Social Accomplishment Award

Gardiner Lapham

Gardiner Lapham (RN/MPH) became a passionate advocate for epilepsy research and awareness after the devastating loss of her son to SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy). She is former Board Chair of CURE Epilepsy and a co-founder and current Chair of Partners Against Mortality in Epilepsy (PAME). Gardiner serves as a BAND Foundation Trustee where she oversees their epilepsy strategy and project portfolio focused on SUDEP prevention in the U.S. and narrowing the epilepsy treatment gap in Africa. In partnership with the Whitten-Newman Foundation, she recently co-produced the documentary film The Curse of Stigma which raises critical awareness of epilepsy as a global public health issue. Gardiner cares deeply about bringing hope, support, and change to individuals living with epilepsy worldwide.

Social Accomplishment Award Recipients

2023 Cassidy Megan, Canada

2021 Arlette Honein, Lebanon

2019 Carlos Acevedo, Chile

2017 Susan Axelrod, USA

2015 Shunglon Lai, Taiwan ROC

2013 Jane Hannah, United Kingdom

2011 Dr Pravina Shah, India

2009 Dr. Michael Hills, New Zealand

2007 Dr John G Kirker, Ireland

2005 Mrs Hanneke de Boer, The Netherlands

2003 Dr Chi-Wan Lai, Taiwan

2001 Dr C.C. Park, Korea

1999 Dr J.K. Austin, U.S.A.

1997 Dr K.S. Mani, India

1995 Mr T. Coelho and Ms. E. Savage, U.S.A.

1993 Mrs P.A. Gibson, U.S.A.

1991 Mrs C. Pickering, Kenya

1989 Dr R.L. Masland, U.S.A.

1987 Mrs N. Hernandez, U.S.A

1985 Dr A. Arcaya, Chile

1983 Mrs E. Grass, U.S.A.

1982 Dr G. van Wessem, Italy

1981 Mr L.H. Brulleman, Netherlands

1980 Mr G.Burden, England

Social Accomplishment Award

Every two years, the International Bureau for Epilepsy and the International League Against Epilepsy recognise one individual who has carried out outstanding activities aimed at the social benefit of people with epilepsy. Those honoured receive an engraved trophy and a certificate.