We all know that seizures are the defin-ing feature of epilepsy, but does thebrain function completely normally inbetween seizures, in the “interictal”state? Until recently, both physiciansand patients were taught that whilebrain function was clearly disruptedduring a seizure and perhaps for severalminutes afterwards, during the “post-ictal” state, at all other times brain func-tion was entirely normal. However,thanks to patients with epilepsy speak-ing up about their problems with mem-ory, language and other cognitive abili-ties, we are learning that some types ofepilepsy can affect certain aspects ofthinking, or cognition, even in betweenseizures. At the NYU ComprehensiveEpilepsy Center, Dr. Arthur Grant, MD,PhD has a National Institutes of Health(NIH) grant to study the effect of tem-poral lobe epilepsy (TLE) on percep-tion. Specifically, he is investigatingvision, hearing and touch perception inpatients with TLE. The research studyhas two parts. First, Dr. Grant and hiscolleagues are comparing perception inpeople with TLE to that of control sub-jects who do not have epilepsy. All ofthe subjects undergo a battery of visual,auditory and somatosensory (touch)tasks, each of which assesses a differentaspect of perceptual acuity or sensitivi-

ty. In the second part of the project, Dr.Grant is comparing how well patientsdo on these tests of perception beforeand after surgical treatment of theirepilepsy with temporal lobectomy. Inthis procedure, reserved for thosepatients whose seizures can not be con-trolled with medication, an epilepsyneurosurgeon removes part of the tem-poral lobe of the brain, including thepart that generates the seizures, the“seizure focus”. While you might thinkthat removing a part of the brain wouldnecessarily result in deficits of brainfunction, it is also possible that remov-ing “nociferous cortex”, such as theabnormal brain tissue that generatesseizures, could allow the rest of thebrain to behave normally.

Although the research is ongoing andpatients are still being recruited, somepreliminary results are becoming avail-able. Patients with TLE do show minorbut significant impairments in some ofthe touch and hearing tasks, but not onany of the visual tasks. This finding isnot surprising when one considers thatthe visual part of the brain, the occipitallobe, is both anatomically and function-ally very distinct from the regions of thetemporal lobe where seizures usuallyoriginate. On the other hand, sound andtouch information is processed by parts

The mission of faces is to improve the quality of life for all people affected by epilepsythrough research, education, clinical programs, awareness, and community-building events.

The faces newsletter is edited by

Valerie Lusczek andAlethea Morris,

with support fromDaniel Miles, M.D. andRuben Kuzniecky, M.D.

v Spring 2007 vVolume 19

www.nyufaces.org

CONTENTSDoes Epilepsy Affect The Brain

In Between Seizures? .........1

Faces Has Some New Faces...........................2

My Story by Andrea Edwards.............3

The EPGP Study Had Been Funded and Is Underway! ...............4

Direct Brain AntiepilepticDelivery System .................4

Childhood Absence Epilepsy (CAE) NationalMulti-Center Trial ..............5

Faces Gala 2007......................6

Faces Apartments ....................7

PBS Documentary ...................8

Evening Epilepsy Lecture Series .....................8

Donation Form ........................9

Young Adults Inspire.............10

Donations...............................11

Upcoming Events ..................12

NYU CEC Directory .............12

Does Epilepsy Affect The Brain In Between Seizures?

continued on page 4

2

Steering CommitteeChair

Orrin Devinsky, M.D.

Executive DirectorValerie Lusczek

CoordinatorAlethea Morris

Jeffrey BenowitzLori and Paul Billyard

Laurie BlockJennifer Purdy and Brendan Byrne

Donna Emma & Larry DavisJudy Ebner

Irina and Roger EricksonClaudia and Harry FalkAnna and Jim Fantaci

Colleen and Matthew FarrellChristine Flaherty

Lisa GarmanJane and Richard Gilbert

Loretta GlucksmanKathy and Peter Gogolak

Elaine and Robert GrosingerKathyann and Perry GrussPeggy Guinnessey, CTRS

Anne Metcalf and John HuntElizabeth Jarvis

Lynn and Noel JeffreyRuben Kuzniecky, MD

Kathy and Warren LammertRandi and Jeffrey Levine

I.D. LuckowerJean-Anne and Bill MaddenLeila and Richard MansouriAmy and Seth MarkowitzKaren and Jeff Mayerson

Daniel Miles, MDElizabeth Millstein

Amy and Sasha MoritzGigi Mortimer

Nancy and Paul NovogradGaye and Lawrence Pecker

Sharon PerhacKate Cooney-Picco and Gianni Picco

Leanne RaesenerJoan Regan

Jill and David RobbinsUlises and Jaimee Sabato

Victor & Mame Kennedy SchragerRichard Shane

Remi SilvermanLeslie and Phillip Smith

Candice and Steven StarkAmy Steinman-Cohen

David and Susan SwinghamerAlice Thorpe

Jen and Bill TownsendBlanca Vazquez, MD

Leah and Michael WeisbergStacey and Neil Weiss

Richard Wheeless

Donations to faces support epilepsyresearch and programs for all persons

affected by epilepsy. All donations are tax-deductible. For more

information please contact faces atFACESinfo@nyumc.org.

Faces Has Some New FacesSpring represents new beginnings,new opportunities and a refreshingoutlook - a time to look back at thepast, celebrate previous accomplish-ments, and set a fresh course for thefuture. To help with this new vision- a new team.

Please welcome Valerie Lusczek,Executive Director for faces. Valeriecomes to us from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center where shewas previously Director of DonorRelations in the Department ofDevelopment. In her spare time, shedevotes her time and talents to a localorganic farm-based non-profit organi-zation called the Poughkeepsie FarmProject, for which she is the incomingChairman of the Board. Several yearsago, Valerie made a purposeful careerchange into the not-for-profit sectorto fulfill her passion to directlyimpact a positive change in the world.

She brings with her an expertise indevelopment, fundraising, and specialevents as well as general operations.

We are also privileged to haveAlethea Morris, faces Coordinator,join our team. Alethea is no strangerto NYU; she was part of theDepartment of Development for 16

years in various roles, most recentlyin the Special Events division, wherelast year she helped implement thehighly successful 2006 faces Gala.Alethea enjoys swimming, handballand running, and annually volunteersher time to manage the ColgateWomen’s Games – the world’s largestamateur track meet. Alethea is a wel-come addition to the faces team.

As our two new staff members aresettling in, please feel free to reachout to them to introduce yourself,offer your suggestions, or stop in tosay hello. Faces is here to serveindividuals and families who areaffected by epilepsy, and Valerie andAlethea are committed to this mis-sion, and to furthering the good workthat has been the foundation of thisorganization since its inception.

We look forward to reinventing our-selves, strengthening the services wehave, and identifying others weneed. The common denominator inthis vision is you. Through yourideas, volunteerism, and generousphilanthropy, together we are onestep closer to Finding A Cure forEpilepsy and Seizures. v

Alethea Morris

Valerie Lusczek

John BenikJeffrey BenowitzLori and Paul BillyardKristene and Patrick

BlakeLaurie BlockKatie and Todd

BoehlyJennifer Purdy and

Brendan ByrneJoshua ChaffeyDonna Emma &

Larry DavisJudy EbnerCindy EdelsonIrina and Roger

EricksonClaudia and Harry

FalkAnna and Jim FantaciColleen and Matthew

FarrellChristine FlahertyLisa GarmanJill and Steven GerberJane and Richard

GilbertLoretta GlucksmanKathy and Peter

GogolakElaine and Robert

GrosingerKathyann and Perry

GrussPeggy Guinnessey,

CTRSAnne Metcalf and

John HuntElizabeth JarvisLynn and Noel JeffreyRobin and Jeremy

KrantzRuben Kuzniecky,

MDKathy and Warren

LammertRandi and Jeffrey

LevineLannie and Howard

LipsonI.D. Luckower

Jean-Anne and BillMadden

Leila and RichardMansouri

Amy and SethMarkowitz

Cheryl MarrowKaren and Jeff

MayersonBryan McAteerDaniel Miles, MDElizabeth MillsteinAmy and Sasha

MoritzGigi MortimerNancy and Paul

NovogradSukey NovogratzGaye and Lawrence

PeckerMary Q. PedersenSharon PerhacKate Cooney-Picco

and Gianni PiccoKimberly PoznerLeanne RaesenerJill and David

RobbinsUlises and Jaimee

SabatoMary Ruth SanbornVictor & Mame

Kennedy SchragerRichard ShaneRemi SilvermanLeslie and Phillip

SmithCandice and Steven

StarkAmy Steinman-CohenDavid and Susan

SwinghamerAlice ThorpeJen and Bill

TownsendBlanca Vazquez, MDLeah and Michael

WeisbergStacey and Neil WeissRichard Wheeless

3

Even though I’m only 32, I’vesuffered from epilepsy forabout 15 years. When I was 14years old I was injured on myhead, and as a result I sufferedfrom complex-partial, second-ary-generalized and grand malseizures. At first I didn’t knowwhat was going on. I wouldwake up and not remember lying down to fall asleep ormy tongue would be bitten to the point where I couldhardly speak. It started feeling a little too weird so Itold my mother and she took me to the hospital. Theytold me I was having seizures. My mother supervisedme until she saw me have one; she saidI would stare without blinking whileshaking my right hand or sometimeslose my balance and fall to the floor.

From that moment on I was embar-rassed of myself and didn’t want to bearound friends that didn’t know aboutmy injury. I tried to hide it from them.Unfortunately that was difficult since I was havingthree different kinds of seizures – over a dozen times aweek. I was taking three antiepileptic drugs (AEDs)twice a day and felt like my life was already over at 17.Instead of going out and shopping with friends, I wasconstantly in clinics, hospitals and seeing therapists.

Over the years I’ve had just about every AED forepilepsy and have been to countless hospitals.Unfortunately it seemed that the doctors only contin-ued to increase my dosage even though I complainedabout side effects and how my seizures were gettingworse. The side effects of the AEDs were too much andtoo strong for me to handle, especially bad moodswings, loss of appetite, memory loss, and the worsefeeling anyone can have - suicidal thoughts. I really feltas if I was going crazy and that my life should end.Once my mother found out about this she would stayup at night so she could sit awake outside my bedroomto watch and supervise anything and everything I did. I

realized I was in need of help so I visited the EpilepsyInstitute and they introduced me to the InternationalCenter for the Disabled (ICD) program. At ICD I metpeople who had epilepsy and other disabilities.Meeting others made me open up, stop being embar-rassed of myself and always thinking when I was out-side that all eyes were on me.

In August 2005 I was hospitalized at NYU, the besthospital for epilepsy. Dr. Siddhartha Nadkarni, the firstdoctor I ever had in my life that really listened to mycomplaints, took note about my seizures, medicationsand the terrible side effects. He grabbed my hand andsaid “Andrea trust me, you’re at the right hospital! Wewill be very happy to give you the help you are asking

for and need.”

I was monitored at NYU MedicalCenter and hospitalized for 5 days. Iwas shocked to finally be hospitalizedin a great hospital with a kind and car-ing staff. When I walked out ofNYUMC on August 13th, 2005, I

never knew it felt so good to be happy!! This was myfirst smile since the day before my injury in 1989. I’vebeen to many different hospitals and seen so manyphysicians but unfortunately none of them worked aspartners with me in my care. My AED regimenspersistently had very difficult side effects which wereaffecting my quality of life - yet even though I was con-stantly complaining and communicating, it seemed asif no one was listening. After working with the team atNYU it was apparent my medications were not work-ing in conjunction with my lifestyle. Dr. Nadkarni lis-tened attentively, discussed it with me, and changed mymedication based on my feedback. Today I am onKEPPRA, and tolerating it very well. Because of theprofessionals at NYU, I am very happy with my newand improved life.

I’ve been seizure free since August 2005. My appetiteis back, and my everyday frown has turned into aneveryday smile! Now I am able to focus much better

My Story By Andrea Edwards

Today I am on

KEPPRA, and

tolerating it very well.

Andrea Edwards

continued on page 5

4

The EPGP Study Had Been Funded and Is Underway!

The Epilepsy Phenome Genome Project is the largestepilepsy study to date. Thanks to faces which provid-ed $400,000 in seed money, the study is now fundedby the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for $22.5million dollars. It involves 14 epilepsy treatmentsites, of which NYU and University of California,San Francisco are the coordinating centers. Dr.Kuzniecky is one of two lead investigators for theoverall project. Dr. Devinsky is the principal investi-gator for the phenome portion of the study. This proj-ect will help create the largest database of epilepsycases to better understand how genetic factors con-tribute to causing epilepsy, influence why somepatients respond and others do not to antiepilepticdrugs, and why some genes interact to produce“benign” and “refractory” forms of epilepsy. Ourhope is that this information will lead to a majoradvance in our understanding of epilepsy syndromes,their genetic basis, and their treatment.

Direct Brain Antiepileptic Delivery System

Work continues on the development of a novel medicalimplant that can monitor the electrical activity of thebrain and deliver antiepileptic compounds “ondemand”, directly onto the cerebral cortical epilepticfocus to prevent or stop seizures. The team, made upof Dr. Ludvig, Dr. Kuzniecky, Dr. Devinsky, Dr. Doyle,

Dr. Sheffield, Mr. Baptiste, Mr. von Gizycki and Ms.John, recently proved in animal experiments that it issufficient to deliver these antiepileptic compounds,such as pentobarbital or GABA, into the cerebrospinalfluid just above the epileptic focus to achieve a seizure-controlling effect. Importantly, this delivery methodleaves the normal brain tissue intact, while it can beused to treat epileptogenic regions both resistant toconventional drug therapy and unsuitable for surgicalresections. These findings were recently published inthe journal Epilepsia, with a second related paper soonappearing in Epilepsy Research.

While this research has proved the therapeutic viabilityof this envisioned medical implant, the actual construc-tion of the entire device has yet to be completed. Onthis front, the group has achieved two promising results.With our engineering colleagues, Geza Medveczky,Laszlo Kando and Lorant Kovacs, we have shown thatseveral prototypes of miniature, implantable pumps aresuitable for delivering antiepileptic compounds onto thecortical seizure focus, while also allowing the simple,periodic refilling of the implanted pumps through theskin. Second, in collaboration with Mr. Rick Rizzolo atDocXS Biomedical, Dr. Ludvig designed a multi-portsilicone catheter that works with these minipumps andcan dispense antiepileptic compounds over the corticalepileptogenic zone.

Research Update

of the temporal lobe itself, as well as the neighboringparietal lobe. It is still too early to tell how performanceon these tests changes after temporal lobectomy surgery.However, if performance improves after surgery, it wouldbe strong evidence that this type of epilepsy surgery maydo more than stop seizures, it may actually allow otherparts of the brain to begin functioning normally again.

Many questions are still unanswered. For instance, whatcauses impaired interictal cognition, whether in the form

of memory, language, or perception difficulties? Canthese cognitive problems be treated without epilepsysurgery, for instance with specific remedial training, ormedications? Would epilepsy surgery be a considerationin someone whose seizures are reasonably well-con-trolled with medication, but who suffers from significantinterictal cognitive problems? Hopefully these ques-tions and others will be answered as research into TLEand perception continues at the NYU CEC. v

Does epilepsy affect the brain in between seizures? continued from page 1

continued on next page

5

Research Update continued Director

These animal and engineering studies have laid downthe groundwork for a pilot clinical study to answer thefundamental question of whether localized cortical drugdeliveries can prevent epileptiform EEG spikes andseizures in the human epileptic focus. The team willsoon test, using the newly developed multi-portcatheter, whether localized applications of GABA andother compounds (e.g., lidocaine) onto the seizurefocus, just prior to its neurosurgical removal of theseizure focus, can eliminate the focal epileptiform EEGspikes in epilepsy patients. v

Childhood Absence Epilepsy (CAE)National Multi-Center Trial

The NYU Comprehensive Epilepsy Center is currentlyparticipating in a national multi-center trial for childrendiagnosed with childhood absence epilepsy (CAE) butnot yet treated. The study is supported by a grant fromThe National Institute of Neurological Disorders andStroke (NINDS). Approximately 439 children at over 30medical centers across the United States will enroll in thisstudy over a three year period. Dr. Tracy Glauser fromCincinnati Children’s Hospital is the study chair and Dr.Daniel Miles is the Principal Investigator at our center.

Children between the ages of 2-1/2 to 13 years of ageare being asked to participate. Patients with CAE expe-rience brief staring spell seizures that occur suddenly,

unpredictably, and frequently throughout the day. Thisis a randomized, double blind comparative trial of etho-suximide, lamotrigine, and valproic acid as initialmonotherapy. While there are many medications tochoose from to treat epilepsy these three are usuallyused as the first treatment for children with CAE.Ethosuximide and valproic acid have been approved bythe Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treat-ment of children with CAE. Lamotrigine, which hasbeen studied before in children with CAE and is thethird most commonly prescribed medicine for this typeof epilepsy, has been approved by the FDA only for thetreatment of children with other types of seizures, andits use for children with CAE is still considered inves-tigational. Although each of these medicines may help,not all medicines work for all children, and each hascertain side effects. We do not know which of thesethree medicines is the best first choice for children whohave just been diagnosed with CAE, nor do we knowwhy one medicine and not others control some chil-dren’s seizures. The purpose of this study is (1) to findthe best medicine to use first to treat children withCAE, (2) to learn more about how these medicineseffect children, and (3) to find out if there are tests thatin the future could be used to help pick the best medi-cine for each individual child diagnosed with CAE.

If you are interested in having your child participate inthis research study please contact the NYUComprehensive Epilepsy Center at (212) 263-8359. v

My Story continued from page 3

which helps and guides me to accomplish my goals. Iam living the life which I never thought was possiblebefore I met the professionals at NYUMC!! I givethanks to all the neurologists especially Dr. DeepakMadhaven and the wonderful Dr. Siddhartha Nadkarni,as well as the therapists and the supportive staff atNYU. I extend special thanks to friends and lovedones, including my loving mother, who stands therebeside me regardless of the situation. Trust me, even

though we’re the ones that are diagnosed with epilepsyand taking AEDs, they are suffering much more bywatching us go through it and not being able to stop it.

To all people with disabilities, don’t be ashamed tospeak out about yourself. Share your thoughts and feel-ings more often. The more we speak about it, the morewe learn about it. The more we learn about it, the morewe can help each other!! v

6

Faces

Tiki Barber and Orrin Devinsky, MD

Dr. Jacqueline French, Warren Lammert, Dr. Ruben Kuzniecky

Tom Lindsey presents Dr. Howard Weinerwith an award

Gala Chairs, Howie and Lannie Lipson

A paramount success, the faces 2007 Gala raised arecord amount for epilepsy research, clinical programsand community-building events. Held on Monday,March 5th at Pier Sixty at Chelsea Piers, over $4.3 mil-lion was raised at this annual event!

We extend our warmest appreciation to all those whohave made this possible, especially our extraordinaryGala Chairs Lannie and Howie Lipson, our dedicatedand tireless Auction Chair Kathyann Gruss, and Annaand Jim Fantaci for generously underwriting the event.We also thank Leah Weisberg and Randi Levine fortheir continued commitment and dedication.

The memorable evening opened with Hugh Hildesleyas Master of Ceremonies and Auctioneer who remind-ed us all of the reasons that we work together to makethis event a success, “…we come here because we wantto make a difference, and to make further progress inthe incredible job that’s being done, not only in thetreatment of epilepsy but in educating the world aroundus…” We were all honored to have Tiki Barber join us,making the event very special. Dr. Orrin Devinsky,Director, NYU Comprehensive Epilepsy Center,shared highlights of the work that has been accom-plished over the past year, many of the initiativeswhich are highlighted in this newsletter. The room wastouched by both individuals who were honored -Warren Lammert and Howard Weiner, M.D. - each anincredible champion for advancing epilepsy treatment,education and awareness, and most importantly mak-ing the world a distinctly better place for those livingwith epilepsy.

Our sincere congratulations to the honorees, and thanksto the many, many people who’ve been wonderfullygenerous, including: Katie and Todd Boehly, HarryFalk, Anna and Jim Fantaci, Loretta BrennanGlucksman, Kathy and Warren Lammert, Lannie andHowie Lipson, Andrea and Anthony Melchiorre, MaryQ. Pedersen and Alice Thorpe. There are so many peo-ple who gave generously, both in time, talents andresources – we are grateful to the Benefit Committee,volunteers, professional staff, donors and friends. Withyour help, our faces family is stronger, and together weare one step closer to Finding A Cure for Epilepsy andSeizures. v

For a copy of the Gala 2007 journal, which lists all of our incredible supporters, please contact the faces office.

Furnished apartments are available free of charge forthe parents and families of patients seeking epilepsytreatment at NYU Medical Center. Offered to thosewho are traveling from far distances and are unable toafford a lengthy New York City hotel stay, the apart-ments are available at no fee due to donations whichhelp defray the cost.

With treatments lasting anywhere from several days toseveral weeks, the faces apartments have a constantwaiting list. And, we know from people who have hadthe chance to stay in a faces apartment, what an amaz-ing difference it makes…

“We would like to express our gratitude regarding ourstay at the faces apartment next to the NYU MedicalCenter. We are from San Francisco and our 4-year-olddaughter Julia had epilepsy surgery at NYU. We werein New York for 4 weeks for her surgery and recovery.The last week of Julia’s stay, we stayed right next doorto the hospital in the faces apartment… The amenitieswere everything we needed and did not have to ventureout too far away from our daughter.”

– Janine & John Steenman

“Our son, Cesare, is 10 years old and was diagnosedwith intractable epilepsy in 2003. After three longyears of suffering with epilepsy, we found Dr. HowardWeiner and the NYU Comprehensive Epilepsy Center.We have accompanied our son Cesare to NYU for sur-gery on three different occasions thus far. On only oneof those occasions, the longest stay in January 2007,did we have the great gift of having a FACES apartment.The psychological stress that parents experience when

their child is going through brain surgery is immense.Having a place where we could go, away from the sick-ness, the IV alarms and the constant flow of medicalstaff helped us to cope with our son’s ordeal. Equallyimportant, having the FACES apartment kept our fami-ly together during that very difficult time. Cesare hasa twin whom he is very close to. His brother, Griffin,suffered during Cesare’s first course of surgery inSeptember 2006 when there was no apartment to bringhim to. Being separated from his twin and from hisparents exacerbated Griffin’s stress- impacting hisschool performance. This past January, whenCesare was in the hospital for more than three weeks,having his brother by his side each day gave Cesareenormous comfort, and calmed Griffin’s anxiety.

We cannot thank FACES enough for this rarest of gifts.We only wish there were apartments available for everyfamily who needs one. ”

– Amy Silvestro and Tom Richardson

Realizing the need to obtain an additional space to alle-viate our long waiting lists, we appealed to the big-hearted folks who attended the 2007 faces Gala. Theexcitement of the live auction concluded with anappeal for children’s services and a commitment for athird faces apartment.

Grateful for the extraordinary generosity and support,and with almost $300,000 pledged that evening, faceshas now secured an additional apartment! Thank youto everyone who stood behind this effort at the Gala,and all year long with donations directed to supportingthis initiative. v

Faces Apartments By Deepak Madhavan, M.D.

7

Amy Silvestro, Griffin, Cesare, Tom Richardson Cesare and Griffin

8

Faces is an advocate for finding new thera-pies and works closely with the EpilepsyTherapy Development Project, Co-founded by

Warren Lammert, Chairman. Faces co-hostedan event at The Xchange where the new docu-

mentary entitled “Epilepsy: In Search of

Effective Therapies” was debuted. One of the

first educational films of its kind, it highlights

the challenge of 1/3 of the population affected

by epilepsy, approximately 1 million people,

whose seizures are uncontrolled. This impor-

tant documentary simultaneously raises aware-

ness through patients and families sharing their

stories and encourages the discovery of novel

AEDs and additional research, both of which

are vitally needed. To learn more or to view the

documentary visit www.epilepsy.com.

PBS DocumentaryEvening Epilepsy

Lecture Series

The 2007 Evening Epilepsy Lecture Seriesis underway. Led by NYU ComprehensiveEpilepsy Center physicians, the lecturesoffer a topic of interest followed by a ques-tion and answer session. The first lecturetook place on Monday, March 26th whereArthur Grant, MD, PhD presented infor-mation on “Memory and Epilepsy.” OurApril 23rd lecture, featuring Dr. KatherineMortati, focused on “Epilepsy-Under-standing Your Condition.” Each lecture is recorded and posted on our website. Ifyou missed these events, please visitwww.nyufaces.org and click on theDownloads page.

Upcoming lectures include:

Monday, June 25, 2007“Epilepsy, Diet and Nutrition”

Josiane LaJoie, MD

Monday, September 24, 2007“Women’s Issues and Epilepsy”

Blanca Vazquez, MD

The lectures are open to all and are free ofcharge. Food and beverages are servedprior to each event, and are held at NYUMedical Center, 550 First Avenue, New York City. To register for the lecturesplease email us at facesinfo@nyumc.orgor contact Alethea Morris at 212.871.0245x113. We look forward to seeing youthere!

Donation Form

Donor Name: __________________________________________________________________

Address: __________________________ City/State/Zip: _______________________________

Email: ______________________________________ Phone: ___________________________

Payment Enclosed:

Amount: $____________ Donation in honor/memory of: _____________________________

Please notify the following of this tribute gift (provide name and address):__________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Circle One: Check / Credit Card Visa MasterCard AMEX

Credit Card Number: _____________________________________ Exp. Date: _____________

Please return payment to: Faces

724 Second Avenue, Lower Level New York, NY 10016

(212) 871-0245 All donations to faces are tax deductible. Thank you for your kindness!

Faces GAME DAYSave the Date! Join us on Saturday, September 29, 2007 for the annual faces Game Day,held at the Field House at Chelsea Piers in New York City. This free event will be filled withfun activities for children of all ages including carnival games, rock climbing wall, gymnas-tics center, basketball courts, soccer fields, batting cages, clowns and more! Stay tuned formore details...

#

10

Ryan, a sophomore atChaminade High School inLong Island, was recentlyinspired to improve the qual-ity of life for kids at NYUhospital. Ryan was in thehospital with his brother,Chris, who has epilepsy andwas being monitored for afew days. The Garske family is no stranger to hospi-tals - Chris had been admitted four times in the pastand many times to a different hospital in LongIsland. Chris’s family usually accompanies him, soRyan knows how long it can seem when you arewaiting for your loved ones to get better, or whenyou are lying around yourself and waiting to recover.

During their visits the boys often play with thePlaystation game consoles provided by Child LifeServices, which have helped make the time go bymore quickly. Recently, when Chris was in the hospi-tal, the two brothers were playing on the Playstation.The game consoles are shared with the other kids onthe floor, and Ryan realized that there were many kidsin the hospital who would love to be able to play, butthey couldn’t all use it at once. He had an idea…

Ryan had been saving his own hard-earned money tobuy the newly released Playstation 3 for many months.However, after realizing how much the children in thehospital enjoyed using the Playstation and how impor-tant it was for them, he changed his mind. Instead hepurchased two Playstation 2s with the money he hadsaved, and he donated one to the hospital - this waymore people could play at the same time! Ryan didn’tstop there; he also collected many games from hisfriends and brought them all to the hospital as well.

His parents were happily surprised to learn of hissudden inspiration. Pleased that their 16 year old

chose to share his earnings with children that were illand he didn’t even know, than to get the latest gamesfor himself. Ryan and Chris are enjoying their newplaystation2, as are the kids in the hospital!

The entire staff of the NYU Comprehensive EpilepsyCenter and the Pediatrics unit greatly appreciatesRyan’s thoughtfulness and generosity. Ryan hasinspired us all, and has touched many lives in theprocess. Thank you, Ryan, for your kindness. v

Samantha Weiss,known to her familyand friends asSammi, is a veryspecial young lady.She recently cele-brated a rite of pas-sage, her BatMitzvah. This cele-bration is a mile-stone and usuallyremembered fondlyfor many, manyyears – and in this case it will not just be Sammi and herfamily and friends who recall this event, but also faces.

Sammi has selflessly asked her friends and familyfor her Bat Mitzvah to direct contributions to facesin lieu of gifts. An incredible donation has been pre-sented by Sammi to her doctor, the Director of NYUComprehensive Epilepsy Center, Orrin DevinskyMD - a check worth almost $40,000!

We thank the Weiss family for all that they have doneand continue to do for faces, and we thank Sammifor being exceptionally generous and wonderful. Onbehalf of all those that will be touched by this superbdonation…thank you! v

Ryan Garske’s Generosity Touches Many Children

Samantha Weiss’ Unending Generosity

YOUNG ADULTS INSPIREThe faces family is made up of many bighearted people, whose time, talents and generosity shape this organ-ization, and help advance the work we do in a positive way. Samantha Weiss, 12, and Ryan Garske, 16, aretwo young adults who happily surprised and inspired faces, and all those in our community. In their own wayseach has made a difference in many people’s lives, and we are deeply grateful. v

11

DD OO NN AA TT II OO NNSSJ a n u a r y 2 0 0 7 – A p r i l 2 0 0 7Thank you to all of our contributors!

$10,000+Abbott LaboratoriesAD-TECH Medical Instruments

CorporationMary Q. PedersenUCB Pharma, Inc.Viasys Health Care

$5,000+Ortho-McNeil PharmaceuticalShire US Inc.

$2,500+Jay and Sandi Greenwald Foundation of

the Fidelity Charitable Gift FundCathy WeissWilliams Trading, LLC

$1,000+Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence AckermanJeffrey BierMr. and Mrs. Robert BurkeMr. and Mrs. Henry ChesbroughDr. and Mrs. Orrin DevinskyDr. and Mrs. Joshua GindeaBrian & Randye Kwait Family Fund of

the Jewish Communal FundToni LiebermanNancy Grace LipkaLeslie C. PatronRMK Consulting Inc.Robards Family Fund of the Fidelity

Charitable Gift FundJames K. RutledgeSandler Family Philanthropic Fund of the

Jewish Communal FundSt. Charles Capital, LLCFrank A. Tobias, Jr.Treasure Chest Themed Value Mail, Inc.Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Wolfer

$500+Dr. and Mrs. Steven P. AbramowAlyssa AlfanoFred Howard Arkus, M.D.

Marc David CarterLisa J. CohenMr. and Mrs. James FasslerMr. and Mrs. James E. FrankMr. and Mrs. Joseph FunicielloDr. and Mrs. Aaron J. GindeaDr. and Mrs. Michael D. GreenSusan J. HausmanTheodore R. Jabara, Jr.Mr. and Mrs. Michael KollenderGloria Krumholz-YoungMerrill LangsamDr. and Mrs. Philip R. LesorgenSusanne MillerGeoffrey PittMr. and Mrs. Robert RamirezDiane M. Rocchio-CohenPatrick J. SandersonBlanca Santana, M.D.Nancy SchondorfMichele A. SweetwoodPatricia Bonis TurenDorothy Weiss

$200+Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth G. AlbertAnonymousAnonymousMr. and Mrs. Jonathan ArnoldMr. and Mrs. David S. BreslinTracey M. ChamberlinMr. and Mrs. Daniel CohenCraigville Bible ChurchMr. and Mrs. Gerald R. DavisMr. and Mrs. Eugene R. DiazMr. and Mrs. Vincent DisimoneMr. and Mrs. Gary S. EhrlichMr. and Mrs. Frank FalconieriRenee FeldmanMr. and Mrs. Robert A. FendellFrank and Alice D. IX Charitable TrustMr. and Mrs. David G. Friedman

Mr. and Mrs. Richard GlickmanAllysa L. GoldmanKraina Gradus, Esq.Mr. and Mrs. Michael D. HalperinHammer-Pac, Inc.Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. HershanMr. and Mrs. Mark G. HirschbergMr. and Mrs. Michael HirschornMaryann KinneyJill KleinmanMr. and Mrs. Bernard KosterMr. and Mrs. Howard S. LavinMr. and Mrs. Richard E. LevineLord, Abbett & Co.Sheila LustbaderJoanne MarxMr. and Mrs. Neil MerkerAna OliveiraMr. and Mrs. Robin RogersDiane B. RothmanHelen SamuelsMr. and Mrs. Hal SatnickDr. and Mrs. Michael H. SchmidtMr. and Mrs. Mark SchonwetterMr. and Mrs. Arthur SchreierJudith SeltzerStacey SertnerMr. and Mrs. Jeffrey ShapiroSusan K. ShawNiki L. SherDr. and Mrs. Mark A. SteeleDr. and Mrs. Samuel SuedeIra TaubUnited Way of Somerset CountyLydia J. VolesKaren W. Weinberg, M.D.Mr. and Mrs. Mark D. WeinbergAlyssa D. WeinbergerLinda WolfsonEllen S. Ziperman

Many thanks for your continued and generous support of faces. Some corporations will match your donation.

Check with your employer to see if they offer a matching gift program.

Every donation to faces is deeply valued and very important in assisting us to fulfill our mission.

NYU Comprehensive Epilepsy Center

403 East 34th Street, 4th Floor212.263.8870 (phone) 212.263.8341 (fax)

Orrin Devinsky, M.D. 212.263.8871

Kenneth Alper, M.D. 212.263.8854

William Barr, Ph.D. 212.263.8317

Chad Carlson, M.D. 212.263.8870

Macy Carobene, RN 212.263.8354

Barbara Clayton, RN 212.263.8871

Moeen Din, M.D. 212.263.8870

Werner Doyle, M.D. 212.263.8873

John Figueroa, CSW 212.263.8871

Vahid Ghisian, M.D. 718.683.3766

Arthur Grant, M.D., Ph.D. 212.263.8327

Peggy Guinnessey, CTRS 212.263.2644

Eric Halgren, Ph.D. 617.726.5464

Maria Hopkins, RN 212.263.8359

Ewa Koziorynska, M.D. 212.263.8327

Ruben Kuzniecky, M.D. 212.263.8870

Josiane LaJoie, M.D. 212.263.8318

Daniel Luciano, M.D. 212.263.8853

Nandor Ludvig, M.D., Ph.D. 212.263.2168

Valerie Lusczek 212.871.0245 x105

William MaCallister, Ph.D. 212.263.8870

Roseanne Mercandetti, RN 212.263.8321

Mary Miceli, RN 212.263.8359

Daniel Miles, M.D. 212.263.8318

Alethea Morris 212.871.0245 x113

Chris Morrisson, Ph.D. 212.263.8317

Katherine Mortati, M.D. 212.263.8327

Siddartha Nadkarni, M.D. 212.263.8870

Southel Najjar, M.D. 212.263.8872

Steven Pacia, M.D. 212.263.8875

Kim Parker, RN, NP 212.263.8871

Alcibiades Rodriguez, M.D. 212.871.0227

Alyson Silverberg, RN, NP 212.263.8873

Anuradha Singh, M.D. 212.263.8311

Thomas Thesen, Ph.D. 212.263.8870

Pat Traut, RN 212.263.8871

Blanca Vazquez, M.D. 212.263.8876

Estela Vergara, RN 212.263.8870

Bonnie Wang, MHSA 212.263.8358

Chunmao Wang, Ph.D. 212.263.2257

Howard Weiner, M.D. 212.263.6419

John Wells, M.D. 212.772.6683

UPCOMINGEVENTS

Please visit our website, www.nyufaces.org for additionalinformation on our upcoming events!

Evening Lecture SeriesMONDAY, JUNE 25, 2007

Topic: Epilepsy, Diet and Nutrition

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2007

Topic: Women’s Issues and Epilepsy

See page 8 for more information

Faces Game Day at Chelsea PiersSATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2007

See page 9 for more information

Faces Epilepsy ConferenceSATURDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2007

More details to follow soon!

SUGGESTION BOX:We always welcome suggestions for our newsletter. If there are ideas you

would like to share, please email us at

facesinfo@nyumc.org or (212) 871.0245

724 Second Avenue • New York, NY 10016212.871.0245 (phone) • 212.871.1823 (fax)

www.nyufaces.orgEmail: facesinfo@nyumc.org

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