Casino Night Fundraiser for Epilepsy

Rebell Conditioning teams up with one of their clients, Katie Swan, to host another fundraiser, supporting the Epilepsy Foundation in Chicago! The money raised will further education, treatment, a summer camp for kids with living epilepsy here in Chicago, and research for a cure.

Katie, who was diagnosed shortly before her 28th birthday, shares her story:

It was August of 2008, a day that my family will never forget. I had my first known grand
mal seizure. Thankfully, I was taken care of by my cousin Anne, and her soon-to-be
husband Chris. All I remember from that day is not remembering. "Katie, where do you
live?" "What do you do?" "Where is your work" "Who is your boss?" Finally, looking at
Anne, I said, "Am I supposed to know these things?" Something was terribly wrong. It is
an odd feeling, to not remember, to say the least!

Tests were taken and I was put on a drug as a "just in case." All came back normal.
Then I had an EEG. I was immediately sent to a neurologist and my sister Jenny took a
day off work for support and to help me remember everything Dr. Curran did not waste
time in telling me, "You have juvenile myoclonic epilepsy." (JME) I was taken off of
the "just in case" drug because through questioning we found out I had had another
seizure. I was put on Lamictal - and each time I would have a seizure, my dosage would
rise. One day I ended up in my PJ's, standing in the middle of Lincoln Ave, trying to
figure out where I was, and more importantly, who I was.

Today, I am one of the LUCKY ONES! We have found a drug regimen that works
and I have been seizure free for 18 months and counting - truly a blessing!! God has
answered prayers and sent me to the right doctors, doing the right tests, and discovered
the right meds! Although this is not a cure, and I will always have epilepsy, it's a start.

Throughout this experience - my family has loved me and supported me - yet, I still felt
alone. No one quite "get's it." And so, I did my "research" I Googled! And thankfully,
I pulled up the Epilepsy Foundation website! It has been a life-line - people that
understand drugs and awful side-effects, relationships, and ups and downs. It's been an
incredible outlet. Also for family and friends who want to support their loved ones with
epilepsy!

Although there is no cure, epilepsy does not have to be a death sentence, and I
have always known that. However, it can be lonely and scary and there is very little
awareness out there. The Epilepsy Foundation works to provide knowledge, education,
research, send kids to summer camp so they can feel safe and act like a "normal kid!"
This is an amazing cause that brings a tear to my eye and a smile to my face and I hope
that you'll join me in the efforts of to support the Epilepsy Foundation of not only finding
a cure, but until that day comes, helping spread awareness and making people feel a
little less alone and a lot less scared. We can do it if we work together!

From the bottom of my heart, Thank you!"
Katie

Joakim Noah signed basketball
2-Hours private golf lessons from a PGA PRO
Spa gift set (deluxe manicure, pedicure, and lotions and candle)
$150 Gift Card to Langford Market )with an optional private shopping party for you plus at least 10 friends which will be catered with treats)
One free month at Rebell Conditioning (includes t-shirt)
Quality kettlebells (14kg and 20kg) from Chicago Kettlebell Company

Raffle items will be sold night of and are additional. Tickets will be $5.00 each or 3 for $10.00. Items included so far include:

Yoga classes with SKo-Fit
Facial
Lou Malnatti's gift card
Trader Joe's Gift Set
Boutique Gift Cards
Hair Cut From Sanjoy at Salon Sanjoy
Cut & Color at by Samantha Salon Sanjoy
Manicure at Nail Bar on Diversey
Office Chair worth over $450.00
Quality kettlebells (10kg and 12kg) from Chicago Kettlebell Company

Tickets are $50/person and can be purchased through Rebell Conditioning or Katie.
For more info, click here.