History
1954 The Minnesota Epilepsy League Assembles
A group of University of Minnesota doctors and social workers form the League to address
statewide concerns about the unique and problematic issues facing people with epilepsy.
1957 The League Incorporates
The League works to encourage public understanding of epilepsy, further social research, and improve employment
opportunities for those with epilepsy.
1964 The League Opens Its First Office
The League opens its first office at 614 Portland Avenue in Saint Paul and employs its first staff member.
1975 First Support Group Forms
The group’s sessions focus on improving individuals’ personal demeanor, determination, and confidence.
1978 Patty Wilson Runs
Patty Wilson, a teenage girl with epilepsy, runs over 2,000 miles from Minneapolis to Washington D.C. to
raise epilepsy awareness.
1982 People House Opens
The People House opens as a residential facility for people with epilepsy who need transitional housing. A lack of
state funding closes People House in 1987. In 1988, the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota, along with People Inc.
and MINCEP, lobby for more state funding and start a similar institution called the S.E.A.R.C.H. Epilepsy Program
(now known as People Incorporated Epilepsy and Mental Health Services).
1983 First Summer of Camp Oz
Children and teens with epilepsy attend Camp Oz, which combines a traditional summer camp experience with the
security of onsite medical and behavioral staff. Camp Oz is the first camp of its kind in the state.
1984 The League Becomes the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota
The Minnesota Epilepsy League changes its name to recognize its national affiliate, the Epilepsy Foundation
of America.
1987 Epilepsy Support Program at Twin Cities Universities and Colleges
EFM opens a branch on the University of Minnesota campus to provide information, counseling, advocacy, and support
to students with epilepsy. EFM also performs outreach programs to other Twin Cities campuses.
1988 First “Thai-Two-On” Benefit Walk and Run
With support from Sawatdee Thai Restaurants, EFM holds the “Thai-Two-On” fundraising event, which features over
1200 participants. The event continues annually until 1996.
1988 Charitable Gambling Program Begins
EFM uses charitable gaming as a funding source until 2001.
1995 EFM Commences Used Clothing Program
To increase fundraising revenue, EFM begins collecting used clothing in the Twin Cities and St. Cloud areas. Used
clothing collection remains one of the largest funding sources for EFM to date.
1995 B.B. King Plays at EFM Fundraising Event
Northwest Airlines sponsors “A Private Evening with B.B. and Lucille”. The event is a sell out, and raises funds to train
emergency response personnel.
1999 The EFM Unveils the Pathfinding Initiative
After 18 months of strategic planning, the board of directors institutes their vision for the future of EFM. The main areas
of focus include:
• Knowledge Management
• Youth/Family Services
• Marketing and Communication
• Revenue Development
1999 First “Stroll for Epilepsy” Event
The first annual stroll is held in Rochester. The stroll expands to St. Cloud in 2000, and then the Twin Cities in 2002.
2003 Northland Offices Opens
EFM opens offices to provide services in Duluth and northeastern Minnesota areas.
2004 EFM celebrates its 50th Anniversary.
2005 EFM Establishes the "Elam Baer & Janis Clay Educational Scholarship" program.
EFM wins two "Golden Circle" Fundraising Awards from the National Epilepsy Foundation.
EFM receives a "Program Excellence" Award for the Shining Star Program.
Brainstorms Art Collection begins.
2006 EFM is named "Affiliate of the Year" by the National Epilepsy Foundation
Seizure Smart Schools Initiative begins.
EFM receives two "Golden Circle" Fundraising Awards from the National Epilepsy Foundation.
2007 Stroll for Epilepsy Events expand to five locations attracting more than 1500 participants.
EFM receives two "Golden Circle" Fundraising Awards from the National Epilepsy Foundation.
Epilogues Writing Contest begins.
2008 EFM earns the "Standards of Excellence" rating from the National Epilepsy Foundation. Minnesota is the first affiliate
in the country to earn this rating.
EFM receives two "Golden Circle" Fundraising Awards from the National Epilepsy Foundation.
Seniors & Seizures initiative begins with a grant from the National Epilepsy Foundation.
EFM hires a part-time program staff to serve the Fargo/Moorhead area.
2009 EFM awards 5 MN cities and 1 ND city as "Seizure Smart Communities".
EFM starts a Youth Advisory Council
EFM hosts the first "Midwest Regional Epilepsy Conference" Living with Seizures: Today and Tomorrow
Camp Oz moves its location to YMCA Camp St. Croix - 100 campers attend.
EFM receives a "Golden Circle" Fundraising Award from the National Epilepsy Foundation.
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