Perlmutter Receives First-Ever Award for Work to Help People With Epilepsy

Press Release

U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) was honored by the Epilepsy Foundation during their annual advocacy conference and presented with the Foundation's inaugural Tony Coelho Impact Award. Perlmutter has been a longtime champion for the epilepsy community. In the House's FY 2021 Appropriations, Perlmutter helped secure a $4 million increase for the VA Epilepsy Centers of Excellence to help Veterans living with epilepsy and seizure disorders.

"My oldest daughter has epilepsy. She experienced seizures until she was about 30 years old," said Congressman Perlmutter. "This award is personal for me and for all the families who have had a loved one suffer from epilepsy and seizure disorders. Thank you to the Epilepsy Foundation for this award, for their tireless advocacy, and their ongoing work to improve the lives of people living with this terrible disorder."

The award will be presented to one Member of Congress each year who has championed policies that improve the lives of people with epilepsy, including supporting research and development to accelerate therapies to stop seizures and find cures. The Tony Coelho Impact Award is named after former U.S. Representative Tony Coelho (CA), who was the lead sponsor and author of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and someone living with epilepsy who continues to tirelessly fight disability-related discrimination.

"We're honored to present the inaugural Tony Coelho Impact Award to Representative Ed Perlmutter. During the years he has served in Congress, Representative Perlmutter has channeled his personal connection to epilepsy into action. Most recently, he has been fighting for an important part of our community - veterans living with epilepsy and seizure disorders. We are grateful for the impact Mr. Perlmutter has made in the lives of people living with the epilepsies and appreciate his continued support," said Laura Thrall, President & CEO, Epilepsy Foundation.

Since joining Congress in 2007, Perlmutter has advocated for establishing and funding VA Epilepsy Centers of Excellence throughout the country to lead the way in epilepsy diagnosis, research, treatment and surgery. In 2008, the VA founded the Epilepsy Centers of Excellence, establishing 16 sites across the country that aim to provide the best possible epilepsy care to Veterans throughout the U.S. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) are one of the most common injuries of war and medical experts believe that 30 to 50 percent of brain injuries in military personnel will develop into epilepsy.

The award was presented to Rep. Perlmutter on March 21, 2021 during the Foundation's annual advocacy conference.

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