Message from the Chair

I am saddened to report we lost a champion in the field of pediatric epilepsy. Our colleague, Dr. William R. Turk, chairelect of the Epilepsy Foundation’s Professional Advisory Board (PAB), passed away on Sunday, September 23, 2007.

Bill became a member of the PAB in 1996 and was slated to become the next chair in December. He also served on the Board of Directors as a liaison to the PAB. During his time as a member of our PAB and Board, Bill contributed to and chaired numerous committees for the Foundation.

Bill was the driving force behind a major initiative for the Epilepsy Foundation to improve the understanding of cognition issues and epilepsy by physicians and families. In addition to his many talents and areas of expertise, he also brought a keen business sense to our work and helped outline a structure to improve the process for working with volunteers to develop new materials that responded to the everchanging challenges of families living with epilepsy.

Bill was a leader with a gentle manner and sense of humor that allowedhim to enlighten many and brighten the many events devoted to developing programs for children, families and professionals. He was generous with his time, and his dedication to our mission made an indelible impact on the lives of so many people. To honor his life’s work, the Epilepsy Foundation has established the William R. Turk Pediatric Research Award to fund projects exhibiting exceptional merit in improving the lives of children with epilepsy and their families.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, the PAB and our staff, I would like to express heartfelt thanks to Bill and his family for all of their contributions to the Epilepsy Foundation and its mission. He was a mentor, a colleague and—most importantly—a friend whose positive energy and upbeat attitude moved us through many challenging times. I know we will all miss him a great deal; however, I am sure his impact on our work—and our lives—will endure.

Support the William R. Turk Pediatric Research Award.