10 Things About Wendy Urushima-Conn & Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County

Every day is a great day to be alive.

One in ten people will experience a seizure in their lifetime and another one in twenty-six will be diagnosed with epilepsy. The Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County (EFSDC) leads the fight to overcome the challenges of living with epilepsy and to accelerate therapies to stop seizures, find cures and save lives. EFSDC provides all programs and services free of charge, including counseling, career development, advocacy information and referrals, community outreach, as well as support groups for individuals, caregivers and families, college scholarships and summer camps for children and teens. Wendy Urushima-Conn currently serves as the President & CEO of the Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County.

#1 I grew up in Hayward, California.

#2 My favorite travel destination is Kauai. I would like to visit Japan and Montblanc, France.

#3 I run long distance ultramarathons ranging 50 to 100 miles, but I do not actually LIKE running – I like eating and meeting new friends on the trails.

#4 It is on my bucket list to become a percussionist in a rock band.

#5 Book Recommendations: “Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds” by David Goggins and “Courageous Aging” by Dr. Ken Druck

#6I have 10-year- and 2-year-old German Shepherds, Beckham and Bellatrix.

#7 My Grandparents were successful Rose growers in the San Francisco Bay Area. Despite being sent to the internment camps during World War II, they came back to the Bay Area with positive attitudes, re-built their business and always gave back to the community in numerous ways. They exemplified hard work, grit, resilience and kindness.

#8 My Grandmother instilled in me as a young child it was always important to help others and I have never looked back. As an adult I realize as the giver we actually get the gift!

#9 Five years ago I was contacted by a colleague who was a recruiter. He was looking to place a strong CEO for an “amazing” non-profit. I was not looking to change jobs as I was happy running the Asian Business Association, a cause for which I was passionate and involved with for many years. How serendipitous that at the time the recruiter contacted me, my oldest daughter had recently suffered a major seizure and was being evaluated for epilepsy.

#10 The proceeds from GINGERBREAD CITY will fund our programs and services offered free of charge throughout San Diego County.

Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County
“Gingerbread City”
Wednesday, December 6, 2023
5 – 10 p.m.
San Diego Natural History Museum
http://www.EpilepsySanDiego.org