Anne Flemming founded the Lethbridge Epilepsy Association in 1975.  The Association was founded out of a personal need for Anne’s family, her son Richard was diagnosed with epilepsy and she felt that others living with epilepsy should have an association to turn to for support. 

  In 1977 Anne gave a presentation to ComServe, a project that was in place through the government to assist people with disabilities.  Greg Robinson and Lloyd Flaig, Principal of Fleetwood Bawden decided to become involved.  Along with Greg and Lloyd, Jack MacLaine, Donna Szovan and Dena Vaykovich were the first board of directors and incorporated the Lethbridge Epilepsy Association (LEA) in 1979.  Pat Robinson, a registered nurse, was hired in 1978 as the secretary for the first office. The first office was in the basement of Red Cross House.  In the beginning the Lethbridge Epilepsy Association functioned primarily as a support group. Pat made contact with families and individuals affected epilepsy and held support group meetings once a month.

 The United Way was the first organization to fund the LEA.  After attending a workshop given by Dr. Darwish in Calgary, Pat decided to hold a workshop in Lethbridge.   The workshop was to educate people affected with epilepsy and the general public.  A representative from Sandoz Pharmaceutical who sold anticonvulsant drugs, helped sponsor the workshop.  Pat organized a panel that consisted of Dr. Becker, Dr. Bill Cook, Dr. Kaplan.  As a result, the Lethbridge Herald put a half page article in the newspaper. 

 Pat became aware that families and individuals affected with epilepsy were in need of information about epilepsy and medication. There after Pat sought out resources for the information. In addition, Pat organized camps for children with epilepsy.  A vocational placement officer from Canada Employment was hired, to place individuals affected with epilepsy in the work place.

 The diagnoses of epilepsy became easier with the use of the PET scan. The PET scan locates the focal point of epilepsy and the cause of seizures.

 The Lethbridge Epilepsy Association continued to provide monthly support groups and information. In addition the organization raised funds for research.  The board of directors lobbied for a Neurologist in Lethbridge and Dr. Winder arrived.

 Over time the need for support and information went beyond Lethbridge.  To more fully reflect the client service area, the Southern Alberta Epilepsy Association (SAEA) was incorporated in June 25, 1993 and received its registered charities status on May 5,1999. 

 Today the client service area spans from provincial border to provincial border in Southern Alberta, and from the American border north to Nanton, Alberta.