Epilepsy Foundation Launches Online Comic Book

Epilepsy Foundation Launches Online Comic Book

Epilepsyandmychild.org Helps Youth Cope with Seizures

Washington, DC (February 17, 2010) — “What’s up with Wendy? Medikidz Explain Epilepsy,” is a new feature on the Epilepsy Foundation’s parent Web site, www.EpilepsyandMyChild.org. The online comic book explores the mysteries of epilepsy in humorous yet informative language that engages youth 12 to 17. The animation, which is the first of its kind released in the United States, takes Web visitors on a journey with five superheroes through planet Mediland. The Epilepsy Foundation partnered with Medikidz to launch the online comic book.

“Nearly 3 million people in the United States have some form of epilepsy. Thirty percent of them are children under the age of 18,” said Eric R. Hargis, president and CEO of the Epilepsy Foundation. “We are pleased about this opportunity to help end the stigma that too often surrounds epilepsy. It is vital that we reach young people and graphic novels are a great way to educate teens about epilepsy.”

Epilepsy is the third most common neurological disorder in the United States, but despite its prevalence, the condition is often misunderstood.
The online comic book is featured on the Epilepsy Foundation’s Web site www.epilepsyandmychild.org. Supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) Maternal and Child Health Bureau’s (MCHB) Project Access, the Web site provides parents of children with epilepsy access to vital information and resources to help them learn about epilepsy and manage their child’s care. 

Medikidz is the first multimedia medical education publishing company for children. The company creates books, pamphlets, brochures and interactive media to educate children about their illness, health and treatment. Based in London, England, Medikidz provides an offering, where children can find information on their illness, drug therapies and their treatments. Other conditions they have covered include diabetes, leukemia and cystic fibrosis.