Every vibrant organization needs a visionary leader. At EFGC, we are fortunate to have such vision and dedication in Eric Weber.  After serving on the EFGC Board of Directors since 2020, Eric was appointed Chairman of the Board in July 2025, and he has dived into the role with gusto. As the founder and principal of…

If you’ve been to the EFGC office lately, there is a good chance you know Aaron. At the very least, you know his artwork. Aaron, originally from Hillside, IL, is an extremely skilled painter whose work has been displayed at several art shows. His artistic abilities have given him the opportunity to meet multiple prominent…

As someone diagnosed with epilepsy, when Rhonda heard about the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago, she thought it would be a good idea to learn what it had to offer. More than a decade later, Rhonda’s continuous involvement in programs, activities, and support groups has made her a staple of the Foundation.  “When I first came to…

By: Shawn Blond, EFGC Associate Board Member My Mom loved sending me lengthy good morning texts on my birthday. Her excitement to go out for my birthday lunch was palpable, indicated by the surplus of random emojis she used. On my birthday in the summer of 2013, I had noticed in the morning at work…

As a freshman at the University of Missouri, Alex sees the need for students to be aware of what epilepsy is. He knows how important it is for a person with epilepsy to have a successful transition to living independently. He has first-hand experience. Alex was diagnosed with epilepsy at an early age and is…

“…Roll with the punches a little bit, get back up, keep fighting, just knowing that there are so many other people out there, going through that same experience.” On a Monday afternoon, Brendan Wolfe arrived at Midwestern Career College’s (MCC) main campus – prepared and ready to share his journey with us with the hopes of helping others. Ten…

These last couple months have been quite a whirlwind for Mason, a senior at Niles North High School. In February he qualified for the USA Junior National Coed Cheer Team. They did not have much time to prepare for the 2022 International Cheer Union’s World Cheerleading Championship, but that did not stop them from bringing…

Hi, my name is Rose Ayala, I am Anthony Ruffino’s mom and this is his heroic story. Anthony Ruffino was born April 6, 2003. Anthony had a normal birth weighing in at 6lbs 9 oz with no complications and no concerns. Anthony is the youngest of 4. His siblings Johnny, Stephanie, and Alexa have never…

Jessica, 38, has had to overcome a lot of obstacles since she first began having seizures 10 years ago. Initially, she was misdiagnosed as having panic attacks. She also experienced feelings of depression and isolation, as well as a severe car accident that she feels lucky to have survived. Fortunately, with the help of her…