August 10, 2022

Our very own International Autoimmune Encephalitis Society President and founder, Tabitha Orth, has been honored with the Points of Light award! Tabitha & IAES would like to thank Points of Light for this honor. It is our fondest hope that all those suffering from Autoimmune Encephalitis, their caregivers, families, and friends have a less traumatic AE journey through the services IAES provides.

President George H.W. Bush, founder of Points of Light, said “The solution to each problem that confronts us begins with an individual who steps forward and who says, ‘I can help.’” President Bush founded the award in 1990 and formally recognized more than 1,000 volunteers as “points of light” during his administration.

President Bush saw the challenges facing the world as far-reaching and complex, and the solutions often felt out of reach. To tackle society’s greatest challenges and build a better future, he felt we must engage a wide range of people to make a positive difference in the world.

The Daily Points of Light Award honors individuals who change the world. Millions of people act on their power to do good every day, using their hearts, hands, and minds to help strengthen communities and solve persistent problems. On June 16th, Tabitha Orth, President, and Founder of International Autoimmune Encephalitis Society officially became the 7,315th “point of light”.

Below, please find comments from Mari Wagner Davis:

I nominated Tabitha Orth for the Points of light award because to me that is what she and the International Autoimmune Encephalitis Society have been to me, A Point of Light. A true beacon in the darkness of my illness. I was a nurse case manager who had seizures at work and was diagnosed with limbic encephalitis. I have no memories of my time in the hospital but seemed to become aware of my surroundings in day rehab. I then looked for information and support and found that the International Autoimmune Encephalitis Society provided the most accurate and helpful information available. As I recovered more, I was able to volunteer and, in that role, Tabitha helped me make use of the skills I still had despite my memory issues and fatigue. She is a never-ending cheerleader and a great role model as well as an expert at helping others understand the complicated medical world of Autoimmune Encephalitis. It was a no-brainer to see she was the perfect candidate for the award.

~Mari Wagner Davis

Click on the image below to subscribe to our mailing list:

Your generous Donations allow IAES to continue our important work and save lives! 

On June 16 th, 2022, Tabitha Orth, President and Founder of International Autoimmune Encephalitis Society officially became the 7,315 th “point of light”. Recognized for the volunteer work she and IAES has done to spark change and improve the world for those touched by Autoimmune Encephalitis. The award was founded by President George H.W. Bush in 1990.

Become an Advocate by sharing your story. It may result in accurate diagnosis for someone suffering right now who is yet to be correctly identified. Submit your story with two photos to IAES@autoimmune-encephalitis.org    

International Autoimmune Encephalitis Society (IAES), home of the AEWarrior®, is the only Family/Patient-centered organization that assists patients from getting a diagnosis through to recovery and the many challenges experienced in their journey. Your donations are greatly appreciated and are the direct result of IAES’ ability to develop the first product in the world to address the needs of patients, Autoimmune Encephalitis Trivia Playing Cards. Every dollar raised allows us to support research, raise awareness and personally help patients, families, and caregivers through their Journey with AE to ensure that the best outcomes can be reached. Your contribution to our mission will help save lives and improve the quality of life for those impacted by AE.  For those interested in autoimmune encephalitis clothing, mugs, and other merchandise, check out our AE Warrior Store!  This online shop was born out of the desire for the AE patient to express their personal pride in fighting such a traumatic disease and the natural desire to spread awareness. Join our AE family and help us continue our mission to support patients, families and caregivers while they walk this difficult journey.    

Be a part of the solution by supporting IAES with a donation today.