The Chicago Wolves are giving commemorative Wendell Young T-shirts to the first 2,500 fans on Saturday, Nov. 22, as part of Epilepsy Awareness Night, presented by Heidenhain.
Wendell and Paula Young’s older son, Matthew, was diagnosed with epilepsy in the summer of 2013 when he was 22. Before the family had any inkling Matthew might have a health issue, he suffered 40 to 50 partial-complex seizures followed by two grand mal seizures while vacationing in Canada.
In conjunction with National Epilepsy Awareness Month — and armed with the knowledge that 1 in 26 Americans will develop epilepsy — the Young family and the Chicago Wolves are determined to broaden the conversation about this condition and to raise funds to cure it.
“Matthew has taken it for what it is and considers himself lucky that there is medication that can help control it,” Wendell Young said. “At the same time, there are times when he gets frustrated. But it’s like anyone with a condition: You’ve got to be more disciplined in your sleeping and eating habits. You have to take your medication at the exact time you’re supposed to take it in the morning and at night. He had to change his lifestyle a little bit — and that’s what he’s done.”
“My wife, Pam, and I have been fortunate to know and be friends with Wendell Young and his family for many years and have worked with Wendell on a number of charity events,” said Rick Korte, Heidenhain’s CEO, President and Managing Director. “We know how the battle with epilepsy became a personal one for the Young family when their son, Matthew, was diagnosed with the condition. When we were approached by the Wolves organization to become involved in their efforts to raise awareness of the medical condition, we were very happy to sponsor the event.”
At the final three Wolves home games in November, fans can visit the Customer Service Booth in the Southeast Lobby to participate in an auction to go to iFLY in Rosemont on Thursday, Dec. 11, and enjoy indoor skydiving with Wendell Young as well as Wolves defensemen David Shields and Jake Chelios and forward Philip McRae. Auction proceeds benefit the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago and Chicago Wolves Charities.
Fans who can’t attend the Nov. 22 game, but want to support these charities, can buy a Young T-shirt for $20. Contact Wolves senior vice president of operations Courtney Mahoney at (847) 832-1950 or [email protected] to arrange a purchase.
For tickets to this game or any other Wolves home game, call 1-800-THE-WOLVES or visit ChicagoWolves.com.
