The Matty Fund to become The Matty Project under Epilepsy Foundation New England

THE MATTY Fund was created in 2003 by Richard and Debra Siravo to honor their five-year-old son, Matty, who died of a prolonged epileptic seizure. The Matty Fund will reorganize as The Matty Project, an initiative under Epilepsy Foundation New England. / COURTESY THE MATTY FUND
THE MATTY Fund was created in 2003 by Richard and Debra Siravo to honor their five-year-old son, Matty, who died of a prolonged epileptic seizure. The Matty Fund will reorganize as The Matty Project, an initiative under Epilepsy Foundation New England. / COURTESY THE MATTY FUND

WARWICK – The Matty Fund will reorganize as The Matty Project, an initiative under Epilepsy Foundation New England.

The new enterprise, unveiled Jan. 28 at The Matty Fund’s winter gala, will enable the expansion of support and services to Rhode Island adults living with epilepsy, including job skills training, financial support, community platforms and access to on-staff experts.

The Matty Fund’s success will provide a model for EFNE as it moves forward with new programming in New England. The Matty Fund’s signature events and programming will continue under EFNE through The Matty Project.

The Matty Fund was created in 2003 by Richard and Debra Siravo to honor their five-year-old son, Matty, who died of a prolonged epileptic seizure. The organization first built a handicap-accessible playground at Matty’s preschool, and has since gone on to provide family resources, raise epilepsy awareness, promote patient safety and improve the quality of life for those with epilepsy.

- Advertisement -

EFNE, founded in 1981 as the Epilepsy Association of Greater Boston, has fought for 30 years to help overcome the challenges of living with epilepsy and to accelerate therapies to stop seizures, find cures and save lives.

“It’s a whole new time for EFNE,” Susan Linn, executive director of the organization, said in a statement. “As we continue to evolve EFNE’s programs and services, our work with The Matty Project will truly enable us to expand upon the reason we are here: Help for today and hope for tomorrow. We are so inspired by the Siravo family’s strength and passion, and we are grateful to them as well as the entire Matty Fund staff and community for venturing into these new opportunities with us. Together, we will advance open conversations and provide the critically needed support and resources for those fighting epilepsy throughout New England.”

The unveiling of The Matty Project was led by Richard Siravo. Two of his sons, Joe and Steve, have been appointed to serve on the EFNE board of directors, and his son Christopher will serve on the newly formed Rhode Island Epilepsy Council.

“There could not be a more perfect alignment of mission between our two organizations,” said Siravo. “When Deb and I began The Matty Fund nearly 14 years ago, we had no idea of the impact we would have or desperate need for such an organization. It is Matty’s spirit that has been guiding us through every step along this amazing journey and his magic encouraging us to grow. The Matty Project is the next phase in our journey. We are so excited to be working with EFNE to positively impact the lives of children, adults and families living with epilepsy.”

For information about EFNE or programs and resources, visit www.epilepsynewengland.org.

No posts to display