Social Accomplishment Award 2025

Gardiner Lapham (RN/MPH) became a passionate advocate for epilepsy research and awareness after the devastating loss of her son to SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy). She is former Board Chair of CURE Epilepsy and a co-founder and current Chair of Partners Against Mortality in Epilepsy (PAME). Gardiner serves as a BAND Foundation Trustee where she oversees their epilepsy strategy and project portfolio focused on SUDEP prevention in the U.S. and narrowing the epilepsy treatment gap in Africa. In partnership with the Whitten-Newman Foundation, she recently co-produced the documentary film The Curse of Stigma which raises critical awareness of epilepsy as a global public health issue. Gardiner cares deeply about bringing hope, support, and change to individuals living with epilepsy worldwide.