus seres queridos tenga epilepsia o algún otro trastorno epiléptico. Es probable que usted o su ser querido se sientan confundidos o preocupados, incluso si es difícil aceptar el diagnóstico. Estamos seguros de que tendrás muchas preguntas al respecto. Es por eso que estamos aquí, para poner la información a su alcance y guiarlo hacia la mejor atención y recursos disponibles. Nuestro programa también puede ayudar a conectarle con otros que pueden entenderle y ayudarle. Usted también podría ayudar a otros.

Epilepsias – Cosas importantes que se deben conocer
Tener buena información le ayudará mucho en su camino. Aquí le presentamos algunos puntos muy importantes. 

  1. Los ataques y las epilepsias son mucho más comunes de lo que la mayoría de la gente piensa. A lo largo de toda la vida, 1 de cada 10 personas tendrá un ataque, y 1 de cada 26 serán diagnosticadas con epilepsia. Aproximadamente el 1% de la población (aproximadamente 65 millones) viven con epilepsia en todo el mundo.
  2. La mayoría de los ataques o crisis epilépticas cumplen criterios para ser llamados “epilepsia”. Hay diferentes tipos de epilepsias y afectan a mujeres y hombres de todas las edades, razas y grupos sociales.
  3. Las crisis epilépticas tienen su origen en el cerebro, y todo cerebro puede tener crisis, por eso todo el mundo necesita saber cómo dar los primeros auxilios.
  4. No todos los ataques tienen se manifiestan de la misma forma. Hay muchos tipos de ataques o crisis – algunos son convulsivos y algunos no son convulsivos y pueden ser tan breves como quedarse con la mirada fija. Es importante ser capaz de reconocer diferentes ataques y saber cómo brindar primeros auxilios apropiados.
  5. Las crisis epilépticas pueden ser controladas con medicamentos, terapias dietéticas, tratamiento quirúrgico, cambios de estilo de vida y con dispositivos implantados en el cuerpo. Sin embargo, actualmente no existen tratamientos completamente curativos. Las investigaciones para nuevos tratamientos siguen cada día.
  6. Algunas epilepsias remiten o desaparecen por sí solas y la mayoría de las personas con epilepsia pueden controlar sus crisis siempre que sigan un tratamiento adecuado.
  7. Todos pueden ayudar si saben reconocer los diferentes tipos de crisis y ayudar dando primeros auxilios apropiados.
  8. Todo el mundo puede marcar la diferencia en la lucha para acabar con la epilepsia.

Contamos con información y recursos para que pueda aprender más acerca de las epilepsias en general, acerca de su tipo de epilepsia, cómo manejar sus crisis, y sobre cómo abogar por sí mismo o por su ser querido.

 
Contáctenos

Nuestra Misión

Con su ayuda, la Fundación de Epilepsia del Condado de San Diego mejora la vida de las personas afectadas por la epilepsia a través de la educación, la abogacía, la investigación y la conexión.

Dona Ahora
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Our Programs

Epilepsy Support Groups

Epilepsy Support Groups

Support groups offered by the Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County are free to attend and hosted virtually. Each group listed below is hosted once a month and always on a Thursday.

Participation in Our Support Groups
For your safety and the safety of others in the group, we ask that you please follow these support group guidelines:
 
  • Maintain confidentiality: respect the privacy of all group members by keeping what’s shared in the group confidential. No pictures or recordings should be taken during the group.
  • Camera on: to foster a more connected and engaging environment, please keep your camera on during the meeting.
  • Arrive on time: join the group promptly to avoid disruptions and help maintain a supportive environment.
  • Respectful communication: listen actively, avoid interrupting, and speak respectfully.
  • Participation: engage with the group by unmuting to speak or contributing in the chat.
  • Stay on topic: focus on the discussion at hand and be mindful of the time when speaking.

Description: The Epilepsy Community Support Group is open for anyone who has epilepsy or loves someone with epilepsy. The Teen Support Group is open to teens ages 14–17. There will be discussion, information sharing and peer support, mixed with occasional guest speakers.

When: 1st Thursday of every month

Time: 6-7 PM

Where: Zoom

Contact: Sarah Waters, Programs Manager –  619.296.0161 x103 or email sarah@epilepsysandiego.org

¿Tiene epilepsia o conoce a alguien con epilepsia? Están invitados a participar en el foro abierto para la discusión, intercambio de información, y apoyo entre pares, (combinado con oradores invitados ocasionales) con la Fundación de Epilepsia de San Diego.

Cuándo: el 1er Jueves de cada mes a las 6pm.

Contacto: Marie Picazo, Programas en Español – (619) 296-0161 x114 o correo electrónico marie@epilepsysandiego.org

Description: Open forum for discussion, information sharing and peer support.

When: 2nd Thursday of every month

Time: 12-1 PM

Where: Zoom

Contact: Sarah Waters, Programs Manager –  619.296.0161 x103 or email sarah@epilepsysandiego.org

Description: Open forum for adults (ages 18 and older) with epilepsy for discussion, information sharing and peer support.

When: 3rd Thursday of every month

Time: 12-1 PM

Where: Zoom

Contact: Sarah Waters, Programs Manager –  619.296.0161 x103 or email sarah@epilepsysandiego.org

Description: Open to youth ages 11–14 years old, this fun, social, and supportive virtual group is designed for tweens and early teens living with epilepsy. Participants enjoy a relaxed space to connect, share experiences, and build confidence alongside peers who truly understand.

When: 4th Thursday of every month

Time: 4-5 PM

Where: Zoom

Contact: Sarah Waters, Programs Manager –  619.296.0161 x103 or email sarah@epilepsysandiego.org

 

Description: Open forum for the epilepsy community to learn about various wellness, stress management, mindfulness, and self-nurturing practices to cultivate a sense of well-being and thrive.

When: 4th Thursday of every month

Time: 6-7 PM

Where: Zoom

Contact: Sarah Waters, Programs Manager –  619.296.0161 x103 or email sarah@epilepsysandiego.org

 

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Our Programs

School Nurse Training

School Nurse Training

In coordination with the San Diego Department of Education, Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County provides trainings to school nurses interested in learning how to assist students experiencing seizures. 

Trainings are available in person and on Zoom. To schedule, please contact Kelley Grimes, MSW at kelley@epilepsysandiego.org or (619) 296-0161 ext. 102.

Contact Kelley Grimes, MSW

Participants will learn:

  • The impact of seizures on learning and behavior.
  • Current treatment options and their side effects.
  • Simple strategies for creating a more positive and supportive environment.
  • Critical issues related to medication administration.
  • Key components of a seizure action plan.
  • Appropriate first aid for all seizure types.
  • The essential elements of seizure training for school personnel.
  • Steps you can take now to help maximize educational and developmental opportunities for students with seizures.
 

District & School Plan Connection:

The Managing Students with Seizures program addresses the LCAP priority area of Student Engagement (School Attendance Rates).

Each participant will receive free workshop materials.

CEU units are available.

Categories
Our Programs

Seizure First Aid Training

Seizure First Aid Training

Professionals, people with epilepsy, their caregivers and the general public can learn more about epilepsy, seizures and seizure first aid. The more people learn and gain skills about epilepsy and seizures, the more confident we can be that people living with epilepsy will be surrounded by caregivers and professionals that understand how to respond to their seizures.

Cost

Free

Register

National LIVE Webinars or On-Demand Training

Register

Contact

For more information about seizure first aid training, please contact Sarah Waters, Programs Manager at sarah@epilepsysandiego.org or
(619) 296-0161 ext. 103.

Categories
Our Programs

Teens Speak Up!

Teens Speak Up!

The Teens Speak Up! & Public Policy Institute (TSU) is one of the Epilepsy Foundation of America’s signature advocacy initiatives. This biennial conference brings together teens living with epilepsy, family members, local Epilepsy Foundation office staff, healthcare providers, and volunteers from across the country to make a difference.

Teens living with epilepsy and a family member have the opportunity to visit the nation’s capital to receive advocacy training and meet with their lawmakers to share their experiences and discuss issues that are vital to the epilepsy community. 

The TSU program supports the Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County’s advocacy priorities to ensure access to quality, physician-directed, person-centered healthcare, funding for epilepsy programs, protection of disability rights, and research and innovation.

These passionate young advocates help to represent the 456,000 youth living with epilepsies in U.S. when they go up on Capitol Hill. It is also an incredible opportunity for teens – and their families – to connect with each other. Each teen is asked to turn their training into action in their respective home districts through a Year of Service. Through this program, participants learn the latest about epilepsy, their rights and governmental happenings and help strengthen our nationwide advocacy network.

The next conference will take place Sunday, March 16, 2025 through Tuesday, March 18, 2025, in Washington, D.C. The event will be held in conjunction with the National Epilepsy Walk on Saturday, March 15, 2025.

Contact Us

For more information about this program, please contact Programs & Client Services Manager Sarah Waters, ASW, MSW, at sarah@epilepsysandiego.org or (619) 296-0161 ext. 103.

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Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego Our Programs

College Scholarships

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College Scholarships

Group photo of 2025-2026 college scholarship recipients with family, staff, and board members at the office of the Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County.

The Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County provides scholarships ranging from $250–$6,000 annually to multiple college undergraduates, including two in-memoriam scholarships:

  • The Michael Zapoticzny Memorial Scholarship, established in 2002, is named for 18-year-old Michael Zapoticzny, who passed away in 2001, from epilepsy during his freshman year at Rutgers University in New Jersey. His parents Steve and Sue Zapoticzny award up to $6,000 annually to one college undergraduate in Michael’s honor. 
  • The Kim Tallian Memorial Scholarship, established in 2024, will award $2,000 annually through 2028 to one college undergraduate. The scholarship honors the late Kim Tallian, PharmD, APh, BCPP, FASHP, FCCP, FCSHP who served on the Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County’s Board of Director’s and Professional Advisory Board. Kim was a speaker at many epilepsy conferences, teacher and school nurse trainings and Camp Quest.
2026-27 Scholarship Program Information
College Scholarship Application

Eligibility

Scholarship applicants must reside in or be permanent residents of San Diego County, Imperial County, or Southern Riverside County. Students from these areas may attend school elsewhere, and out-of-state students currently enrolled in a San Diego school are also eligible. Scholarship applicants must also meet one of the following criteria:

1. Students currently being treated for epilepsy that are currently enrolled or will be enrolled in a college, university or trade school in the fall of 2026.  Applicants must provide a letter from their doctor verifying that they are currently being treated for epilepsy/seizure disorder.  Applicants must also show satisfactory academic performance and demonstrate financial need. (The criteria for “satisfactory academic performance” does not necessarily mean high GPA.  It will be considered according to the capabilities of the student given any learning disabilities, medication side effects, etc.).

OR

2. Full-time college or university students involved in epilepsy research projects in the fields of health or social science. Applicants must provide a letter from their professor documenting project details. Students must also have a GPA of at least 3.0 for all work completed and demonstrate financial need.

The following documents must be included in the application package:

  1. Completed scholarship application
  2. Community Service and Volunteer Experience/Academic Achievements
  3. Statement of Eligibility
  4. Statement of Financial Need
  5. Current Transcript (official or unofficial) verifying enrollment and GPA
  6. Letter from your doctor stating you are currently being treated for epilepsy OR letter from your professor stating you are currently working on an epilepsy research project (please include project details)
  7. Two Letters of Recommendation

For more information, please contact Sarah Waters, Programs & Client Services Manager at sarah@epilepsysandiego.org.

2025-26 Academic Year Scholarships

Get to know college students Raygan Carroll, Nikhil Raisinghani, Elliana Haines, Matthew Henderson, Amy Chan, and Scarlett Wales, who each received our college scholarships in 2025.

Get to Know Our 2025-26 College Scholarship Recipients

We’re grateful to the Zapoticzny family, the Tallian family, and our generous community who continue to make these scholarships possible.

Keep up to date with the Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego

Categories
Our Programs

Project UPLIFT

What is Project
UPLIFT?

Project UPLIFT (Using Practice and Learning to Increase Favorable Thoughts) is an 8-week home-based depression treatment program designed for adults with epilepsy. UPLIFT is delivered virtually on Zoom and is co-led by a trained mental health facilitator and by a person living with epilepsy. The program combines proven techniques of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with mindfulness practices. Mindfulness helps participants change their relationship with their thoughts by viewing them as passing events rather than absolute reality.

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?
CBT is a form of psychotherapy that teaches individuals new ways to manage their thoughts and feelings. It focuses on internal (e.g., looking at problems, thinking about yourself and others, and thinking about personal beliefs) and external changes (problem-solving skills, stress management, communication skills, life management skills, and skill to develop and maintain relationships). In addition, unlike medication, CBT provides skills that remain after the treatment ends.

Now available: Interest Form for Spring Session

Session

Spring Dates:
March 11–April 29, 2026
12:00–1:00 p.m.

Fall Dates:
TBA

Participants

Adults with epilepsy

(5-7 participants per Zoom group)

Benefits

+ Increased knowledge and skills
+ Reduced symptoms of depression
+ Increased satisfaction with life

Contact

For more information about this program, please contact Kelley Grimes, MSW at kelley@epilepsysandiego.org or (619) 296-0161 ext. 102.

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Our Programs

Support Services & Programs

Support Services & Programs

We know that navigating life with epilepsy can be at times mentally challenging as well as physically. That’s why we offer support services like counseling and more for individuals, families and caregivers.

Contact us

General Support Services

Get More Information

Learn More About the services that we offer and how we can help you.
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Additional Support Services For Adults

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Learn More About the services that we offer and how we can help you.
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Additional Support Services for Children & Teens

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Learn More About the services that we offer and how we can help you.
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Epilepsy Education and Seizure First Aid

Get More Information

Learn More About the services that we offer and how we can help you.
Learn More

For more information about any of our support services and programs, contact Sarah Waters, Programs Manager at sarah@epilepsysandiego.org or (619) 296-0161 ext. 103.

Contact us
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Our Programs

Support Groups

Epilepsy Support Groups

Description: Open forum for discussion, information sharing and peer support, mixed with occasional guest speakers. 

Contact: Devin Xayasomloth, MSW, LCSW, Programs and Client Services –  619.296.0161 x103 or email devin@epilepsysandiego.org

Description: A social group for 18-35 year olds, with activities such as board games, beach volleyball, and movie nights. 

Contact: Devin Xayasomloth, MSW, LCSW, Programs and Client Services –  619.296.0161 x103 or email devin@epilepsysandiego.org

Description: Adults with epilepsy meet monthly to hear from a variety of expert speakers on topics relevant to the community while also having the opportunity to ask questions and engage with fellow members. 

Contact: Devin Xayasomloth, MSW, LCSW, Programs and Client Services –  619.296.0161 x103 or email devin@epilepsysandiego.org

¿Tiene epilepsia o conoce a alguien con epilepsia? Están invitados a participar en el foro abierto para la discusión, intercambio de información, y apoyo entre pares, (combinado con oradores invitados ocasionales) con la Fundación de Epilepsia de San Diego.

Cuándo: 1er Jueves de cada mes a las 6pm.

Contacto: Gladis Arana, Programas en Español – 619.296.0161 x104 o correo electrónico Gladis@epilepsysandiego.org

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Group of diverse people in cpr training class
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