SHORT SUMMARY

Epilepsy often puts children's childhood on PAUSE.

Not just because of the seizures, but because of societal attitudes and stereotypes. Help them press the PLAY▶️ button and ensure their uninterrupted, fulfilling childhood. 

IMPACT

The campaign launched by the "Way of Life" NGO allows you to "press the PLAY button" in the lives of 50+ children with epilepsy within 6-12 months, providing them with modern anticonvulsant treatment, necessary diagnostic tests, and psychological support - so that seizures do not become a reason for an interrupted of childhood.

At the same time, the foundation's projects - the "My 26 seconds" flash mob, the "Epi friendly" initiative and the March 26 event - will contribute to raising awareness about epilepsy, reducing stigma, and creating a safe, inclusive environment instead of one based on fear and isolation. 

PROBLEM

Imagine you are watching a movie when suddenly the screen turns off, the program crashes, and you cannot move.

After a while, everything returns to normal - but you are scared, and those around you look at you with fear and caution.

This is the reality for more than 5,000 children with epilepsy in Armenia.

Seizures and convulsions are not just a medical condition. They cause a loss of childhood.

Due to the lack of accurate diagnosis and treatment, children fall behind in school, cannot play sports, do not attend social events, and are often confined to their home.

They could live meaningful lives, but their childhood is placed on pause because of stereotypes reinforced in society. At the same time, expensive yet essential treatment remains an unattainable dream for many families. 

SOLUTION

The “Way of Life” Charitable NGO addresses this challenge from two angles: medical and psychological support, and awareness-building and anti-stigma campaigns.

By raising 17.5 million AMD, we will provide 50+ children with epilepsy with modern anticonvulsant medication and essential diagnostic tests, reducing seizure frequency and enabling them to become full members of society.

Our initiatives - the “My 26 seconds” awareness flash mob, “Epi friendly” trainings in cafes, sports clubs, schools, and other public spaces, the February 7 conference in partnership with the “Arabkir” MC, and the March 26 charity event - will help shift public attitudes and reduce stigma surrounding epilepsy.

The effectiveness is ensured by the foundation's many years of experience as the only specialized organization supporting children with epilepsy in Armenia, having already changed the lives of thousands of children. 

OUR TEAM

Elena Baghdasaryan - Project Manager, Founder and Director of the "Way of Life" Charitable NGO 

Mariyam Arzumanyan - Project Manager; Psychological Support Specialist at the "Way of Life" Charitable NGO

Ani Gevorgyan - Neurologist, Epileptologist; Head of the Neurology Department at "Arabkir" Medical Complex

Lusine Vardanyan - Neurologist, Epileptologist, Neurophysiologist

Our recorded impact:

Over the years, we have provided hundreds of children with access to medical treatment, diagnostic examinations (MRI, EEG, PET-CT, genetic testing), as well as necessary surgical interventions.

In cooperation with the Arabkir Medical Complex and other specialized medical centers, we have ensured continuous treatment and follow-up care for thousands of children.

We have implemented several programs in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, and have also established a psychological support system for families.

We have participated in the “One Dram’s Power” initiative (together with Idram), where every donated dram was directed to the treatment of specific children, demonstrating transparency and effectiveness in our work.

BUDGET

You can review the project budget at the following link