State should maintain epilepsy program funds

As a parent with a child who has epilepsy, I know the value of a great support system. Without people to fall back on, ask questions of or listen to, dealing with this disorder would be impossible.

I turned to the Epilepsy Foundation when my son was diagnosed. The state did not have an office, so I went to Illinois. Since then, an office was opened in Des Moines. The Epilepsy Foundation of Iowa is relatively new. The staff person covers the entire state and serves the 30,000 Iowans who live with epilepsy.

The Iowa Legislature has made severe cuts to the Epilepsy Foundation in the last two years. The state budget being negotiated proposes a

70 percent cut in funding for epilepsy services.

Because this program is relatively new (four years), the services and number of people being served are growing exponentially as support groups grow, more parents realize the services the office can provide for their children in schools and the public learns about a too-often neglected disorder.

I urge the Legislature to fund the Epilepsy Foundation at the current fiscal year 2011 level.

Kristin Wells

Cedar Falls