Talk About It

Epilepsy Foundation and 'Talk About It!' Unite to Raise Epilepsy Awareness and Bring Attention to Local Services for People Living with Seizures

During the weekend of September 7th, celebrities and volunteers across the country will help educate the public about epilepsy -- one of the oldest known but least understood medical conditions, affecting nearly 3 million Americans.

The 'Talk About It!' Foundation has partnered with Epilepsy Foundation affiliates in seven major markets and with Lundbeck a pharmaceutical company committed to people with epilepsy, for the first annual 'Talk About Epilepsy!' Weekend.

Volunteers in New England, Florida, Minnesota, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Chicago, San Diego and Los Angeles will be in their communities raising awareness about epilepsy, distributing seizure first aid information and asking for support for local programs and services supporting people living with epilepsy.

"The public's fear surrounding epilepsy can isolate and hurt people living with the condition, including my son," said actor Greg Grunberg, founder and Chair of the 'Talk About It!' Foundation.

"Knowledge and understanding WILL end this devastating stigma. We are proud to work closely with the Epilepsy Foundation to get more and more people to open up and talk about it!"

One in 26 Americans will be diagnosed with epilepsy during their lifetime. Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder but is not as well understood as less prevalent conditions, such as Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis.

According to a recent report by the National Institutes of Medicine, "Throughout the centuries, misperceptions about epilepsy have developed… resulting in stigma."

"Lundbeck is proud to sponsor the "Talk About Epilepsy" weekend both in 2012 and next year, as this initiative expands to more markets," said Daniel Brennan, vice president of neurology at Lundbeck. "Beyond providing sponsorship support, our employees are excited to follow Greg's lead and volunteer to help raise awareness throughout the weekend. Working alongside the community fuels our long-term commitment to make a difference for those with epilepsy."

About The 'Talk About It!' Foundation
The 'Talk About It!' Foundation (www.talkaboutit.org) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization created by Greg Grunberg (star of HEROES, ALIAS and FELICITY) who, as the father of a child with epilepsy, wants to change the public's false understanding and perceptions about epilepsy.

The 'Talk About It!' Foundation helps give a voice to people impacted by epilepsy. Our goals are: 1) To help end stigma by providing education and awareness so the general public knows and talks about epilepsy, seizures and proper first aid. 2) To provide support for people with epilepsy and their caregivers to become more comfortable talking about it with friends, family, neighbors and colleagues. 3) To build collaborations and partnerships to help unite the epilepsy community.

Epilepsy... It's time to talk about it!

About Lundbeck – Your Partner in Epilepsy
Lundbeck in the U.S., headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of H. Lundbeck A/S in Denmark. Lundbeck is dedicated to providing therapies that fulfill unmet medical needs of people with central nervous system (CNS) disorders.

With a special commitment to addressing the needs of the epilepsy community, Lundbeck invests millions annually in epilepsy research and medical education. Lundbeck also partners with professional and advocacy organizations to support and expand important programs for people with epilepsy, such as Studio E: The Epilepsy Art Therapy Program. Learn more at www.YourPartnerInEpilepsy.com.