Fundraiser to benefit Epilepsy Foundation of New Jersey

BY JENNIFER AMATO
Staff Writer

NORTH BRUNSWICK — Family and friends once again will gather to honor the memory of Michael Meehan while supporting the Epilepsy Foundation of New Jersey.

The annual barbecue fundraiser will be held from 1-7 p.m. June 15 at North Brunswick Volunteer Fire Company No. 3 on Cozzens Lane. There will be food, drinks, music, a gift basket raffle and a 50/50 raffle.

Meehan, a North Brunswick and Kendall Park resident, had epilepsy since childhood. He died in a tragic motor vehicle accident in February 2006 at the age of 26.

“This event is important to us because friends and family come together every year in Michael’s memory,” Michael’s mother Kathy Meehan said.

“It’s a great way to remember Mike, who loved life and touched so many people. It’s so nice to see friends who share ‘Mike’ stories.”

In previous years, the Meehans have raised more than $20,000 in support of the Michael Meehan Emergency Medication Fund through the Epilepsy Foundation of New Jersey.

Because Michael was on expensive medication to prevent seizures, his parents decided to help other people with the disease who cannot afford their prescriptions.

“We want to help others with epilepsy, because medication can be expensive and many people have difficulty paying for it,” Kathy Meehan said.

“Michael’s spirit and memory lives on with each person we help through the medication fund set up in his name.

“I always feel his presence on this special day. We welcome friends and neighbors to stop by and support this cause. We appreciate everyone’s efforts.”

For more information about the barbecue, call Kevin Meehan at 732-266-4321. Donations may be mailed to the Epilepsy Foundation of New Jersey, attn: Michael Meehan Fund, 1 AAA Drive, Suite 203, Trenton, NJ 08691.

For more information about the disease, visit www.efnj.com.