The Circle of Love and Life organization, founded by Ann Lorenz in January 2006, is dedicated to making a difference and finding a cure for epilepsy. Epilepsy, or seizure disorder, is a condition in which a person has recurrent spells of altered consciousness.

To raise awareness of the disorder, November is recognized as Epilepsy Awareness Month. November has been Awareness Month for the disorder for many years, but “no major emphasis or fundraising events have been given to the disorder,” Lorenz says.

Circle of Love and Life seeks to educate the community about epilepsy, so they can provide a circle of friendship and offer concern for families that have been afflicted by the disorder.

Lorenz has a personal connection to the disorder: “My daughter was diagnosed with epilepsy in high school," she says.

Lorenz feels the general public often does not understand epilepsy. “People are fearful of other people that have the disorder,” she says.

Epilepsy is not hereditary. It can be brought on by a hard blow to the head, a stroke, or developing brain cancer.

In fact, epilepsy is a serious neurological disorder, and can affect men and women of all ages. About 2.8 million people in the United States have epilepsy; up to 42,000 Americans die from it each year.

You can help support the Circle of Love and Life by turning in old cell phones to a recycling company that purchases the phones and donates money to epilepsy research. Or you can buy Jerrica's Jewels, a collection of crystal and sterling bracelets, earrings and other jewelry, at the St. Luke's Hospital (south) and KU Med Center gift shops. The jewelry is also sold on the organization's website (see below).

“With good doctors and successful medical research, we can find a cure for epilepsy," says Lorenz.

For more information about the organization, log on to their website at http://www.CircleofLoveandLife.com.

Copyright 2006 Metropolitan Community College