Charleston Living Magazine Nov-Dec 2023

NON-PROFITS
Erick Gordon, the inspiration
behind the formation of the South
Carolina Advocates For Epilepsy
organization, next to an awareness
board at a community event.
can be made online, by mail or by visiting the
shelter directly. Supplies are always welcome.
Pet Helpers has a wish list on Amazon with
supplies it needs the most.
South Carolina Advocates
For Epilepsy
843-991-7144
www.scepilepsy.org
Karen St. Marie founded South Carolina Advocates
For Epilepsy when her son Erick Gordon
was diagnosed with epilepsy in 2007 after suffering
from three tonic-clonic seizures in 18 hours.
“I quickly became aware of the lack
of awareness and support for people with
epilepsy and their families. Epilepsy is a
diagnosis that often impacts every area of a
patient’s life. I decided that had to change,”
she said. Erick became her inspiration to
start the organization, which became an official
501c3 nonprofit in 2011.
Initiatives include providing in person
and online seizure first-aid training to all
communities in South Carolina, the passage
of SC Seizure Safe School Act which
requires training of basic seizure recognition
and seizure first-aid for all school personnel
and promoting importance and establishment
of Seizure Action Plans to all patients.
In Nov 2011, the first “Hockey Heroes
for Epilepsy” awareness event was held at a
SC Stingrays game. The organization raised
over $7,000 for the R.E.E.F. (Research and
Education in Epilepsy Fund) at the Medical
University of South Carolina. The organization
has a presence at community events for
seizure first-aid training and to raise awareness.
It also organizes meetups for those living
with epilepsy and their families.
“Approximately 2,100 new diagnoses occur
in South Carolina each year. These numbers
are a strong indication of the need for advocacy,
education and inspiration,” St. Marie said.
Greatest need: Volunteers at community
events, sponsorships and donations are accepted
through the website www.scepilepsy.org.
Lowcountry Pregnancy
Center
7481 Northside Dr., Ste. B,
North Charleston
www.lpcfriends.com
Lowcountry Pregnancy Center was founded
in 1986 and has served the community with
over 165,000 client visits. LPC exists to provide
life-affirming reproductive health and
family services in a compassionate Christian
environment. We believe in the sanctity and
value of every human life. We believe that
no woman should have to make a pregnancy
decision out of fear or desperation.
The center provides pregnancy
tests, limited obstetrical ultrasounds,
pregnancy options counseling, parenting
68 | CharlestonLivingMag.com