Teen with Epilepsy Gains National Recognition for Outstanding Service

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis., July 30, 2008 –   More than 13,000 kids were nominated for the annual Kohl’s Kids Who Care® Scholarship Program, but Sara-Elizabeth Clark, 13, rose to the top as one of 10 national winners earning a $5,000 scholarship. In addition, Kohl’s Department Stores will donate $1,000 to the Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern New York.

When Sara-Elizabeth realized there was a lack of fundraising for people with epilepsy in her area, she decided to step up and make a difference. Sara-Elizabeth, who was diagnosed with epilepsy as an infant, organized walks that raised more than $25,000 to support the approximately 40,000 people affected by the disorder in the region surrounding her hometown of Gardiner, N.Y. She also participated in the Epilepsy Foundation’s signature advocacy event this year, Kids Speak Up!, to share her story on behalf of the 3 million Americans living with epilepsy. In addition, she created a Web site, www.itsnotwhoiam.com, to further create awareness.

“She says that she won’t stop until everyone understands what epilepsy is,” said Shawn Clark, Sara-Elizabeth’s father and nominator. “Sara-Elizabeth has a truly altruistic nature and refuses to let anyone tell her that she can not do what she has proven she can.”

“To see kids as young as 10 founding programs, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars and caring for those in need is inspiring because they are learning at an early age the intrinsic value of volunteerism,” said Julie Gardner, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Kohl’s. “Kohl’s is thrilled to reward these kids through the Kohl’s Kids Who Care Scholarship Program and hopes it will encourage more young people to volunteer.”

For more information or a list of Kids Who Care winners, visit www.kohlskidswhocare.com. Click here for more information on the Epilepsy Foundation's Kids Speak Up! program.