Press
YAWE Releases 2024 Impact ReportÂ
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 22, 2025
Monterey, California
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Young Adults With Epilepsy Releases 2024 Impact Report
Empowering a global community through peer support, digital storytelling, and grassroots growth
Young Adults With Epilepsy (YAWE), based in Monterey, California, proudly shares its 2024 Impact Report, highlighting a year of rapid growth, meaningful connection, and bold steps forward in advocacy, mental health, and peer support for young adults living with epilepsy.
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In just one year, YAWE made remarkable strides in deepening its reach and impact:
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91% of peer support group participants reported feeling more understood and heard.
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$130,000 in grants secured to fund programs directly benefiting young adults with epilepsy.
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83.7% of YAWE’s budget was dedicated to programs supporting young adults.
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The “Carpe Seizen” podcast ranked in the top 20% of all Spotify podcasts globally.
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300,000+ views across YAWE’s social channels in 2024—with momentum to triple engagement in 2025.
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A growing global community, with followers and peer engagement from over 30 countries.
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YAWE also launched and hosted signature events that brought the community together in powerful ways—including the Walk 4 Epilepsy, a Mental Health Symposium, and the Tee Off for Epilepsy Golf Fundraiser.
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Looking ahead to 2025, YAWE has already:
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Launched a Spanish-language peer support group
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Transformed monthly workshops into on-demand video resources
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Scheduled two major upcoming events: the Tides of Hope Gala (July 5) and the 3rd Annual Walk 4 Epilepsy Monterey (September 13)
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“This report reflects more than numbers—it reflects stories, connections, and lives changed,” said Wendy Steel, Founder and Executive Director. “We are building a future where young adults with epilepsy feel seen, supported, and empowered.”
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Read the full 2024 Impact Report
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About Young Adults With Epilepsy
Young Adults With Epilepsy (YAWE) is a nonprofit based in Monterey, California. Its mission is to foster resilience and independence in young adults living with epilepsy. Through peer support, digital content, advocacy, and education, YAWE is creating a stigma-free space where young adults can connect, grow, and thrive.
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Media Contact:
Jenna Dalton
Young Adults With Epilepsy
jenna@yawecc.org
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Executive Contact:
Wendy Steel
Executive Director, Young Adults With Epilepsy
wendy@yawecc.org
Meeting with Congressman Jimmy Panetta
Wendy Steel, Executive Director met with Jimmy Panetta, Congressman from the 19th District of California and provided background on Seizure First Aid, YAWE's mission and our desire to have him join the Epilepsy Caucus. We are delighted that he agreed to join!
YAWE and Wendy's Story featured in Epilepsy Stories BookÂ
Catalyst Pharmaceuticals shared Wendy's story on what moved her to launch Young Adults with Epilepsy.
Monterey Herald "Health Matters" Raises Purple Day Awareness
Young Adults With Epilepsy would like to thank Health Matters for featuring our press release about the significance of Purple Day! Health Matters is a publication that is distributed in local hospitals and clinics.
