Fundación Ivo Josué

Promoting the well-being of people with epilepsy

Through opportunities

Through inclusion

About Us

We are a non-governmental, non-profit organization that seeks to bring epilepsy out of the shadows in Paraguay.

Ivo Josué was born out of empathy for others. Our experience as a family moves us to do our part for and with people living with epilepsy and their families.

We work on the design of social projects, strategic alliances, and the implementation of activities aimed at promoting a better quality of life through social policies.

Epilepsy in Paraguay

Epilepsy is a chronic disorder of the central nervous system that manifests as focal seizures —with or without loss of consciousness— and six types of generalized seizures, ranging from absence seizures to tonic-clonic seizures.

This condition affects 0.5% to 1% of the population in Paraguay, which is equivalent to about 70,000 people, according to the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare.

A full and completely functional life is possible. To achieve this, it is important to understand that proper epilepsy treatment, healthy lifestyle habits, and family and social support can keep the impact of this condition on people’s lives to a minimum.

Areas of Action

Education

Talks on specific topics: managing seizures and first aid for people with epilepsy. Geared toward educational institutions, social organizations, and the general public.

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Education

Talks on specific topics: management of seizures, first aid for people with epilepsy, professional approach in a clinical setting, among others. Geared toward healthcare professionals.

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Design and execution of social projects.

We offer this service for the corporate social responsibility area of companies and other organizations interested in helping inform and raise awareness about epilepsy.

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Design and execution of social projects.

We offer this service for the corporate social responsibility area of companies and other organizations interested in helping inform and raise awareness about epilepsy.

I'm interested

Objective

families assisted

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psychology sessions

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medications delivered

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training participants

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Life Stories

"Santiago has epilepsy due to a malformation in the right hemisphere of his brain. After much effort, raffles, and donations, we managed to take him to Hospital Bambino Gesù in Rome. Paraguay does not have a specialized epilepsy center for the proper study of his condition. Reaching that hospital was beyond our financial means, and it would not have been possible without the generosity of so many people. Now he can attend school and continue his development at his own pace, with the great hope that the seizures will not return."

— Rocío, Santiago’s mother.

“A year after Agustín was born, we were told he had a malformation covering his entire left hemisphere (it had already been visible in his MRI at 2 months, but we were told it was normal).He was operated on at IPS; the surgery lasted 13 hours and was led by Dr. Oscar Servín, with Dr. Silva Centeno joining via videoconference from Brazil.He is now a completely different child; he plays, smiles, and walks. The surgery changed our lives. From the bottom of my heart, I thank the Foundation’s board for the emotional and financial support they have given us, and I hope they can reach many more families.”

— Vanessa, Agustín’s mother.

"Rodrigo Martín was born 29 years ago, but we did not receive the diagnosis of refractory epilepsy until he turned 7 years old. Fractures, cuts, and the constant exposure to danger are part of our daily life. He is currently on the IPS waiting list for epilepsy surgery. In parallel, I requested help so that he can travel abroad to undergo the procedure; we dream that this will allow him to live fully. Our most sincere thanks to Fundación Ivo Josué for their generous and compassionate humanitarian support."

— María Odile, Rodrigo’s mother.

Downloadable materials

We seek to shed light on epilepsy in Paraguay and raise awareness through education. Download these materials to keep learning.

Epilepsy and Pregnancy

Epilepsy and Primary Care

Regulatory Compliance | SINDEC Group

Get involved

Join us as a volunteer

We invite you to keep shedding light on epilepsy

Become a volunteer

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More information

Make a donation

Help us by investing in our social welfare projects

Health emergencies

Funds allocated to medical supplies for health emergencies of people with epilepsy in vulnerable situations.

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Printing and distribution of educational materials.

With your help, we can continue designing and distributing brochures, flyers, and other educational materials about epilepsy.

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Donate materials and supplies

Every contribution, no matter how small, is important to us. You can donate diapers, hygiene products, cleaning supplies, non-perishable food, and clothing for families in vulnerable situations.