Monica Discusses the Entitled to Respect Campaign

Update Posted: November 11, 2003

Grammy Award-winner Monica, this year's Epilepsy Month celebrity, and Denise Pease, a member of the Foundation's national board of directors, are participating in national radio interviews during November to discuss the Entitled to Respect Epilepsy Month campaign.

On Tuesday, Nov. 4, the popular celebrity and Pease were interviewed on American Urban Network stations and on the Russ Parr Morning Show, where they were also joined by the Foundation's president and CEO, Eric Hargis. The Russ Parr program is aired on Radio One network stations and on many other radio outlets across the country. The program broadcasts weekday mornings and is heard by more than 3.2 million listeners.

Pease discussed her experience as a woman with epilepsy and dispelled common myths about the condition. Monica noted that her decision to become this year's celebrity spokesperson was mainly due to the age demographic, saying, "teenagers with epilepsy come in constant contact with large groups of people." Since young people especially can be unwittingly cruel due to ignorance, Monica feels it is important to tell the public about epilepsy in easily understandable lay terms.

Hargis presented information about the Get the WORD Out! contest, which invites young people to submit essays, raps, songs and other expressions of what respect means to them. The contest ends Nov. 30. More information is available on the Entitled to Respect website and by calling (800) 332-1000.