Epilepsy Advocates Take Over Capitol Hill with Week of Activities
Epilepsy Advocates Take Over Capitol Hill with Week of Activities
Celebrities Join Effort to Promote Epilepsy Awareness and National Walk for Epilepsy
Washington, D.C. (February 05, 2010) —The Epilepsy Foundation unites thousands to demonstrate the power of the epilepsy community with congressional meetings and the National Walk for Epilepsy in the nation’s capital, March 23 through 27.
The Foundation’s Public Policy Institute and Kids Speak Up! conferences, kick off the week on
March 23. These three-day events bring together families from across the country for training sessions and seminars about the latest in epilepsy information and research. Families also meet with their congressional representatives to share their personal stories about the challenges of living with seizures.
On Thursday, March 25, Greg Grunberg, star of NBC’s Heroes, will host a congressional briefing, sponsored by the Epilepsy Foundation, to highlight the need for increased support of epilepsy research and to help improve public awareness and understanding of the condition. Grunberg also serves as a Foundation spokesperson in honor of his son, Jake, who has epilepsy.
“My family and I are excited to join the Epilepsy Foundation for a week of activities that will help raise awareness of a condition that impacts our lives and the lives of millions around the world,” said Grunberg. “It is important for this community to unite our strength, passion and commitment, to help make sure that the voices of people with epilepsy and seizures are heard.”
On Saturday, March 27, Grunberg will lead the fourth annual National Walk for Epilepsy on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Thousands of people are expected to converge on the Mall to raise public awareness of epilepsy and seizures, increase funding for programs and research, and empower people with epilepsy to become advocates for better health care.
“This is an exciting time in the epilepsy community as more people freely share their experiences with the condition and raise their voices collectively,” said Eric R. Hargis, president and CEO of the Epilepsy Foundation. “The goal of our week of activities is to empower people who are impacted by epilepsy to take action and create positive change for themselves and the millions of others living with this disorder.”
Over the past three years, the event has gathered over 20,000 people and raised more than $3 million dollars to support the mission of the Epilepsy Foundation. The Walk, which is slightly more than two miles, and winds throughout the scenic area surrounding the National Mall, is open to everyone and includes a children’s activity area.
New York Jets offensive lineman and nine-time Pro Bowl player, Alan Faneca, and Atlanta Falcons running back, Jason Snelling--both diagnosed with epilepsy as teenagers--will participate in the week’s activities attending the congressional briefing and leading their own Walk teams of friends, relatives and fans.
