JoshProvides Epilepsy Assistance Foundation Awarded Grant from Gannett Foundation

December 11, 2020 – Sarasota

JoshProvides Epilepsy Assistance Foundation has been selected to receive a $4,000 grant award from the Gannett Foundation through its 2020 A Community Thrives campaign. A Community Thrives is a national crowd fundraising campaign sponsored by Gannett Media Corporation and USA Today in local media markets including the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.  

This $4,000 grant award is in addition to the $7,605 donated from 141 donors during the four-week campaign. Funds are designated to assist individuals and families with transportation to doctor appointments; provide financial assistance with the purchase of anti-seizure medication, and financial assistance with groceries for families who experienced job loss or furloughs due to COVID-19. 

“Our families should not have to make choices between medication and groceries,” stated Andria Bilan, CEO. “Missing a single dosage of anti-seizure medication can result in a seizure that can be life ending.  We are most grateful to the Gannett Foundation, USA Today and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune for recognizing the work of JoshProvides and how we offer HELP & HOPE to individuals and families living with Epilepsy.”

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that impacts 1 in 26 people during their lifetime. More than 400,000 Floridians are living with Epilepsy.  JoshProvides was founded in 2008 by Bruce & Sandi Chapnick to establish a legacy to their son Joshua who died of a head injury sustained from a fall from an epileptic seizure. 

Our focus is on offering children, families and individuals who are living with epilepsy or other seizure JoshProvides offers resources and supportive services to children, families, and individuals. Specifically, JoshProvides distributes seizure alert & detection devices to ensure an individual’s safety; assistance with transportation to medical appointments, school and work for those individuals who cannot drive due to seizures (Florida prohibits people from driving until they are 6 months seizure free); assistance with medical services including diagnostic and treatment for low-income individuals; assistance with the training of seizure service response dogs; sponsors an Epilepsy Support Group to connect our families with resources and provide community connections to combat social isolation. 

About JoshProvides Epilepsy Assistance Foundation:  Founded in 2008, JoshProvides works to improve the lives of those living with epilepsy or other seizure disorders.  JoshProvides offers help and hope to children, individuals, and families to combat social isolation, maintain independence, and improve the quality of their lives.    www.JoshProvides.org