Erin’s Embrace
A program of the Epilepsy Foundation Alabama providing convulsive seizure detection devices to patients and families in Alabama, free of charge with a prescription from a healthcare provider.
Erin’s Embrace Program
Erin’s Embrace Project
In April 2019, Erin Hurt tragically lost her life to Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP). In the midst of grief, her mother, Allison Hurt, chose to honor Erin’s memory by turning heartbreak into hope. She joined the Epilepsy Foundation Nebraska Board of Advisors and began developing what is now known as Erin’s Embrace Project—a program dedicated to preventing other families from experiencing a similar loss.
What Is SUDEP?
SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy) occurs when a person with epilepsy dies unexpectedly and no other cause of death can be found during an autopsy. Each year, more than 1 in 1,000 people with epilepsy die from SUDEP, making it the leading cause of death among those with uncontrolled seizures.
About the Erin’s Embrace Program
Through the Erin’s Embrace Program, eligible Alabama patients with a valid medical prescription can receive an Epimonitor device by Empatica free of charge. These smart devices help monitor seizure activity and can alert caregivers to potential emergencies—offering peace of mind and support to those living with epilepsy.
Please note: monitoring fees for use of the Empatica Alert App are not covered through this fund.
Requirements
1. Be a Alabama resident OR receive care in Alabama.
2. Receive a prescription from your provider.
Empatica Prescription Requirements
3. Be 6 years of age or older.
How to Apply
To apply for assistance through the Erin’s Embrace Program:
1. Contact our office to verify your prescription through the form below (please fill out all blanks) or email our office at [email protected].
2. Receive instructions for next steps and enrollment.
Together, we can honor Erin’s memory and help protect the lives of others.
Testimonials
“The Embrace Watch and EpiMonitor app have given me so much peace of mind. My 8-year-old daughter, Norah, rides the bus for over an hour each day, and knowing I would be alerted if something happened is incredibly reassuring. It also helps me worry less when she’s at school or outside playing with friends, while giving her a bit more independence. I also appreciate that her school nurse can respond to alerts in the app once she’s checked on her. If there’s a false alarm, she can quickly let me know everything is okay. It’s helped our family feel more confident navigating daily life with epilepsy.”
“The Embrace watch has helped so much for my family in many ways. It has helped me as a mom of an epileptic 10 year old son to sleep better. I no longer have to wake up many times a night to check on him and make sure he is ok. I no longer have to worry while he is at school or off with other family members if he is OK. The watch always sends alerts to me once he has a seizure. His nurse at school is also linked into the system to get alerts so he does not have to have a para at school with him at all times.”
Support Erin’s Embrace
Erin’s Embrace is fully funded through private donations. If you are interested in supporting this program you may do so by sending a check to our office:
Epilepsy Foundation Alabama
3100 Lorna Road, Suite 311
Birmingham, AL 35216
Memo: Erin’s Embrace Alabama
You can also contact our office at any time to discuss funding opportunities.
Become a Volunteer Today
The work to ensure no one faces epilepsy alone is only possible because of dedicated volunteers. If you’re interested in getting involved or have any questions about supporting our mission, please don’t hesitate to contact our office.