Axelrods On 60 Minutes: Help Them Find A Cure For Epilepsy

President Obama's senior adviser David Axelrod appeared on CBS' 60 Minutes Sunday in a different capacity -- as a father.

David and Susan Axelrod opened up to Katie Couric about epilepsy and its effects on their 28-year-old daughter Lauren.

The Axelrods discovered that their daughter Lauren had epilepsy when she was seven months old. During a bout with a cold, Lauren began convulsing uncontrollably, and Susan realized that her daughter's illness was anything but common. Susan remembers the incident:

"I picked her up, and she went into a seizure--arms extended, eyes rolling back in her head. I realized she'd most likely been having seizures all night long. I phoned my mother and cried, 'This is normal, right? Babies do this?' She said, 'No, they don't.'"

Lauren's seizures continued throughout her childhood and young adult life. Her parents, realizing that epilepsy is undertreated and misunderstood, created CURE, an organization aimed at treating and finding a cure for the disease. Their 60 Minutes segment delves into their struggle and what can be done.

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Impact has set up a donation widget to contribute to CURE and a potential cure for epilepsy.

Do you have your own experiences with epilepsy? Leave us a comment or e-mail us at [e-mail]. We want to hear from you!

Comments

[nick2485]

I'm 24 now, I've been diagnosed with epilepsy for ten years - Juvenile Myocondial Epilepsy or JME as it's called. Primarily absonce seizures (also known as petite mal but I have had two grand mal seizures before. I was first diagnosed at 14, had two brain surgeries, and have been on as many different drug cocktails as a person 5 times my age.

Medication stopped my seizures twice and I was able to get a driver's license twice but each time they returned and I had to surrender the license. There is no cure for epilepsy, it's all about getting seizures "under control."

The thing that annoys me most is that my absonce seizures last roughly five seconds max but for those five seconds (like Axelrod described as a terrorist attack - it can happen at any time), those five seconds prevent me from leading a life like so many other kids my age. Five seconds, it changes a person's entire life as well as their plans and dreams for the future. When I see the lack of research? Lack of a public health plan when bankers are getting billions from taxpayers? Well this country doesn't seem as great as it's made up to be.

[Gary Portenier]

Regarding the 60 Minutes segmant Epilepsy: Fighting For A Cure segment on the October 25:
As a person with epilepsy, I am concerned regarding impressions that may have been left to the general public from the the Epilepsy: Fighting For A Cure segment. First, the segment might have provided descriptions of the full range of seizure disorders. While there are many variations to epilepsy, the primary categories are grand mal (tonic-clonic), complex partial, simple partial, and sudden unexplained death in epilepsy (SUDEP), each with different characteristics. Second, there are numerous causes for epilepsy ranging from brain injuries to those where a specific cause is never determined. Third, epilepsy can begin at any age and have added complexities for certain populations (i.e., women during pregnancy). Fourth, many persons with epilepsy lead full productive lives despite the disorder, and stories focusing primarily on individuals with learning and emotional disabilities only continues common misunderstands about the disorder, contributing to discrimination toward persons with epilepsy.
Finally, it would have been helpful to inform the public about the full range of organizations committed to finding a cure for epilepsy. In addition to CURE (also given emphasis in an earlier NEWSWEEK cover story), major research organizations include the Epilepsy Foundation, American Epilepsy Society, FACES (Finding A Cure For Epilepsy And Seizures), PACE (People Against Childhood Epilepsy) as well as the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

[MelissaJeltsen]

Kudos to Axelrod for sharing this poignant story. It's so important for those with a loudspeaker to boost awareness of epilepsy. More awareness will translate into more money for epilepsy research and treatment, which is desperately needed.

Frances Yensen, whose epilepsy research was featured on 60 minutes, wrote a blog post today about what needs to be done to find cures that not only stop the seizures but prevent epilepsy from starting or progressing once it has started.

http://childrenshospitalblog.org/frances-jensen-on-60-minutes-why-funding-epilepsy-research-is-important/

[foreffectivegovernment]

This is the "REAL" David Axelrod.

"She, (Hillary Clinton), spent hours that day in the epilepsy ward at Rush Presbyterian hospital, visiting children hooked up to machines by electrodes so that doctors might diagram their seizure activity and decide which portion of the brain to remove. “She couldn’t stop talking about what she had seen,” Susan Axelrod recalled. Later, at Hillary Clinton’s behest, the National Institutes of Health convened a conference on finding a cure for epilepsy. Susan Axelrod told me it was “one of the most important things anyone has done for epilepsy.” And this is how politics works: David Axelrod is now dedicated to derailing this woman’s career."
"When the first major profile of Axelrod appeared in Chicago magazine in 1987, three years after he left a high-profile job as the lead political reporter for The Chicago Tribune to work as a political operative, the article (“Hatchet Man: The Rise of David Axelrod”) began by comparing him to an “exotic rodent.”
For Obama, because of Senator Hillary Clinton’s far-greater experience and establishment backing, this is a particularly essential project. “If we run a conventional campaign and look like a conventional candidacy, we lose,” Axelrod says.

He is rhe Progressive's Dick Cheney.

[spinns17]

may god bless all special needs people ,and there familes.as someone with three in the family, i know how hard it is on everyone.someday we will have cures for alot of these problems.untill then,we must do all we can to see these special people become what they can be .and to have the best life that they can have .we believe ,god gives special needs people to special people.

[ghee99]

that david axelrod guy, although a little too partisan for my tastes, seems like a decent guy (his wife too)
...i cant help but wonder if this sort of thing humanizes people.

so i support him, of course.

but while on the subject, can't help but mention that rahm emanuel
my goodness!
what a creepy, ruthless guys he seems to be
...everything thats wrong with the system,
the kind of guy that puts politics over ideals, it would seem
(why barack, who seems like a decent guy too would pick such an obvious political weasel is beyond me... the guy (rahm) seems like he would just spread hate, when this country is torn apart.

i only bring this up because i think its good that we have a basically decent axelrod to balance him out.

[Alison Rose Levy - Huffpost Blogger]

Hi -- In keeping with President Obama's support of preventive medical approaches, the Axelrods and others with neurological issues would benefit from knowing food triggers which I cover in this current blog:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/alison-rose-levy/hold-the-msg-food-trigger_b_333404.html

[ChiGuy]

I live close to, and volunteer at Misericordia Heart of Mercy frequently and have met and talked with Lauren on many occasions. She's every bit as sweet as one might expect, and despite her difficulties communicating, very intelligent.

If you have a moment and a little spare cash, please take some time to visit the organization's website and possibly make a small donation.
They're wonderful people who give those who otherwise might be cast aside a fighting chance in the world.

http://www.misericordia.com/

[Zenomi]

I watched the program last night and found myself wondering why you don't hear about epilepsy as much anymore. I could see the pain on their faces and could not imagine how difficult it must be for them and others. I thank the Axelrods for bringing attention to this disease and hopefully moving towards finding a cure.

[Lionmccoy]

HERE OR THE KEY PEOPLE THAT I THINK WE NEED TO CONTACT
FOR A STRONG PUBLIC OPTION (YES WE CAN) LET THE SLOGAN MEAN
SOMETHING---"YES WE CAN" MAKE OUR VOICE BE HERD!!!
CONTACT ALL THESE INDIVIDUALS BELOW!

Barack Obama
www.whitehouse.gov
call 877-336-7200
Comments: 202-456-11­11(sometim­e busy)
Switchboard: 202-456-1414 (it work)

E-mail/contact Senator Harry Reid
http://reid.senate.gov/contact/index.cfm
Las Vegas, NV
Phone: [phone]
Washington, DC
Phone: [phone] / Fax: [phone]
Toll Free for Nevadans: 1-866-SEN-REID (736-7343)

BEN Nelson
Omaha, NE
Tel: [phone]
Lincoln, NE
Tel: [phone]
Washington, DC 20510
Tel: [phone]

MAX BAUCUS
511 Hart Senate Office Bldg.
Washington, D.C. 20510
[phone] (Office)
Missoula, MT
[phone]

Senator Joe Lieberman (be care full this guy is a turncoat)
Washington, DC
[phone] Voice
Hartford, CT 06103
[phone]

U.S. Senator Chris Dodd
448 Russell Building | Washington D.C., 20510
Tel: [phone]
30 Lewis St Suite 101 | Hartford, CT
Tel: [phone]

NANCY PELOSI ( I CALL & THANK THIS LADY FOR
FOR HAVING REAL COURAGE & to keep pushing the fight)
Washington, DC 20515
[phone]

[1dogs2]

Susan and David Axelrod have turned their profound private grief into a public campaign to find the cure(s) for a scourge that afflicts several of every 100 people in this nation. They Axelrods' strenuous efforts in this cause have been well known to, and admired by, Chicagoans for many years. The cure(s) can't come soon enough for some. Friends just lost their 25-year-old son to a seizure after struggling all his life to control and manage his seizures.

The stress and pain that this disease inflicts on families are overwhelming and endless. The disease afflicts the haves and the have-nots alike, but falls even more heavily on the have-nots. The Obama administration's determination to make affordable health care available to all is surely informed at least in part by the first-hand experience of some of its members of the inadequacies of the present system, and especially for those who do not have adequate insurance to deal with as yet incurable diseases.

Some of the commenters below need to learn the difference between pity and compassion, and more particularly, the meaning of the Golden Rule -- if they're not so soul-dead that they are unable to recognize that the Axelrods model compassion and live the Golden Rule.

[bluguy8]

try the ketogenic diet --its low in carbs and no sugar / It does help control attacks

[Oakland]

At least they have health care and the money to pay for her medical problems. Too bad Axelrod and his boss don't give a hoot about the rest of us. Obama is a sell out. He gave away our money to the banks without securing any reform or equity. He has plenty of money to fund his two wars and to promise big pharma that his administration wouldn't make them negotiate drug prices either. I have never seen a President go from hero to goat as fast as this con man. It is time for a third party.

[ToniaB]

"Too bad Axelrod and his boss don't give a hoot about the rest of us"!!!

And exactly which part of the story led you to this conclusion...? The part where him and his wife created CURE an organization aimed at treating and finding a cure for the disease...?

"Obama is a sell out. He gave away our money to the banks without securing any reform or equity. He has plenty of money to fund his two wars"...

Your entire post is delusional! For your sake I sincerely hope they pass Mental Health Care Reform!

[ScapeGoat]

"Obama is a sell out. He gave away our money to the banks without securing any reform or equity. He has plenty of money to fund his two wars"...

Gee, do you think the Shrub had anything to do with the two wars and the give away to the banks?

[dersankt]

No pity from me.

Now her health care is covered by our tax money and 40,000 Americans (this includes children) die this year without health care? I say take away their tax-funded health insurance and show no pity for their loss when it does happen.

"Do unto others as you want others do unto you," thus said Jesus Christ.

Deprive 40,0000 Americans and not think twice of it. Americans shouldn't care about the Axelrods and not think twice about it, either.

-Sic Semper Tyrannis

[1dogs2]

Do you ever wonder why you are your only fan?

[ToniaB]

Spoken like a true uneducated f00l...

[ScapeGoat]

Jesus said:
On the last day, Jesus will say to those on His right hand, "Come, enter the Kingdom. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was sick and you visited me." Then Jesus will turn to those on His left hand and say, "Depart from me because I was hungry and you did not feed me, I was thirsty and you did not give me to drink, I was sick and you did not visit me." These will ask Him, "When did we see You hungry, or thirsty or sick and did not come to Your help?" And Jesus will answer them, "Whatever you neglected to do unto one of these least of these, you neglected to do unto Me!"

YOU will be sitting of the left.

[Lionmccoy]

HERE OR THE KEY PEOPLE THAT I THINK WE NEED TO CONTACT
FOR A STRONG PUBLIC OPTION (YES WE CAN) LET THE SLOGAN MEAN
SOMETHING---"YES WE CAN" MAKE OUR VOICE BE HERD!!!
CONTACT ALL THESE INDIVIDUALS BELOW!

Barack Obama
www.whitehouse.gov
call 877-336-7200
Comments: 202-456-11­11(sometim­e busy)
Switchboard: 202-456-1414 (it work)

E-mail/contact Senator Harry Reid
http://reid.senate.gov/contact/index.cfm
Las Vegas, NV
Phone: [phone]
Washington, DC
Phone: [phone] / Fax: [phone]
Toll Free for Nevadans: 1-866-SEN-REID (736-7343)

BEN Nelson
Omaha, NE
Tel: [phone]
Lincoln, NE
Tel: [phone]
Washington, DC 20510
Tel: [phone]

MAX BAUCUS
511 Hart Senate Office Bldg.
Washington, D.C. 20510
[phone] (Office)
Missoula, MT
[phone]

Senator Joe Lieberman (be care full this guy is a turncoat)
Washington, DC
[phone] Voice
Hartford, CT 06103
[phone]

U.S. Senator Chris Dodd
448 Russell Building | Washington D.C., 20510
Tel: [phone]
30 Lewis St Suite 101 | Hartford, CT
Tel: [phone]

NANCY PELOSI ( I CALL & THANK THIS LADY FOR
FOR HAVING REAL COURAGE & to keep pushing the fight)
Washington, DC 20515
[phone]

[vain jane]

as will you, as someone who casts the stone.
i recommend atheism, but with caution - it's not for everyone.

[Aabby]

While working for any cause or passion, it’s important not to lose your soul in the process. Good luck.

[jillian222]

How very sad that you do not have the humanity or common sense to keep your fingers off your keyboard on this issue. As someone who suffers from Epilepsy and has gone through my own rings of Hell with this disease, I find myself feeling pity for you.

[WilliamL]

Is it not amazing how unbeliebly nasty people can be about something as this?

[dersankt]

And not single one of you has shown mercy for the plight of 40,000 Americans this year. Don't talk to me about not understanding their woes, I, myself, am disabled. I know what it's like to live with a condition.

I am one of the 40,000 Americans with no health insurance. Last week, I got the flu.

I have a family member who is on dialysis and needs a kidney. She lost her health insurance and now is on government insurance but once she gets her new kidney (that is a matter of IF, not when) she now has a pre-existing condition and if the government should ever screw her over. She no longer will be able to live.

Now you gonna cry for this little epiliptic girl who is FULLY insured by our TAX money and while I have none and so many of my friends who are also disabled or sick in some way have none.

Our blood WILL be on your hands should we become the 40,000 statistic.

Also, I never claimed to be Jesus. Your inability to show me mercy and to feel and work towards bettering the plight of 40,000 isn't getting you points either. Hypocrisy doesn't fly well with God either.

I know where I'm going...I hope you do.

[vernonbc]

What a touching story. Kudos to the Axelrods for telling their story and championing the cause. I hope it results in this disease getting the attention it deserves.