Recently, on a brisk spring morning, I loaded up the car and took a scenic drive to central Illinois to EFGC Family Camp. As an urbanite, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. But after miles of blue sky and green fields, my urban side melted away as I drove into camp. I had arrived at a very special place.

At EFGC’s annual Family Camp, the possibilities are endless. With a dedicated and caring staff, and a facility that provides rustic charm, comfortable accommodations and full accessibility, children living with epilepsy and their caregivers enjoy opportunities for boundless fun and recreation, but also moments to just relax, recharge and reconnect with one another. We receive incredibly positive feedback from camp-goers, including from one caregiver who shared that, thanks to the respite care provided at Family Camp, she was able to truly relax and have time for herself—the first time in a very long time–knowing that her child was in a safe space. When campers hop on the zipline, reel in a fish from the lake, make a colorful craft or simply take a much-needed nap—they’re free to be a kid, be a family, be at peace while making lasting memories.

At a time when so much is changing around us and cuts in federal initiatives threaten research and support for the epilepsy community, it’s moments like those at EFGC Family Camp which remind us just how vital our own voice, volunteerism and financial support can be for epilepsy awareness, education, research and advocacy. In fact, with this edition of eConnections we are proud to launch “Health Equity Corner,” a new, quarterly feature from Ayesha Akhtar, VP of Health, Equity, Education and Advocacy at EFGC, providing important updates and perspectives on equitable access to care, resources and education. Be sure to check it out—and to learn more about the work of EFGC and the impact we make, visit us at www.epilepsychicago.org – or, write your Congressional leader directly, here.