2008 Broward Walk (Fort Lauderdale, FL)

MORE THAN 250 WALKERS RAISE $12,000 TO FUND MUCH NEEDED SERVICES FOR SOUTH FLORIDIANSSUFFERING FROM EPILEPSY

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL(May **, 2008)– More than 250 walkers enjoyed the sun and sand along HollywoodBeachon Sunday, May 4 for the first annual Epilepsy Foundation of Florida Broward Chapter walk-a-thon. Thanks to the generosity of walkers and sponsors, $12,000 was raised to fund essential services for people suffering from epilepsy and their families.

Genaro Pizza, of Margate, was recognized for his years of dedication to the cause and for his diligence in collecting more than $1,200 in pledges for the walk.Pizza suffered from debilitating seizures for 55 years before being educated on the promising benefits of surgery.He underwent surgery two years ago and hasn’t had a seizure since.

Eduardo Locatelli, MD, MPH, a Foundation board member, was awarded for his dedication as an active board member and for serving as chair of the walk committee. Dr. Locatelli is the medical director of FloridaNeuroscienceCenterand the new epilepsy monitoring unit at HolyCrossHospital.

“For the 360,000 Floridians affected by epilepsy, the quality of daily living is jeopardized,” said Dr. Locatelli.“Thanks to the generosity of our community, we will continue to cure and offer hope to many more patients.”

More than 25 students from Mc Fatter Technical High School were recognized for volunteering and participating in the event, and student Stephanie Gomez was recognized for her dedication and for spear heading walk projects at school.

Mark Epstein, MD was awarded for his years of dedication to the children of Floridaat Camp Boggy Creek as well as his work at the DanMarinoCenterin Weston. In addition, State Representative Evan Jenne was awarded for taking the Epilepsy Foundation under his wing and promoting the event.

Sponsors and supporters includedFloridaNeuroscienceCenter, HolyCrossHospital, Nihon Kohden, State Representative Evan Jenne, Roasters and Toasters, Plantation General Hospital, Weston & Associates Inc., Chiquita Bananas, UCB Pharmaceuticals, the Little Gym of Pembroke Pines .