The National Walk for Epilepsy brings thousands of supporters to the National Mall to raise funds and awareness for the 3 million living with epilepsy

WASHINGTON, March 25, 2017 -- On Saturday, March 25, 2017, the National Walk for Epilepsy gathered over two thousand supporters for their annual 5K walk focused on finding a cure and raising awareness for epilepsy. The event, which is celebrating its 11^th anniversary, was held on the Washington Monument grounds. Epilepsy affects 3 million people nationwide and is the 4^th most common neurological problem. This year alone, another 150,000 people will be diagnosed with epilepsy.

Leaders of the Epilepsy Foundation kick off the 11th annual National Walk for Epilepsy at the Washington Monument. The Epilepsy Foundation (www.epilepsy.com) leads the fight to overcome the challenges for 3 million people in America living with seizures.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/67ad15c8-1ad7-4f69-8d35-d8d51ab5b929

The National Walk for Epilepsy started in 2006 and has raised over $10 million to help provide services for people living with epilepsy, created awareness of the more than 40 types of seizures and appropriate first aid, and provided research towards better treatment and new therapy options.

The “Talk About It” tent, presented by Sunovion Pharmaceuticals, made its second appearance at the Walk. This year’s tent gave participants the opportunity to share their epilepsy hero and their personal experiences with epilepsy. Walkers also enjoyed live performances, family activities in Walker’s Village, and heard from medical experts in the “Ask the Experts” Q & A panel after the Walk. The event also included an optional 1 mile “Family Fun Walk” that loops around the Washington Monument.

“Each step taken today will help raise awareness, accelerate therapies, and provide support and services for all people living with epilepsy and seizures,” said Phillip M. Gattone, President and CEO of the Epilepsy Foundation. “Every year the walk brings together a dedicated group of walkers, volunteers, and Epilepsy Foundation staff. This year was no exception. With the strength of this amazing community, I truly believe we have the power to stop seizures, find cures, and save lives.”

The Epilepsy Foundation thanks this year’s National Walk Chair, Alan Strauss, who has a son living with epilepsy.

Special guests scheduled to appear: DJ HAPA, Rick Harrison (Reality TV personality), Left on Lincoln, Jenny LaBaw (Crossfit athlete), Jeff Klauk (former PGA Golfer), Chanda Gunn (Olympic ice hockey medalist), and Zach McGinnis (former professional swimmer).

Thank you to our event sponsors: Sunovion, LivaNova VNS Therapy®, Eisai, Greenwich Biosciences, Lundbeck, UCB, and the Danny Did® Foundation.

About Epilepsy

When a person has two unprovoked seizures or one unprovoked seizure with the likelihood of more, they are considered to have epilepsy. Epilepsy affects 3 million people in the U.S. and 65 million worldwide. This year, another 150,000 people will be diagnosed with epilepsy. Despite all available treatments, 4 out of 10 people with epilepsy continue to experience uncontrolled seizures while many more experience less than optimal seizure control.

About the Epilepsy Foundation

The Epilepsy Foundation, a national non-profit with nearly 50 organizations throughout the U.S., has led the fight against seizures since 1968. The Foundation is an unwavering ally for individuals and families impacted by epilepsy and seizures. The mission of the Epilepsy Foundation is: to lead the fight to overcome the challenges of living with epilepsy and to accelerate therapies to stop seizures, find cures, and save lives. The Foundation works to ensure that people with seizures have the opportunity to live their lives to their fullest potential. For additional information, please visit epilepsy.com.

“Like” the Epilepsy Foundation on Facebook at facebook.com/epilepsyfoundationofamerica
Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/epilepsyfdn.

Contact Name: 
Ken Lowenberg
Contact Phone:
(301) 918-3773
Email:
[email protected]