The Charles L. Shor Foundation has made a nearly $4 million gift supporting patients at the UC Health Epilepsy Center at the UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute and the Osher Center for Integrative Health at UC. This generous and future-forward donation leverages a partnership focused on integrating wellness and neurological care.
The UC Health Epilepsy Center, the region’s only adult Level IV epilepsy center, and the Osher Center for Integrative Health at UC—one of only 11 Osher Centers across the globe—are committed to whole-person care.
The Shor Foundation’s generosity allows this partnership to thrive, giving people with epilepsy and their families access to a combination of conventional medicine and integrative therapies with a focus on healthy lifestyle.
"I am grateful to the Charles L. Shor Foundation and its support. We look forward to expanding therapies and wellness classes in partnership with the Epilepsy Center and other areas for neurological care," said Sian Cotton, PhD, Director of the Osher Center for Integrative Health at UC, Turner Farm Foundation Chair.
Charles L. Shor has been public about his battle with epilepsy and has focused on what he can do for others with the disease. In 2002, he created the Charles L. Shor Foundation for Epilepsy Research. Shor also established Epilepsy Wellness Advocates, a medically backed, data-driven, research-based community that produces tools and resources to improve the quality of life for those dealing with epilepsy.
"I have always believed that the best healthcare combines clinical excellence with curiosity, compassion and the courage to rethink what is possible," said Shor. "My own experience with epilepsy has deepened my commitment to giving hope to people who may feel they have lost it, particularly those who have exhausted traditional approaches. I am proud to support UC Health as it brings together coordinated care, clinical innovation and whole-person support to give people with epilepsy greater agency in their health and a renewed sense of dignity, independence and optimism."
Advancing epilepsy care with a whole-care approach
The gift from the Shor Foundation creates four funds advancing research and care for individuals with epilepsy.
- The Charles Shor Research Innovation Fund: The fund will advance novel approaches and pilot programs, including non-pharmacological and lifestyle-based interventions designed to enhance quality of life and reduce seizures and other epilepsy-related symptoms.
- The Charles Shor Epilepsy Wellness Initiative and the UC Health Osher Center & Epilepsy Center Clinical Services Fund: The Charles Shor Epilepsy Wellness Initiative will perpetually strengthen an integrative epilepsy care partnership between the UC Health Epilepsy Center and the Osher Center at UC. People with epilepsy will have access to educational and whole person wellness programs that have not been available in the past.
- The Charles Shor Nurse Navigator Fund: Supports the recruitment and retention of a patient nurse navigator to assist epilepsy patients throughout their care journey. Specialized in non-pharmacological treatments, the patient nurse navigator will educate and guide patients through personalized assistance. They will also collaborate with the Osher Center at UC to incorporate a range of integrative/non-pharmacological therapies into an individualized treatment plan—improving outcomes, reducing stress and supporting overall wellness for epilepsy patients.
- The UC Health Osher Center & Epilepsy Center Clinical Services Fund: The Services Fund increases access to integrative therapies, educational resources and supportive services intended to reduce seizure frequency and intensity and improve the quality of life for UC Health patients with epilepsy.
"We know that non-pharmacological whole person wellness programs help people with epilepsy, but these programs are rarely available. This generous gift will bring these programs to life for people with epilepsy, allow research about the optimal programs, and create a model for other epilepsy centers to follow," said Michael Privitera, MD, Matthew B. Lindner and Michael Privitera, MD, Endowed Chair, Director, UC Health Epilepsy Center.
About the UC Health Epilepsy Center
The UC Health Epilepsy Center is uniquely positioned to lead advancements in seizure treatment and brain health. It treats over 6,000 patients annually, includes the most advanced medical and surgical options, and hosts multiple clinical trials each year. Its world-renowned team includes 12 neurologists and neurosurgeons with advanced training in epilepsy.
About the Osher Center for Integrative Health at UC
Its mission is rooted in a commitment to whole-person care that combines the best of conventional medicine with tried-and-true integrative therapies and lifestyle medicine approaches. Food, movement, mindfulness, music and art are used as medicine with an evidence-based approach.
Featured image at top: Michael Privitera, MD, Matthew B. Lindner and Michael Privitera, MD, Endowed Chair, Director, UC Epilepsy Center, with patients. Photo/UC Health.