About the Jeanne Carpenter Fund

Fresh out of law school, Jeanne Carpenter was diagnosed with epilepsy following a tonic-clonic seizure at the age of 23. She likely had been having focal seizures for some time that were not diagnosed. Learning that she had epilepsy was a shock, and finding so little information available at the time only added to its traumatic effect. In fact, the only detailed information she could find at the time was through the Epilepsy Foundation. So began a long relationship with the Foundation.

Jeanne Carpenter also had a brilliant professional career. At the time of her death, she had been a partner of the national law firm of McDermott, Will & Emery for more than 19 years, dealing with complex trade, antitrust, and regulatory issues. She was in every way an outstanding example of achievement despite epilepsy, of the ability to succeed and live well with the disease.

Behind all her success was the personal struggle of a woman who continued to have seizures and who had to come to terms with a diagnosis she never expected. She was very conscious of the fact that while her success might inspire others, there were many who faced problems that could not be overcome. In her public appearances, she would always take note of the overwhelming difficulties that some people with epilepsy face and their ongoing need for help.

Jeanne Carpenter's impact on the Foundation and its work was profound.

• She joined the Board of Directors in 1992, served on many board committees, and was elected president in 1997-99.
• She was passionate about improving public awareness and greater access to information, born out of her own early experience. She was always the first to pick up the phone when the media portrayed epilepsy in a negative light.
• She constantly advocated for programs to improve the quality of life of people with epilepsy and their families.
• She was a leader in the development of the Foundation’s Women and Epilepsy Initiative, formed to seek answers and improve care for the unique issues facing women with epilepsy.
• She fought discrimination in all aspects of life and believed that epilepsy should not limit one's opportunities.
• She also believed strongly in the Foundation's vigorous advocacy positions on matters of public policy and legal rights.

But despite all the organizational contributions Jeanne Carpenter made to the epilepsy community, it is the person who we all miss the most. Her spirit, wonderful sense of humor, friendliness, and unique ability to handle challenging issues were part of everything she did -- and endeared her to everyone who knew her. We are grateful Jeanne graced our lives and we will always remember her.