THOUSANDS of WALKERS UNITE with CELEBRITIES at NATION’S CAPITOL TO RAISE AWARENESS about SEIZURES and EPILEPSY

Participants Hope a United, Activist Voice Will One Day Lead to a Cure

By Lisa Boylan, epilepsyUSA senior editor

Washington D.C.--March 28, 2009 — Based on the numbers of people gathered on the National Mall today, it's clear the epilepsy community is  comprised of more than fair-weather friends. Much more. Undaunted by spring showers, muddy walk conditions and cool temperatures, walkers gathered from all over the country to help people with epilepsy, their loved ones, caregivers and health care professionals. They joined television stars and sports celebrities on the Mall to show unmitigated support for the third annual National Walk for Epilepsy.

Over the past two years, the event has raised more than $2 million dollars and engaged more than 13,000 walkers. Today’s event is expected to increase those numbers significantly. Money raised from the Walk helps create essential programs for people with epilepsy and aid in the search for a cure. The National Walk for Epilepsy was hosted by the Epilepsy Foundation, with financial support from Ortho-McNeil Neurologics®, Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Walk Chair, Greg Grunberg, star of NBC’s hit series Heroes, whose son Jake has epilepsy, joined Jets offensive lineman and eight-time Pro Bowler, Alan Faneca, Atlanta Falcons running back, Jason Snelling, and Cincinnati Bengals cornerback, Geoffrey Pope. Each man led a team of supporters to increase funding for more epilepsy research and additional awareness and education about epilepsy. In addition to all the festivities, Grunberg announced the launch of a unique and interactive Web site about epilepsy, which he created in conjunction with the Epilepsy Foundation. It’s called: Talk About It, and it went live on March 26, 2009. For more information, visit: www.talkaboutit.org.

NBC4’s , “Man About Town,” Bob Madigan, presided over events, while Harlem Wizards player, Mike Simmel, wowed the crowd with his phenomenal basketball—well—wizardry.

Faneca and Snelling, both diagnosed years ago, led their own Walk teams of family, friends and fans. “We were really proud to be part of the Walk again and bring our families and friends together to support the epilepsy community,” said Faneca. “It provides a great opportunity to let other people with epilepsy know that they should be advocates for themselves, find the highest quality care and move forward with accomplishing their dreams.”

The inclement weather did little to dampen spirits, diminish initiative or affect projected numbers in any way. Epilepsy Foundation President and CEO, Eric Hargis, said the turnout was “fantastic,” and expressed little surprise at the resolve of people in the epilepsy community. He said, “People who are coming from the epilepsy community—the rain’s not going to stop them. These are people who are dealing with seizures in their life—they want to be still out enjoying their life.” Citing an approximate number of 9,000 participants, Hargis said, “I didn’t think it could be bigger than last year, with the tough economy and the weather, but it was.”

For the first year, Walk participants had the opportunity to view exhibits on topics important to the epilepsy community through the Educate, Empower and Encourage (E3) exhibit held on the National Mall following the Walk. Experts in neurology were stationed throughout the exhibit and addressed topics such as patient and physician communication, treatment options and other participant questions. Educational and inspirational messages and videos could also be viewed from a mini-theater helping people with epilepsy become better informed about living with the condition.

Watch this space for more photos, updates and news items!