Understanding patient advocacy – the Rare Epilepsy Landscape Analysis (RELA)

The Rares. The increasing number of genetic diagnoses in rare epilepsies has resulted in the formation of a large number of non-profit organizations and support groups over the last decade.  These support organizations for rare epilepsies (“Rares”) have already had an important impact on the epilepsy genetics field. However, the overall impact, direction, and needs of the Rares have never been assessed systematically.  In a recent editorial, Ilene Penn Miller summarized the findings of the Rare Epilepsy Landscape Analysis (RELA), which surveyed 44 advocacy and support organizations for rare epilepsies. Continue reading