Co-authored by The Epilepsy Foundations of Nebraska and Alabama
At Empatica, our goal is to make seizure monitoring technology accessible to as many people living with epilepsy as possible. While seizure monitoring devices like EpiMonitor are medical devices, they are unfortunately not yet widely covered by governments or insurance providers, which can make access difficult for many families. This is why expanding reimbursement pathways remains an important focus for us.
In the meantime, partnerships play a key role in helping bridge this gap. We work closely with epilepsy foundations and charities across the United States to provide donated or discounted devices to those who need them most. Programs like Erin’s Embrace, in collaboration with the Epilepsy Foundation, are a strong example of how these efforts come together, helping more patients access monitoring technology and feel supported in managing their condition.
The Story Behind Erin’s Embrace
Erin’s Embrace was created in memory of Erin Hurt, who passed away in April 2019 due to Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP). Her mother, Allison Hurt, joined the Epilepsy Foundation of Nebraska’s Board of Advisors and began developing what is now known as Erin’s Embrace Program to help other families access seizure monitoring technology and prevent them from experiencing a similar loss.
What started in Nebraska has since expanded to Alabama, Mississippi and New Jersey. In Nebraska, more than 20 devices have been donated so far, and the program in Alabama, launched only last year, has already funded over 20 devices.
What Is SUDEP?
Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) is when a person with epilepsy dies suddenly, and no other cause can be found. It is the leading cause of death in people with uncontrolled epilepsy, affecting more than 1 in 1,000 individuals each year (Daniel Friedman, 2022)
In the U.S., SUDEP is also the second highest neurological cause of total years of potential life lost, accounting for an estimated 101,000 years of life lost annually, largely because it often affects younger individuals (Devinsky et al., 2016).
Who Is at Risk?
SUDEP risk is higher in people with:
- Uncontrolled or poorly controlled epilepsy
- Frequent seizures, especially convulsive (tonic-clonic) seizures
While risk varies from person to person, improving seizure control can help reduce it (Epilepsy Society, 2025).
Reducing Risk & Raising Awareness
The most effective way to lower SUDEP risk is to aim for better seizure control through medication adherence and regular care (Epilepsy Foundation SUDEP Program, 2013). Maintaining overall health, identifying seizure triggers, and ensuring others know seizure first aid are also important steps.
Awareness is key. SUDEP is still not widely discussed, and many families are not fully informed of the risks. Open communication with healthcare providers and access to supportive tools can help people feel more prepared and supported.
What Is EpiMonitor?
EpiMonitor is Empatica’s latest epilepsy monitoring solution and the successor to Embrace2, the first FDA-cleared smartwatch in neurology to detect epileptic seizures. It combines a wearable device with a companion smartphone application to provide an integrated system for detecting possible generalized tonic-clonic seizures and monitoring epilepsy.
The device is FDA-cleared for adults and children aged 6 and older. EpiMonitor sends real-time alerts to caregivers through the connected app when it detects a possible seizure. This allows someone to check in or respond quickly if needed, whether the person is sleeping, at school, or going about their day.
EpiMonitor is part of a broader system that helps patients, families, and caregivers stay connected and informed, supporting safer and more independent daily routines. In addition to alerts, it includes a built-in seizure diary where users can log and review seizures, while also capturing sleep and activity patterns over time, helping build a clearer picture that can be shared with healthcare professionals.
About the Erin’s Embrace Program
Through Erin’s Embrace, eligible patients with a valid prescription can receive an Empatica device at no cost. When the program first launched, recipients were provided with the Embrace2 smartwatch; today, they receive EpiMonitor, reflecting both the program’s growth and continued advancements in our technology.
Please note: fees associated with the companion app are not covered through this program.
Patient Experiences
As part of the Erin’s Embrace Program, we had the opportunity to hear directly from families who have received a device and integrated it into their daily lives. Their experiences reflect how access to seizure monitoring can support peace of mind and independence.
Tara Beaird shared how EpiMonitor has made a difference for her and her daughter:
“EpiMonitor has given me so much peace of mind. My 8-year-old daughter, Norah, rides the bus for over an hour each day, and knowing I would be alerted if something happened is incredibly reassuring. It also helps me worry less when she’s at school or outside playing with friends, while giving her a bit more independence. I also appreciate that her school nurse can respond to alerts in the app once she's checked on her. If there’s a false alarm, she can quickly let me know everything is okay. It’s helped our family feel more confident navigating daily life with epilepsy.” — Tara Beaird
Ashley D described similar benefits, particularly at night and during school hours:
“The Embrace watch has helped my family so much in many ways. It has helped me as a mom of an epileptic 10-year-old son to sleep better. I no longer have to wake up many times a night to check on him and make sure he is ok. I no longer have to worry while he is at school or off with other family members if he is OK. The watch always sends alerts to me once he has a seizure. His nurse at school is also linked into the system to get alerts, so he does not have to have a paraprofessional at school with him at all times.” — Ashley D
These experiences highlight how having access to monitoring and alerts can help families feel more supported as they navigate everyday life with epilepsy.
Looking Ahead
Erin’s Embrace continues to grow, reaching more patients each year. At Empatica, we’re committed to supporting similar initiatives while continuing to improve our technology and expand access over time.
Our focus remains on helping patients and caregivers feel more supported in managing epilepsy, with tools that integrate into everyday life.
How to apply to the Erin’s Embrace Program
1. Contact your local Epilepsy Foundation office to verify your prescription.
2. Receive instructions for next steps and enrollment.
You can find more information about the Epilepsy Foundation here.
You can find more information on how to purchase EpiMonitor through charities here.