Leaders in Sports, Business and Philanthropy Join to Raise Money for Epilepsy CURE

CHICAGO, Feb. 24, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The common bond of the love of a child with epilepsy will bring three of the most influential leaders in Chicago together for the kick-off fundraising event towards the goal of $1.5 million for research for a cure for epilepsy.

Chicago Bears General Manager Phil Emery and Ventas Chairman & CEO Debra A. Cafaro will join Susan Axelrod, founding chair of Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy (CURE), at their corporate breakfast on Feb. 26, from 7:30 – 8:30 a.m., at the Ventas headquarters in Chicago, 353 N. Clark St., 33^rd floor. The breakfast formally launches the fundraising efforts for CURE's 16^th Annual Chicago Benefit.

Featuring five-time Grammy Award winner James Taylor, the Annual Chicago Benefit will be held on May 19th at Navy Pier. Debra Cafaro will serve as event chair.

"Debra Cafaro, Phil Emery and I are just three---among millions----whose lives have been severely impacted by epilepsy," Axelrod said. "I am honored and grateful that they are committing their leadership and passion to this cause.  Together, we will protect and save future generations from the heartbreak and devastation that our children endured, by investing in the research that will lead toward a cure"

CURE is a nonprofit organization dedicated to finding a cure for epilepsy by raising funds for research and by increasing awareness of the prevalence and devastation of this disease. One in 26 Americans will develop epilepsy in their lifetime.

"Epilepsy has profoundly affected all those I hold close in my life, but what is more important to note is that epilepsy profoundly affects all of us and its collective toll is extremely heavy," said Emery. "It can happen to anyone at any age and once triggered it places the effected individual and all those around them in a bubble that is extremely tough to escape. I'm honored that through CURE, my family and I have an opportunity to help all individuals escape the consequences of epilepsy by helping raise funds to research and find a cure."

"Even as epilepsy has touched our lives, we are fortunate to work alongside our fantastic daughter Katie in supporting research that will help all the families and individuals who suffer from this disease," Cafaro said. "We are grateful to be part of the important work CURE is funding to find a cure for epilepsy."

Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy (CURE) is the leading nongovernmental agency fully committed to funding research in the epilepsies. CURE is at the forefront of epilepsy research, raising millions to fund innovative research and other initiatives that will lead the way to a cure. CURE's transformative research program has supported more than 160 brilliant scientists and labs in 13 countries. Since its inception in 1999, CURE has raised more than $26 million for research program activities. CURE invests more than 89% of its funds in its mission, among the highest percentage for charities nationwide.

Follow CURE on Facebook and Twitter @CUREepilepsy and Instagram

SOURCE Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy (CURE)