CONTACT: Kimberli Meadows, (301) 918-3747, kmeadows@efa.org

National Walk for Epilepsy Kicks Off Weekend with the Stars

Landover, MD (February 3, 2009) —  Hollywood celebrities, sports stars and a music legend will  join thousands of people for the third annual National Walk for Epilepsy on the National Mall on Saturday, March 28. The Pre-Walk Rally begins at 8:45a.m. The event, hosted by the Epilepsy Foundation—with financial support from Ortho-McNeil Neurologics®, Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.—is devised to raise awareness of epilepsy, raise funds for much needed programs for people with epilepsy and help in the search for a cure.

Greg Grunberg, star of NBC’s Heroes, chairs the event for the third year in a row. He also serves as a spokesperson for the Epilepsy Foundation in honor of his son, Jake, who has epilepsy. New York Jets offensive lineman and seven-time Pro Bowl player, Alan Faneca, and Atlanta Falcons running back Jason Snelling, both diagnosed with epilepsy as teenagers, will be part of the walk and leading their own teams of friends, relatives and fans. These athletes at the top of their game demonstrate that people with epilepsy can break through barriers and achieve their dreams. 

Every year, exciting new features are added to the Walk to educate the public about the condition; empower those living with epilepsy to take charge of their health; and encourage camaraderie and a festive spirit within the community. This year’s new attractions are a children’s play tent, a live band and a large, educational presentation that includes interactive displays and consulting physicians.

Also new this year, Walk participants and the general public are invited to a benefit concert featuring seven-time Grammy® winner and music legend, Gladys Knight at Constitution Hall on Saturday, March 28 at 8pm. Tickets will be available through TicketMaster.com soon.

“We are grateful to have so many celebrities inspire the crowd by bringing their families and friends to the Walk and courageously share their personal experiences with epilepsy,” said Eric R. Hargis, president and CEO of the Epilepsy Foundation. “Their support has helped to increase donations and make this Walk the world’s largest event to raise awareness of epilepsy.” 

The Walk, which takes place on the first day of the national Cherry Blossom Festival, is slightly more than two miles, and winds throughout the scenic area surrounding the National Mall. In the last two years, the National Walk for Epilepsy has engaged more than 13,000 walkers and raised more than $2 million.

For more information or to register for the Walk, visit www.WalkforEpilepsy.org. Pre-registration is required and costs $35 per adult walker and $20 for each child 12 and under.

About Epilepsy
When a person has two or more unprovoked seizures, they have epilepsy, which affects 3 million people in the United States and 40 to 50 million people worldwide. This year, another 200,000 people in our country will be diagnosed with epilepsy. To date, there is no known cure. 

About the Epilepsy Foundation
The Epilepsy Foundation, a national non-profit with affiliated organizations throughout the United States, has led the fight against epilepsy since 1968. The Foundation’s goals are to ensure that people with seizures are able to participate in all life experiences; and to prevent, control and cure epilepsy through services, education, advocacy and research, so not another moment is lost to seizures. For additional information, please visit www.epilepsyfoundation.org. 

Ortho-McNeil Neurologics®
Headquartered in Titusville, N.J., Ortho-McNeil Neurologics®, Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc, focuses exclusively on providing solutions that improve neurological health.  The company has products for Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, and acute and preventive migraine treatment.  Ortho-McNeil Neurologics®, in conjunction with internal and external research partners, continues to explore new opportunities to develop solutions for unmet healthcare needs in neurology.  For more information, visit www.OrthoMcNeilNeurologics.com.