UPCOMING EVENTS
February 22, 2023: World Encephalitis Day (WED)
Get ready to raise awareness, go #Red4WED, and make a difference! Join survivors, caregivers, advocates, and other supporters worldwide in shining a spotlight on encephalitis this World Encephalitis Day.
Here are examples of ways you can participate:
Group photos, selfies in red attire, snapshots of red landmarks, or any other pictures taken in the spirit of World Encephalitis Day can be used to enter our draw for a t-shirt prize. For a chance to win, publish your photos on a public Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter post and tag @Encephalitis411, or send them to info@encephalitis411.org before February 25.
Here are examples of ways you can participate:
- Plan to wear something red on WED and ask your colleagues, classmates, or a group of friends to join you. This is a great way to spark conversations, share your story, and help the general public learn about encephalitis.
- Light the night in red on WED. This involves identifying a location that may be able to participate in our annual landmark lightup, and submitting a request for it to be illuminated in red. For assistance, email info@encephalitis411.org. Locations that have confirmed their participation can be found here.
- Share your story and use the hashtag #Red4WED on social media posts. If you are interested in approaching the media to get news coverage about the event, please email info@encephalitis411.org. Our press release can be found here.
- Join us for our virtual Community Social on Saturday, February 25 at 4PM Eastern Time/1PM Pacific Time. This will also serve as a reunion for those who attended a previous FACES Conference hosted by Encephalitis Global (which is now part of Encephalitis411). We will share highlights from WED, unveil our 2023 theme and logo for upcoming 2023 events, do a live draw for a t-shirt prize (details below), renew friendships, and welcome new ones. To register, email info@encephalitis411.org.
Group photos, selfies in red attire, snapshots of red landmarks, or any other pictures taken in the spirit of World Encephalitis Day can be used to enter our draw for a t-shirt prize. For a chance to win, publish your photos on a public Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter post and tag @Encephalitis411, or send them to info@encephalitis411.org before February 25.
February 25, 2023 at 4PM Eastern/1PM Pacific Time
Email info@encephalitis411.org to register and receive a Zoom link.
Past EVENTS
January 21, 2023 at 11:30 AM Eastern/8:30AM PAcific Time
Facilitator: Chris Maxwell, author, editor, pastor, and Encephalitis411 board member
Topic: New Year's resolutions, goal-setting, embracing now
Topic: New Year's resolutions, goal-setting, embracing now
December 10, 2022 at 3PM Eastern/12PM Pacific Time
Facilitator: Callie Thompson, Licensed Professional Counselor
Topic: Changed identity post encephalitis
Topic: Changed identity post encephalitis
November 19, 2022 at 12 PM Eastern/9AM Pacific Time
Topic: National Family Caregivers Month
july 28-september 30, 2022
August 28, 2021 at noon CST via Zoom
Speaker: Dr. Michael Wilson, neurologist specializing in infectious and autoimmune diseases of the central nervous system at the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF) Weill Institute for Neurosciences
Topic: Treatment options for viral encephalitis
Topic: Treatment options for viral encephalitis
You can register for either of these zooms by emailing us at info@encephalitis411.org with the topic and date of the webinar you'd like to attend, as well as questions for the healthcare provider, your location, and your type of encephalitis. Registration is first come, first served, so if you see a topic that's close to the heart, sign up today to take advantage of participating!
August 14, 2021 at noon CST via Zoom
Speaker: Kristi Kelley, MA, CCC-SLP at Baylor Rehabilitation
Topic: Improving memory loss and returning to the workforce
Topic: Improving memory loss and returning to the workforce
July 17, 2021 at noon CST via Zoom
Speaker: Dr. Ariane Soldatos, Pediatric Neurologist at the National Institutes of Health
Topic: Parenting children with encephalitis
Topic: Parenting children with encephalitis
July 24, 2021 at noon CST via Zoom
Speaker: Dr. Steven Herzog, Neurologist at Texas Neurology
Topic: Managing migraines
Topic: Managing migraines
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RUTGERS UNIVERSITY PRESENTATIONOn March 12th, 2021, Board President Becky Dennis presented to the Rutgers University Association for Neurological Disorders on encephalitis. The presentation will include information about Encephalitis411, common causes and residuals of encephalitis, and why this illness is so complicated. Further, she’ll explain diagnostics and treatments, all the disciplines involved in caring for a survivor, and how brain plasticity factors into recovery.
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WORLD ENCEPHALITIS DAY CONFERENCE 2021
Mark your calendar! The World Encephalitis Day Alliance will be hosting the World Encephalitis Day Conference on Saturday, February 20th, 2021. This will be a virtual conference, so anyone, anywhere can participate. We are literally taking you across the globe, with speakers from Australia, Europe, and the United States.
Our keynote speakers are Professor Tom Solomon and Dr. Carol Glaser, who will be joined by a series of experts from around the world talking about different aspects of encephalitis. In addition to these great professional speakers, community members will share their experience, giving insight as to what is to live with encephalitis.
Our keynote speakers are Professor Tom Solomon and Dr. Carol Glaser, who will be joined by a series of experts from around the world talking about different aspects of encephalitis. In addition to these great professional speakers, community members will share their experience, giving insight as to what is to live with encephalitis.
This conference is open to anyone with an interest in infectious and autoimmune encephalitis. Please visit https://www.wedconf.org for more information.
Register: https://www.encephalitis.info/world-encephalitis-day-conference-2021
Registration fee: $25
About the World Encephalitis Day Alliance
The World Encephalitis Day Alliance (WEDA) is a group of non-profits that aim to create a world that recognizes and understands encephalitis and its long-term impact.
WEDA addresses the challenges being faced by those affected by encephalitis around the globe, regardless of cause, through education and increased awareness through World Encephalitis Day (February 22nd).
WEDA was founded in January 2020 and currently consists of five non-profits: The Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis Foundation, Autoimmune Encephalitis Alliance, Encephalitis Society, Encephalitis411, and Hashimoto’s Encephalopathy SREAT Alliance. Each group has its own focus and area of expertise, but have in common an unwavering desire to change the lives of those affected by encephalitis.
Register: https://www.encephalitis.info/world-encephalitis-day-conference-2021
Registration fee: $25
About the World Encephalitis Day Alliance
The World Encephalitis Day Alliance (WEDA) is a group of non-profits that aim to create a world that recognizes and understands encephalitis and its long-term impact.
WEDA addresses the challenges being faced by those affected by encephalitis around the globe, regardless of cause, through education and increased awareness through World Encephalitis Day (February 22nd).
WEDA was founded in January 2020 and currently consists of five non-profits: The Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis Foundation, Autoimmune Encephalitis Alliance, Encephalitis Society, Encephalitis411, and Hashimoto’s Encephalopathy SREAT Alliance. Each group has its own focus and area of expertise, but have in common an unwavering desire to change the lives of those affected by encephalitis.
WORLD ENCEPHALITIS DAY CONFERENCE IN DALLAS – FEBRUARY 21-23, 2020
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The hosts of the World Encephalitis Day (WED) 2020 Conference invite survivors, caregivers and medical professionals to attend and interact while celebrating World Encephalitis Day.
The mission is to improve the world’s understanding of the impact of encephalitis. This Conference is organized by an international cooperation of encephalitis and autoimmune encephalitis organizations. |
ENCEPHALITIS411 BOARD PRESIDENT SPEAKS TO
NEUROLOGY DEPARTMENT AT UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22ND, 1 PM
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Becky Dennis joins the encephalitis discussion with Kyle Blackburn, MD, Neuroimmunology Division, Department of Neurology & Neurotherapeutics at UT Southwestern Medical Center.
Becky will be discussing how Encephalitis411 helps patients and survivors, as well as how the organization can support the medical community. She will cover common challenges that families impacted by encephalitis face as well as explore the potential of joint studies between the organizations. |
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NICOLE’S CHALLENGE – WALK TO CURE ENCEPHALITIS
Sunday, November 10, 2019
Lake Balboa Park, 6300 Balboa Boulevard, Encino, CA
Walk Check-in 9:45 a.m. / Walk Begins 10:00 a.m.
Lake Balboa Park, 6300 Balboa Boulevard, Encino, CA
Walk Check-in 9:45 a.m. / Walk Begins 10:00 a.m.
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Encephalitis Can Strike Anyone, at Any Age.
Nicole was a live wire of a preteen, whose strong-willed and infectious character added a spark of life wherever she went. Active in Girl Scouts, gymnastics and dance, she was beloved by her family, teachers and friends. Initially diagnosed with a flu-like virus one day, her symptoms rapidly progressed to seizures, and ultimately death, from swelling of her brain. To this day, the cause is unknown. She was only 12 years old. Each year, her family organizes the Walk in her memory, continuing to fight for a cure and to support the mission of the non-profit advocacy foundation, Encephalitis411. |
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Donations of $25 or More Qualify for Tickets to See “Ellen”
Make a minimum donation of $25 and you’re automatically entered into a drawing to win two tickets to the “Ellen Degeneres Show” in Los Angeles. (Travel & accommodations not included). |
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Donations of $75 or More Receive a T-shirt
Make a donation of $75 or more and you’ll receive a t-shirt commemorating The Walk to Cure Encephalitis. You can pick up your t-shirt at the Walk. Or if you can’t attend, we’ll ship it to you, no charge. |
Read more about Nicole here.
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Encephalitis411’s President, Becky Dennis, guest speaker at the Dallas Chamber of Commerce Get on Board YP Summit
Thursday, September 26 at The Bomb Factory, Deep Ellum Moderated by Byron Sanders, CEO & President of Big Thought |
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Dallas Area Meeting for Encephalitis Survivors and Caregivers
Saturday, September 21, 1:15pm to 5:30pm Speakers: Steven Vernino, M.D., Ph.D. UT Southwestern Medical Center – neurologist specializing in evaluating, diagnosing, and nonsurgically treating autoimmune neurological disorders, autonomic disorders, and neuromuscular disorders Becky Dennis, Author and Encephalitis Survivor – President of Encephalitis411, the first US based nonprofit focused on raising awareness of all types of encephalitis |
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Stephen Chock, Ph.D. – Licensed Psychologist Neuropsychology and Rehabilitation
No matter the type of encephalitis (AE, WNV, HSV, etc.), we invite you to join us to meet each other, exchange coping tips, learn from others, and express concerns for needed treatments.
Join us live at 1:15pm CST or 2:15p EST or 11:15a PST or 7:15p GMT or Sunday 2/22 in Australia at 4:15a.
To view this facebook event live, follow and like us on our Encephalitis411 page, then watch for the “live” video feed.
We will discontinue notifications for this event in all other forums soon, so if you want to stay tuned for webinars, encephalitis studies, announcements, alerts, recovery tips, caregiver “need to knows” and other relevant information, follow us.
We don’t want you to miss out on critical information primarily here in the U.S. to best serve you.
Specific topic you want to cover? Email sunny@encephalitis411.org. The speakers will get to as many questions as they can.
The meeting will be held at LifePoint Church, at 4501 Hedgcoxe Road in Plano, TX in a secure, relaxed atmosphere without audio or visual stimuli.
Wheelchair accessible. Childcare is not provided. Light snacks and water are provided.
This is a free event – for anyone impacted by encephalitis.
RSVP by emailing sunny@encephalitis411.org or texting 833.411.3350 with your name and # of attendees in your party.
Although LifePoint Church is not sponsoring this event, they have been kind enough to provide a safe, quiet and free place for a meaningful meeting.
No matter the type of encephalitis (AE, WNV, HSV, etc.), we invite you to join us to meet each other, exchange coping tips, learn from others, and express concerns for needed treatments.
Join us live at 1:15pm CST or 2:15p EST or 11:15a PST or 7:15p GMT or Sunday 2/22 in Australia at 4:15a.
To view this facebook event live, follow and like us on our Encephalitis411 page, then watch for the “live” video feed.
We will discontinue notifications for this event in all other forums soon, so if you want to stay tuned for webinars, encephalitis studies, announcements, alerts, recovery tips, caregiver “need to knows” and other relevant information, follow us.
We don’t want you to miss out on critical information primarily here in the U.S. to best serve you.
Specific topic you want to cover? Email sunny@encephalitis411.org. The speakers will get to as many questions as they can.
The meeting will be held at LifePoint Church, at 4501 Hedgcoxe Road in Plano, TX in a secure, relaxed atmosphere without audio or visual stimuli.
Wheelchair accessible. Childcare is not provided. Light snacks and water are provided.
This is a free event – for anyone impacted by encephalitis.
RSVP by emailing sunny@encephalitis411.org or texting 833.411.3350 with your name and # of attendees in your party.
Although LifePoint Church is not sponsoring this event, they have been kind enough to provide a safe, quiet and free place for a meaningful meeting.
https://www.aesymposium.com
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Autoimmune Encephalitis Symposium – April 6, 2019
Dr. Arun Venkatesan, Co-Keynote Speaker This educational symposium has been organized by several autoimmune encephalitis not-for-profit organizations. Leading medical professionals will provide professionals and medical students with current information intended to enhance working relationships between neurology and psychiatry (and other specialties), so as to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment for patients with autoimmune encephalitis. |
World Encephalitis Day – February 22, 2019 – weekend events
Encephalitis411 is pleased to announce a series of events to recognize World Encephalitis Day this year. Join us for this exciting weekend of events that provide education about encephalitis.
Encephalitis411 is pleased to announce a series of events to recognize World Encephalitis Day this year. Join us for this exciting weekend of events that provide education about encephalitis.
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FRIDAY, 2/22/19 – World Encephalitis Day
Webinar series – We appreciate all of your emails, texts, and voice mails with your questions for our panel of speakers. We’ve weaved some of your questions into these webinars. Follow this link to view all of these webinar videos on our YouTube channel! Topics include: Encepha-what?? – with board members Dr. Carol Glaser, DVM, MPVM, MD at Kaiser Permanente, Dr. Karen Bloch, MD at Vanderbilt Medical Center, and Becky Dennis, author and survivor What I Wish I’d Known When Thrown into the Caregiver Role – with Mary Karlovec and Rick Station Taking care of yourself while taking care of your loved one |
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Navigating Encephalitis Diagnosis and Recovery with Your Medical Team – with Dr. Arun Venkatesan, Johns Hopkins neurologist and Jennifer Stevens Learn what’s going on in the minds of the patient and physician as the often mysterious first symptoms of encephalitis present themselves through diagnosis. Dr. Arun Venkatesan, Johns Hopkins neurologist and encephalitis researcher hosts Jennifer Stevens, survivor in a conversation ranging from her initial symptoms to diagnosis and ultimate path to recovery.
The Realities of Surviving Encephalitis – with Jane Myers and Jacob Savoie What survivors want you to know about their journey; “Please don’t minimize my experience!”
Navigating Support and Therapy Services After Encephalitis – with Kristi Kelley, MA, CCC-SLP with Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehab and Becky Dennis, Encephalitis411 board president Finding the right therapies and rehabilitation program is tricky for any brain injury survivor. It’s even harder when clinicians may have limited experience with your illness. Learn about critical support services for encephalitis survivors..
The Realities of Surviving Encephalitis – with Jane Myers and Jacob Savoie What survivors want you to know about their journey; “Please don’t minimize my experience!”
Navigating Support and Therapy Services After Encephalitis – with Kristi Kelley, MA, CCC-SLP with Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehab and Becky Dennis, Encephalitis411 board president Finding the right therapies and rehabilitation program is tricky for any brain injury survivor. It’s even harder when clinicians may have limited experience with your illness. Learn about critical support services for encephalitis survivors..
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Education series – Health Sciences Technology group of Hot Springs, AR (part of National Park College) .
“Preparing for World Encephalitis Day allowed National Park Technology Center’s Medical Professions students to learn more about encephalitis, and educate family members and class mates. Students learned how to present medical information to the general public with visual aids. Our graphic design students and teachers gave the Med Pro students great feedback on ways to improve on the visual aids presented. All of the students enjoyed the activity, and learned a lot about presenting to the public about encephalitis.” |
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Turn Dallas skyline red – several downtown Dallas buildings will turn red to observe World Encephalitis Day. This year it was rainy and foggy, just like last year, but we still got a snapshot of some red in the skyline. .
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SATURDAY, 02/23
Survivor/caregiver meeting in Plano, TX, 1:30 to 4:30 at LifePoint Church at 4501 Hedgcoxe Road in Plano with speakers:
Pate Rehabilitation – David Salisbury, Psy.D., ABPP
Pate Rehabilitation – Jennifer Garcia, Supportive Living program manager
Pate Rehabilitation – Allie Johnson, PT, DPT, CBIS, physical therapist
Center for BrainHealth – Molly Keebler, M.S., CCC/SLP, Head of Community Programs
Encephalitis411 – Becky Dennis
Survivor/caregiver meeting in Plano, TX, 1:30 to 4:30 at LifePoint Church at 4501 Hedgcoxe Road in Plano with speakers:
Pate Rehabilitation – David Salisbury, Psy.D., ABPP
Pate Rehabilitation – Jennifer Garcia, Supportive Living program manager
Pate Rehabilitation – Allie Johnson, PT, DPT, CBIS, physical therapist
Center for BrainHealth – Molly Keebler, M.S., CCC/SLP, Head of Community Programs
Encephalitis411 – Becky Dennis
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L to R: Jennifer Garcia, Allie Johnson, Becky Dennis, David Salisbury Childcare is not provided. Light snacks and water are provided. This is not a church-sponsored event, although we thank LifePoint Plano for providing a quiet, safe, secure and free environment.
RSVP to becky@encephalitis411.org or text your information to 1.833.411.3350 |
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Three Medical Professionals to Participate in September 22, 2018 Dallas-Area Survivor and Caregiver Meeting
Many thanks to Dallas-area medical experts for participating in Encephalitis411’s free latest survivor and caregiver meeting. Stephen Chock, Ph.D. – neurocognitive focus on brain injury treatment David Salisbury, Psy.D, ABPP-CN – neuropsychologist with focus on rehab at Pate Rehabilitation Leah Bell, OTR/L, CLVT, CBIS – certified therapist and vision rehab specialist at Pate Rehabilitation |
In an effort to change the encephalitis landscape, Encephalitis411 hosts local meetings for survivors and caregivers impacted by encephalitis, regardless of cause.
The organization welcomes anyone impacted to attend on Saturday, September 22 at LifePoint Church, at 4501 Hedgcoxe Road in Plano, from 2:00-4:30pm.
The meeting will be facilitated by Encephalitis411 board president, Becky Dennis.
The intent of the meeting is simply to ask questions of medical experts, exchange coping tips, explore treatment possibilities and talk about what’s top of mind. Topics typically vary including rehabilitation, facing friends/family unfamiliar with encephalitis, referrals and cognitive treatments.
RSVP to becky@encephalitis411.org or 833-411-3350
Childcare is not provided. Light snacks and water are provided.
This is not a church-sponsored event, although we thank LifePoint Plano to provide a quiet, safe, secure and free environment.
The organization welcomes anyone impacted to attend on Saturday, September 22 at LifePoint Church, at 4501 Hedgcoxe Road in Plano, from 2:00-4:30pm.
The meeting will be facilitated by Encephalitis411 board president, Becky Dennis.
The intent of the meeting is simply to ask questions of medical experts, exchange coping tips, explore treatment possibilities and talk about what’s top of mind. Topics typically vary including rehabilitation, facing friends/family unfamiliar with encephalitis, referrals and cognitive treatments.
RSVP to becky@encephalitis411.org or 833-411-3350
Childcare is not provided. Light snacks and water are provided.
This is not a church-sponsored event, although we thank LifePoint Plano to provide a quiet, safe, secure and free environment.
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FACES conference – May 11-13, 2018
Hosted by Encephalitis Global, this annual conference for Friends And Caregivers, Encephalitis Survivors (FACES), will be held May 11-13 in Seattle, WA. Becky Dennis, board president of Encephalitis411.org and author of Brain Wreck, will speak at the Encephalitis Global FACES event for the sixth consecutive year. She will be sharing the mission for Encephalitis411.org with caregivers and patients, including the near-term and long-term vision. She will also discuss navigating the medical system with tips for advocating for oneself. As someone who likes to help others improve along the encephalitis journey, Becky will make this an interactive discussion to give attendees plenty of opportunity for Q&A. Get details at https://faces-2018-encephalitis-conference.eventbrite.com |
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Encephalitis Survivors and Caregivers meeting – Dallas Area, March 24, 2018
Encephalitis411.org is hosting local meetings for survivors and caregivers impacted by encephalitis. The organization welcomes anyone impacted to attend on Saturday, March 24 at LifePoint Church, at 4501 Hedgcoxe Road in Plano, from 2:00-4:30pm. From Stephen Chock, Ph.D., local neuropsychologist, psychologist, and certified brain injury specialist who will be attending the March 24 event, “There are many people in our community struggling with the aftermath of encephalitis, so it’s great that we’re getting more local support. I’ve worked with those impacted, and there is hope to offer in their recovery journey.” |
The meeting will be facilitated by two survivors, Encephalitis411.org board members, Becky Dennis and Bob Morris. Joining them in this casual setting are Stephen Chock, PhD., as well as Stefanie McNeal, also local DPT and physical therapist.
The intent of the meeting is simply to share coping mechanisms, meds that work, tests or treatments that help, opportunity to vent a little if needed, share a funny story, etc. Topics will vary including rehabilitation, facing friends/family unfamiliar with encephalitis, referrals and cognitive treatments..
“There are many efforts we are undertaking to improve the diagnostics, treatment and rehabilitation for encephalitis patients,” said Dr. Arun Venkatesan, Encephalitis411.org board member and Director of the Johns Hopkins Encephalitis Center. “We recognize the need for further research to improve outcomes in this important patient population.”
RSVP to becky@encephalitis411.org or 833-411-3350
https://communityimpact.com/ci-events/dallas-fort-worth/plano/west-nile-encephalitis-support-meeting-2/
Childcare is not provided. Drinks/light snacks will be provided.
Although LifePoint Church is not sponsoring this event, they have been kind enough to provide a safe, quiet and free place for a meaningful meeting.
The intent of the meeting is simply to share coping mechanisms, meds that work, tests or treatments that help, opportunity to vent a little if needed, share a funny story, etc. Topics will vary including rehabilitation, facing friends/family unfamiliar with encephalitis, referrals and cognitive treatments..
“There are many efforts we are undertaking to improve the diagnostics, treatment and rehabilitation for encephalitis patients,” said Dr. Arun Venkatesan, Encephalitis411.org board member and Director of the Johns Hopkins Encephalitis Center. “We recognize the need for further research to improve outcomes in this important patient population.”
RSVP to becky@encephalitis411.org or 833-411-3350
https://communityimpact.com/ci-events/dallas-fort-worth/plano/west-nile-encephalitis-support-meeting-2/
Childcare is not provided. Drinks/light snacks will be provided.
Although LifePoint Church is not sponsoring this event, they have been kind enough to provide a safe, quiet and free place for a meaningful meeting.
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World Encephalitis Day – February 22, 2018
Initiated by the Encephalitis Society of the UK, this date is set aside each year to raise awareness of this brain disorder. Encephalitis411.org was founded as a U.S. based nonprofit, to also raise awareness, and to directly impact those who live in the U.S. This year Encephalitis411 encourages all survivors, caregivers, advocates, and medical professionals to wear RED on February 22nd, and to talk about encephalitis. |
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If you find yourself with an OTE (“opportunity to educate”), feel free to point them to our website. They can then contact us for further information.
This photo is the Dallas Skyline, lit up in red, to increase awareness, and highlight the need for rapid diagnosis, comprehensive treatment, and rehabilitation protocols for those who survive, and honoring those who have died.
This photo is the Dallas Skyline, lit up in red, to increase awareness, and highlight the need for rapid diagnosis, comprehensive treatment, and rehabilitation protocols for those who survive, and honoring those who have died.
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Board Retreat in Dallas – February 2018
L to R: BECKY DENNIS, President, SUNNY STEPHENS, Treasurer, BOB MORRIS, Vice-President, and ANGELA MARTIN, Advocate Board members met in Dallas for a weekend board retreat in early February. |