The Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago, lead by President and CEO Kurt Florian, has been one of the most fundamental supporters of medical cannabis in Illinois. The foundation worked tirelessly to amend Illinois law to include pediatric patients in the Illinois Medical Cannabis Pilot Program. Thanks to their efforts, pediatric patients have been allowed to register for the program since January 1, 2015.

On December 23, 2014, Illinois health officials posted emergency rules spelling out how the state’s medical cannabis program will be extended to children. The rules state that patients younger than 18 with certain health conditions, including seizures from epilepsy, will be able to use non-smokable forms of cannabis under the new law. Children will need to obtain signatures from two doctors who certify that they believe the patient will benefit from medicinal cannabis.

Unfortunately, requiring two physician’s certifications, means more barriers between pediatric patients and the medicine they need. In general, Illinois doctors are opting not to give their signatures for qualifying patients who want to use medical cannabis. Therefore, having to secure two approving physicians, for many patients, creates a hopeless situation.

The Healing Clinic is a resource for pediatric patients and their families hoping to access medical cannabis in Illinois. Our physicians are educated on the medicinal benefits of cannabis, especially for pediatric patients, and are happy to help those that have been rejected elsewhere. We are honored to have been accepted by the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago, as a legitimate organization for their network of patients who need a compassionate place to go. We look forward to serving the suffering children of Illinois and their families, who have exhausted all other medical options.

The Epilepsy Foundation’s annual Heroes Night Gala took place at the Field Museum on Friday, February 20, 2015. Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth was honored with the Richard N. Rovner Hero Award for her commitment to people with disabilities. Nicole Gross and Margaret Storey were honored with the Heroes Award for Inspirational Commitment, for their advocacy work that contributed to making epilepsy one of the qualifying conditions for medical cannabis in Illinois. The event was inspirational and our team had a great time participating.

We look forward to continuing our efforts to support epilepsy patients and working closely with the Foundation to help suffering families get the relief they need.

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