Epilepsy foundation elects professor

The National Epilepsy Foundation elected Janice M. Buelow, Ph.D. to their national advisory board Dec. 13 in Washington D.C. Buelow is an assistant professor in IU's School of Nursing and an expert on the impact of epilepsy on children. She currently teaches in the Department of Adult Health.\nBuelow called the invitation to join the group a great honor. \n"Being involved with the national organization allows me to work with other professionals to improve the quality of life of persons with epilepsy on a national level," Buelow said.\nJoan K. Austin, a colleague of Buelow, said her selection to the board was an honor for her and the School of Nursing. \n"Only those with a national reputation as an expert in epilepsy care are selected," she said.\nThe Epilepsy Foundation, established in 1968, is a national, charitable organization dedicated to helping those affected by epilepsy through research, education, advocacy and service. The national office is in Landover, Md., and it supports nearly 60 affiliated Epilepsy Foundations throughout the U.S.\nThe Epilepsy Foundation's Professional Advisory Board is comprised of leading experts in the scientific, medical and social fields. The members of the group are advocates on a broad range of issues and are responsible for educational programs and other special projects. \nPeter Van Haverbeke, the Epilepsy Foundation's public relations director, said that the amount of epilepsy research being done lags behind some of the major diseases, but progress is being made. For instance, 1,000 research reports were given at the 2005 annual meeting compared to about 500 research reports at the meeting 10 years earlier.\nEpilepsy affects almost three million people in the United States alone, and is the most common neurological condition in children and the third most common in adults. Epilepsy has many forms and many different therapies, although a cure remains elusive. The condition can strike anyone at any age. \n"People with epilepsy struggle in many areas of life including work and school," Buelow said. "Most cannot drive. Some have significant learning problems. These are just a few of the problems they face."\nPatricia Hughes, a school nurse in Columbus, Ind., met Buelow when she conducted a study on children with epilepsy. \n"She interviewed me about my daughter Kristina. Then she sent me a letter asking me if I wanted to participate in an intervention for parents of children with epilepsy," Hughes said. "Our group has finished that study but continue to meet, mainly as a support group. We are trying to form a support group for other parents and possibly get the National Epilepsy Foundation in Indiana." \nWhile working on the intervention, Hughes and other parents unhappy with their doctors at Riley Hospital for children in Indianapolis asked Buelow if she knew anything about doctors at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. Buelow contacted the doctor there and made arrangements for those who had interest. Buelow even accompanied Kristina and her mother to their first appointment with the doctor in Cincinnati.\n"I was very impressed with the doctor and Dr. Buelow asked questions that I did not ask and helped me clarify things about Kristina," Hughes said. "I was very glad she took the time to come with me."\nWhile attending a conference, Buelow learned about canine assistants for people with epilepsy, she instantly thought of Kristina and helped her with the process of getting one. Hughes said the dogs are specially trained so that they can serve as companions and protectors of those who suffer from seizures. Hughes said Buelow was able to bond with her daughter and that both she and her daughter call Buelow a friend.\n"I am impressed with her knowledge of epilepsy," Hughes said. "She has answered many questions for me and helped me understand my daughter much better"