Advancing Epilepsy Research and Treatment

Maintaining a strong professional network can help a person’s career path. And, as IPM Senior Consultant Christine Keltner learned, it can also help the community.

Keltner consulted on a project for Beth Lewin Dean several years ago. They worked well together and kept in touch. After Dean took on the CEO position at CURE Epilepsy, she reached out to Keltner for advice on project management. Keltner led a pro bono training session for Dean’s team.

There, she learned that the nonprofit organization needed help staffing its annual Night of Discovery gala, which raises funds for patient-focused research. “Epilepsy has a profound impact on individuals and their families, including some of our IPM colleagues,” Keltner explains. “So, when I saw an opportunity for our team to help with that event, I jumped at the chance.”

Keltner went on to co-lead IPM’s quarterly Integrated Project Mercy efforts with Security Architect Matt Jenner. The philanthropic activities supported organizations that seek cures, treatment, and understanding for those with epilepsy.

Raising Awareness Through High-Profile Events

In Chicago, volunteers assisted with the CURE Epilepsy gala, which attracted more than 500 business executives, civic leaders, and philanthropists. The IPMers helped with setup, guest check in, and tear down for the event, and IPM donated the centerpieces for the tables.

Volunteers in Boston helped with a different sort of event: Rappel Boston. Team members assisted with checking in, directing, and securing the safety harnesses of participants who rappelled down the side of a hotel. Epilepsy Foundation of New England raised more than $70,000 at the event to support its mission of finding a cure and raising awareness about the disease, which one in 26 people will develop in their lifetime.

Taking it to the Streets

Several Boston IPMers also participated in a local event, The 3rd Annual Walk to CURE Epilepsy in Honor of Anthony Maffie. Maffie was diagnosed at 16 years old and passed away at 22 from sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP).

Similarly, a team from Parsippany joined the New Jersey Walk to End Epilepsy. Some walked together at the Lawrence Township event, and some walked virtually from their own neighborhoods. The event supported the Epilepsy Foundation New Jersey. A crew from the San Francisco office participated in and cleaned up after the local Walk for Epilepsy, supporting the Epilepsy Foundation of Northern California. And in Minneapolis, volunteers helped set up and walked in a local United in Epilepsy Regional Walk supporting the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota. They supplied drinks and snacks for the event, as well as for four other nearby walks.

Supporting Children and Their Families

Minneapolis IPMers also worked at the organization’s Camp Oz. The summer program provides a fun camping experience for kids 9 to 17 years old who have epilepsy.

Also hoping to provide some fun to those with epilepsy, the St. Louis team supported ART4Epilepsy by donating art supplies and filling more than 120 art bags. The bags will be donated to local hospitals to provide patients with epilepsy with a break from their extensive tests and long-term hospital stays. ART4Epilepsy is a nonprofit organization that raises awareness, provides resources, and supports the quest for new treatments.

Finally, in Los Angeles, volunteers helped out at the Epilepsy Support Network of Orange County’s General Program Night, which provides education and support to families. IPMers set up the event, assisted with check-ins, and acted as guides for new members. The nonprofit aims to build a community of support to improve the lives of those affected by epilepsy through education, programs, and advocacy.

IPM employees lead and participate in quarterly philanthropy efforts through our Integrated Project Mercy program. Visit our careers page to learn more about joining the IPM family.

September 30, 2024