The My Shot at Epilepsy Challenge

Join the #MyShotAtEpilepsy Campaign
Supporting

CURE is a member of the Infantile Spasms Action Network (ISAN).
Infantile Spasms Awareness Week is December 1-7, 2018

Accept The Challenge

Take a photo or video striking the “My Shot pose.” Be creative and have fun! Pick a unique location; with your friends and family, at work, or in costume! Video works, too!

Make a donation.

Post “your shot” on social media using #MyShotAtEpilepsy. Tag three friends encouraging them to accept the challenge, donate and post their own “shots” within 24 hours!

“That’s It! This is our shot to take. Let’s not throw it away.”
– Miguel Cervantes

You can pose in your neighborhood, in one of your favorite places, or anywhere around the world. Take a shot that is meaningful and special to you. Challenge friends to top your submission in creativity!

DONATE TO MY SHOT

The #MyShotAtEpilepsy Challenge promotes awareness and raises funds for epilepsy research that will lead to a cure. All proceeds from the campaign will support CURE and be used to advance breakthroughs in epilepsy treatments and research.

What’s the story that led to the creation of the
#MyShotAtEpilepsy Challenge?

Miguel Cervantes is an actor, singer, and performer known for his work on both the stage and screen. A year and a half ago, he had an audition for the role of a lifetime—playing Alexander Hamilton in the Chicago production of HAMILTON, the hottest musical of our time. Yet during the audition process, in front of the producers and creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, Miguel received news that would totally upend his world. His daughter Adelaide had been diagnosed with epilepsy, shortly to be confirmed as a severe, incurable form known as Infantile Spasms (IS). For Miguel and Kelly, that fateful day was life-changing. Miguel won the role of his dreams, but he and Kelly began a heart-rending journey that no parent ever should face. As they were moving to Chicago and Miguel was preparing to portray Alexander Hamilton, the Cervantes family was also learning about epilepsy, a medical condition that is still underestimated, underfunded, and—for far too many Americans—entirely misunderstood.

During this journey, Miguel and Kelly have devoted themselves to raising funds and awareness for epilepsy research. One day soon, breakthroughs in epilepsy research may be able to help the over 1 million Americans who—like Adelaide—are unresponsive to current treatments. But this will only be possible with your support. Please join us to make a difference, to assist the millions of families like the Cervantes, and to help fund a cure.

The #MyShotAtEpilepsy Challenge promotes awareness and raises funds for epilepsy research that will lead to a cure. All proceeds from the campaign will support CURE and be used to advance breakthroughs in epilepsy treatments and research. The initial proceeds will be used to support the genetic testing of hundreds of individuals from the Rare Epilepsy Network and their subsequent enrollment into the Epilepsy Genetics Initiative for recurrent analysis. These are individuals who suffer from severe epilepsies with an unknown genetic cause.

Ready to take your shot? Making a donation is easy!

ADELAIDE’S STORY

Adelaide is the beautiful two-year-old daughter of Kelly and Miguel Cervantes and beloved little sister to Jackson. She suffers from Infantile Spasms (IS), a rare childhood epilepsy syndrome that can have profoundly negative long-term consequences. Starting at 7 months, Adelaide began having dozens of seizures per day and as a result has severe developmental and cognitive delays. The current available treatments for IS are not always effective and are often associated with substantial adverse effects.

About CURE

Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy (CURE) is the leading nongovernmental agency fully committed to funding research in epilepsy. It was founded by Susan Axelrod and a small group of parents of children with epilepsy who were frustrated with their inability to protect their children from seizures and the side effects of medications. CURE is dedicated to the goal of “No seizures. No side effects. End epilepsy.” CURE works relentlessly to find a cure for epilepsy by raising funds for research and by increasing awareness of the prevalence and devastation of this disease. CURE has the distinction of being a 4-star charity on Charity Navigator, the highest award, recognizing sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency. For more information on CURE, please visit www.cureepilepsy.org.