The Chelsea Hutchison Foundation serves individuals, families and communities affected by epilepsy by raising Awareness of the common yet little-known condition SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy), by providing support and equipment for prevention of this occurrence, and by creating a safe space and raising awareness within the greater community.

The Chelsea Hutchison Foundation makes excellent use of donations in several areas:

Information and Awareness

The main purpose of The Chelsea Hutchison Foundation is to spread awareness of SUDEP and to inform people that preventative measures can potentially be taken. We call them “lines defense”.  We focus each year on raising this awareness through participation in community events, social media, online advertisements and information in print. 

Trained Seizure Response Dogs

Trained seizure response dogs provide vital support upon the onset of seizure, such as calling for help, bracing a fall, and bringing emergency medications to the patient. Immediate response of family members is vital.  Seizure response dogs may also have the ability to detect an oncoming seizure and provide warnings ahead of time.

The Chelsea Hutchison Foundation provides individuals and families desiring to purchase a trained seizure response dog with grants to cover a portion of their investment. We do not provide the full cost of the dog because experience has shown that families or individuals who put time and money into the animal are more invested in the integration of the animal into the home, and ultimately make use of this resource much more effectively than those who are simply given a dog.

Seizure Monitoring Devices

The Chelsea Hutchison Foundation also provides the latest technology for monitoring people who experience nocturnal seizures. Emfit, SAMi ™and SmartWatch monitors all provide alerts when abnormal nighttime and/or daytime movement is detected so that parents, spouses or caregivers can respond immediately. Monitors are placed in the homes of seizure patients upon request, and replaced as needed.

Community

In addition to providing information and equipment, The Chelsea Hutchison Foundation provides a forum where individuals and families living with epilepsy can find support, join their voices, and learn from each other. 

Fundraising

Every year, The Chelsea Hutchison Foundation hosts two major fundraising events. Each spring, a gala event has a different theme and is a day for individuals and family to come together for fun and community building. 

Every fall, The Chelsea Hutchison Foundations hosts STOMP! Out Epilepsy and SUDEP, an epilepsy walk for SUDEP awareness.