SCARBOROUGH – Being diagnosed with epilepsy has had a dramatic effect on Alicia Fournier of Scarborough, but the neurological disorder hasn’t stopped her from taking to the stage and raising money for research and patient support services.

In fact, during the past several years Fournier has raised more than $42,000 for the Epilepsy Foundation of New England. In 2008 she launched the Alicia & Friends musical benefit series, which will take place once again at 7 p.m. on June 21 at the Portland Players theater in South Portland.

In addition to an evening of Broadway music, the event also includes a champagne and hors d’oeuvres reception and a raffle featuring luxury items like tickets to a Red Sox game at Fenway Park in Boston, a one-of-a-kind Sea Bag designed exclusively for the event, and autographed merchandise from the hit television show “Glee.”

Fournier, now 15, was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 3. Since then she’s had thousands of seizures, been on countless medications and undergone brain surgery twice. Even so, Fournier remains upbeat and hopes to one day pursue a career in musical theater.

So far she’s performed in “Les Miserables” at the Maine State Music Theater, “The Sound of Music” and “Meet Me in St. Louis” at Lyric Music Theater, and “Annie” and “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” at Portland Players.

In addition, Fournier appeared at Radio City Music Hall in New York City this past spring while taking part in the “Garden of Dreams” talent show and as a representative of the New York University Medical Center.

According to the Epilepsy Foundation, more than 2 million people in the United States suffer from the disorder, which causes uncontrollable seizures and can have an effect on brain function and other body systems.

Unfortunately, the foundation said, in six of every 10 cases of epilepsy the cause is unknown. The disorder can affect people in numerous different ways, “with a wide range of seizure types and control varying from person-to-person.”

Fournier is an eighth-grader at Breakwater School in Portland. Her father, Brian, is a tugboat captain and harbor pilot, and her mother, Julie, owns a restaurant. Fournier has one older sister, who is 23. And, she’s the only person in her family to suffer from epilepsy.

This week Fournier spoke with the Current about her disorder and her love of performing.

Q: What are the daily effects of your condition?

A: I learn differently than other kids. I have to do a lot of one-on-one work at school. I lost my left-side vision during one of my brain surgeries, which can also be a challenge. I also have to take medication twice a day and I always worry that I may have a seizure.

But, what I most want people to understand is that those who have epilepsy are just like everyone else and need to be treated equally and respectfully.

Q: When did you have your brain surgeries, where were they performed and have they made a difference?

A: I had surgery twice at the New York University Medical Center. The first was in 2009 and the second was in 2011. I have far less seizures since my second surgery.

Q: How did you discover that you could sing, dance and act? And what does the ability to get on stage mean to you?

A: I always loved to sing. I tried out for the role of Molly in “Annie” when I was 5 and got the role. I haven’t stopped since.

I am at my happiest when I am on a stage and I am totally comfortable there.

Q: What are your favorite roles and why?

A: Young Cosette in “Les Mis” is my favorite so far because it was my first professional production. I also liked playing Tootie in “Meet Me in St. Louis” because it was my return to the theater after my second surgery and it was a blast. And, of course, Molly in “Annie” because it was my very first show.

Q: Why did you start Alicia & Friends? And what can people expect from this show?

A: I wanted to raise money to help other people like me who suffer from epilepsy. The benefit is amazing! The group of performers is so talented and my friend Michael Donovan is the best director around. Also, people will get yummy snacks, champagne, and a chance to win some awesome raffle prizes all while supporting the Epilepsy Foundation.

Alicia Fournier