Tri-Cities Resident Receives Prestigious Award

Arthur A. Ward, Jr. Award presented to Heather Franklin

SEATTLE, Jan. 31, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- This Saturday evening in Seattle, the Epilepsy Foundation Northwest will present the annual Arthur A. Ward, Jr. Achievement in Epilepsy Award to Richland resident Heather Franklin. The award has been given in the past to Sen. Patty Murray, renown neurologists Drs. Linda and George Ojemann, various leading epilepsy researchers and long time volunteers. The award is named for the founding University of Washington epilepsy research and medical professional Arthur A. Ward, Jr.

"We are thrilled to be giving this recognition to someone who made a huge difference in a short time in the lives of children with epilepsy in Washington State," said Debbie Batteiger, Event Chair. "The future of children with epilepsy is brighter because Ms. Franklin stood up for change."

Heather Franklin led the fight, along with 8^th District Rep. Brad Klippert, to change Washington law allowing the administration of emergent nasal spray medication to a child having a seizure in the school setting. The law also allowed for delegation of the administration of the medication by a trained designee if a school nurse was not on school grounds. The law unanimously passed the House and Senate during the 2013 session and was signed into law by Gov. Inslee in May of 2013.

"No single person has done more than Heather Franklin to address the need for administration of critical life saving medication to a child having a seizure in schools," said Brent Herrmann EFNW CEO. "Now state agencies are listening to the importance of stopping a seizure when it occurs."

The award will be presented at the annual "Light the Flame" dinner auction to benefit programs and services offered by the foundation and will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2014 at the Grand Hyatt in downtown Seattle. The event begins at 6 pm.

About EFNW                    
The Epilepsy Foundation Northwest (EFNW) leads the fight to stop seizures, find a cure and overcome challenges created by epilepsy. EFNW is the principal advocate for the epilepsy community in Oregon, Washington, Alaska with support to Montana.  Nearly 136,000 people are living with epilepsy or seizure related disorders in the northwest.

SOURCE Epilepsy Foundation Northwest