Advocacy

Autoimmune Encephalitis Alliance represented at “Brain on Fire” movie premiere October 11, 2016

The movie adaptation of Susannah Cahalan’s New York Times best-selling book, Brain of Fire, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on Friday, September 16. The red-carpet event included pre- and post-movie talks by Charlize Theron, who produced the movie, director Gerard Barrett, Chloe Grace Moretz, who plays Susannah, Dr. Najjar, who diagnosed the disease, and Susannah’s husband, Stephen […]

World Encephalitis Day 2/22 February 20, 2017

World Encephalitis Day (“WED”) is celebrated every February 22 – just remember 222.  While we at the Autoimmune Encephalitis Alliance focus on autoimmune encephalitis, we are so happy to join in supporting all of those affecting by any form of encephalitis. To show your support for those with encephalitis of all types, wear the color red […]

Join 1600 others for Florence Forth Race and Family Lunch on March 4, 2017 February 23, 2017

You don’t have to be a runner or walker to support those affected by autoimmune encephalitis on March 4, 2017, but if you are, come share your spirit, laughter, and competitive spirit with 1600 soon-to-be friends at Florence Forth. There is also a wonderful Family Lunch for patients and their immediate families at noon (doors […]

March 22, is “Brain Injury Awareness Day” March 22, 2017

March 22, of each year is Brain Injury Awareness Day. This year’s theme is “Not Alone.” While autoimmune encephalitis is not what most people consider a “brain injury,” the damage done by the disease can be similar. “I have been told by several world-class physicians who focus on AE, that recovery, and in particular the […]

University of Indianapolis hosts soccer event honoring autoimmune encephalitis survivor October 25, 2017

Rory Halbert was recognized at a University of Indianapolis women’s soccer game recently as part of TeamIMPACT, a program which allows children with serious illnesses to become an honorary member of a college team. Rory was recognized at halftime, as she is graduating from the program. The team wore green to show support for Rory’s […]

AEA executive director speaks at University of Texas Medical Branch January 9, 2018

Autoimmune encephalitis was featured at a November 21, meeting of the Osler Club sponsored by the John P. McGovern Academy of Oslerian Medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch’s  (UTMB). Following a sit-down dinner, the 48 attendees, many of whom were physicians and physicians in training, filled the room to capacity for the program […]

Join your AE Community on March 3rd! February 8, 2018

Come join your AE community at the annual Florence Forth Road Race and AE Family Lunch on March 3, 2018 in Durham, NC. It’s a chance for AE survivors to join together and share stories.  The center piece of the weekend is a walk/run on Saturday morning called Florence Forth. Then after the walk/run is […]

Susannah Cahalan and Dr. Najjar discuss AE August 14, 2014

Susannah Cahalan and Dr. Souhel Najjar NY Times best selling author and AE survivor Susannah Cahalan reads from Brain on Fire and has a conversation with the doctor who saved her life, Dr. Souhel Najjar. The Autoimmune Encephalitis Alliance hosted a series of Autoimmune Encephalitis awareness events at Duke University Medical Center, March 26 and 27, 2014.  International experts […]

Texas Children’s Hospital sponsors AE Family Day of Hope July 11, 2018

We are excited to announce Texas Children’s Hospital’s upcoming “AE Family Day of Hope” on July 28, 2018 in Houston, Texas. Children are welcome and activities will be provided! This day will be filled with educational information from physicians, nurses and neuropsychologists, therapists and child life staff. This day has been organized to bring together […]

Texas Children’s Hospital sponsors “AE Family Day of Hope: Navigating Autoimmune Encephalitis” August 4, 2018

Texas Children’s Hospital’s “Annual Day of Hope” was well attended and a great success! Around 100 patients, family members, faculty and staff attended this event, lead by Eyal Muscal, MD, pediatric rheumatologist at TCH. Families mingled over lunch, children enjoyed creative activities and a talk was given by Dr. Muscal on the current status of […]