I’m sure you can find many definitions for the word advocacy, especially these days with the web, but the one I spotted early this morning when I searched, was ‘The act of pleading or arguing in favor of something, such as a cause, idea, or policy; active support.’

So, what exactly is an Epilepsy Advocate? I was thinking a lot about that question yesterday, a particularly rotten day for me, and NOT because of my seizures, but that’s another post, for another day. Are we all advocates, those of us who live with this disease, just because we can speak out about the symptoms, the treatments, the anti-seizure medications, the side effects of those sometimes brutal drugs, the limitations we live with, and the strains on our families? Not exactly.

I don’t even consider myself a real Epilepsy Advocate, at least not yet. I think I have a few more bridges to cross, or a few more miles to run in this race. But Robert Fiore is a true Epilepsy Advocate. He and I have struck up a neat virtual friendship, the kind I’m really beginning to appreciate now that I’ve entered this big wide world of blogging. Robert’s creation, Connecticut Epilepsy Advocate,  http://www.ct-ea.org/ was formed as an alternative organization to make more people “Aware about Epilepsy”.  As he tells it, “We have set our goals to focus on the many facets of Epilepsy not currently explored to their fullest.” He’s relatively new, and let me tell you, he’s doing a bang-up job. He’s connecting with people world-wide who truly want to do more for our cause, and I give him so much credit.

Robert Fiore, Connecticut Epilepsy Advocate

Awareness, education, support are three of his guiding principles. Sounds like this could really accomplish a lot for us, right? But, the great thing is, when you page through his site, or thumb through his Facebook page, so much of what he’s doing is not just geared for those who live in Connecticut. It can unite us all, and it can bring all of us..the entire Epilepsy community, together. As I truly believe, our only hope for medical advancement and eventually a cure, is through a united front. Guys like Robert can help us get there!