5,000 Walkers Expected At First-Ever National Walk For Epilepsy

Main Category: Epilepsy
Article Date: 28 Nov 2006 - 0:00 PDT

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The Epilepsy Foundation announced today the site of the first-ever National Walk for Epilepsy. On March 31, 2007 thousands of people will take a 5K trek from Constitution Avenue to Jefferson Drive on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., to raise awareness and money for research to ensure that not another moment is lost to seizures.

"Epilepsy is the most-common neurological condition in almost three million Americans, but few people know that it can affect anyone, anywhere at any time," said Eric R. Hargis, President and CEO of the Epilepsy Foundation. "The goals of the Walk are to raise public awareness about the condition and to secure much needed funding to find a cure. We are also striving to create an environment where people living with epilepsy have equal access to all life experiences."

The National Walk for Epilepsy, hosted by the Epilepsy Foundation and sponsored by Ortho-McNeil Neurologics, will engage people with epilepsy, their caregivers, their doctors, government leaders, organizations committed to the epilepsy mission, and the general public. It takes place on the first day of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, and should bring 5,000 walkers to help raise $1,000,000 to support programs to eliminate stigma and raise awareness of epilepsy.

"Ortho-McNeil Neurologics is very excited to be a part of the National Walk for Epilepsy, because our commitment to the epilepsy community extends beyond providing treatment," said Janet Vergis, President, Ortho-McNeil Neurologics, Inc. "Our commitment means being involved in ground-breaking efforts such as this to raise awareness of the disease and to continue seeking newer and better options for people living with epilepsy."

Honorary Chair for this first-ever Walk is actor Greg Grunberg, who is best-known for his television roles as Sean Blumberg on Felicity, Eric Weiss on Alias, and Matt Parkman on NBC's new hit show, Heroes. Greg and his wife Elizabeth's 10-year-old son, Jake, has epilepsy. "It is such an honor to participate in any way we can to raise awareness in the fight against epilepsy," Grunberg said. "To be able to march on Washington with those directly effected and their families lets our family know we are not alone."

About the Epilepsy Foundation

The Epilepsy Foundation (http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org), a national voluntary health organization established in 1967, works to ensure that people with seizures are able to participate in all life experiences; to improve how people with epilepsy are perceived, accepted and valued in society; and to promote research for a cure.

Epilepsy Foundation of America
http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org

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