Message From Our Executive Director

Richard Siravo, co-founder

The Matty Fund® takes great pride in the programs and services which assist families dealing with epilepsy. While we admire our accomplishments, we must also move forward to meet the challenges ahead by creating innovative ways to inform and educate families, school and hospital personnel about the protocols surrounding epilepsy. It is the goal and positive attitude we acquired after losing young Matty in 2003. We have committed ourselves to honor his legacy by helping children that face the uncertainties surrounding epilepsy.

At the Matty Fund®, we believe our strategic plan has prepared us not only for the present, but the future. The continued support of our board of directors, medical advisory board, office staff, numerous volunteers and individual donors makes it possible for us to maintain existing levels of service while implementing new ideas and initiatives.

The Matty Fund® provides a variety of educational and care-giver workshops, epilepsy awareness programs at area schools, our Discovering My Epilepsy® monthly support program for individuals and families affected by epilepsy throughout the region. With the creation of our “My Friend Matty” book, epilepsy education programs have been offered in elementary schools, middle schools, high schools and colleges, reaching thousands of students, social service providers, and educators. The Matty Fund® is proud to host Camp Matty a therapeutic horseback riding summer day camp for children with epilepsy. We are dedicated to providing educational programs at the highest levels including our annual visiting doctor lectureships at Rhode Island Hospital and continued research initiatives at Brown University and the University of Rhode Island.

Our community outreach activities have been a tremendous success with annual fundraisers which include our annual 5k Run/Walk for Epilepsy in June, our annual Golf for Epilepsy Tourney in September, our annual Rhody’s Got Talent Show in November and our annual Snow Angel Ball Gala in January. We have updated and improved our presence on the internet as a means to reach thousands of persons with epilepsy who seek information from across the globe.

Most importantly, we look to improve the lives of children living with epilepsy by increasing and improving our programs. The Matty Fund® hosts an annual Easter Egg Hunt, Pumpkin Festival, a Girls Gathering support group and funds annual college scholarships to Rhode Island high school seniors.

The Matty Fund® is determined to erase the stigma and outdated attitudes toward persons with epilepsy while educating society about epilepsy. Helping children and caregivers navigate through life’s epilepsy challenges remains our biggest hurdle, but with our dedication and commitment we will be helping those touched by epilepsy, one child at a time and you can help us make a difference.

Richard Siravo
Founder & Executive Director