Science, hope and inspiration come together at the 2018 Taylor Symposium and Leaders in Innovation Dinner

It was an evening of science, hope and inspiration at Robarts Research Institute's 2018 Leaders in Innovation Dinner on November 19.

The event celebrated research advancements and innovations in the area of epilepsy, and included the awarding of the prestigious J. Allyn Taylor International Prize in Medicine to Istvan Mody, PhD.

Special guests David and Susan Axelrod shared their personal experiences with epilepsy during a candid armchair discussion hosted by Peter Mansbridge, LLD'08. “We never want to lose our sense of desperation because there are so many desperate parents... success will be when other mothers and fathers don’t have to go through this anymore," said David, a former senior advisor to President Barack Obama and current Senior Political Commentator for CNN.

As Founding Chair of Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy (CURE), Susan strongly believes in supporting epilepsy research. "We understand there are risks in funding research, but we believe in taking risks to add to the existing body of knowledge," she said.

Earlier in the day, scientists, clinicians and community members came together at the annual Taylor Symposium. The lineup included a London epilepsy update, a keynote presentation by Mody and a panel discussion hosted by Avis Favaro, medical specialist with CTV National News.

During the panel, patient and advocate Karen Fisher spoke about her experience living with epilepsy. Fisher lived with undiagnosed seizures for 30 years before a London, Ontario team led by neurosurgeon Dr. David Steven gave her back her independence, career and ability to drive. "My message to patients is to never give up," she said.

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