New York Jets, Nine-Time Pro-Bowler Leads National Walk for Epilepsy
New York Jets, Nine-Time Pro-Bowler Leads National Walk for Epilepsy
Alan Faneca Leads Walk Team to Inspire Youth On and Off the Football Field
Washington, DC (March 03, 2010) — The Epilepsy Foundation announced today that New York Jets Offensive lineman Alan Faneca will participate in the 4th annual Walk for Epilepsy on Saturday, March 27, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
Faneca, who was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 15, never let his condition determine his destiny. Despite the diagnosis, Faneca was committed to thrive in a sport he loved. He became an All-Star offensive lineman with the Pittsburgh Steelers and has been selected to the Pro Bowl 9 times. He understands that many people with epilepsy are not as fortunate, so he enjoys sharing his spotlight to raise awareness of epilepsy and funds towards a cure.
The National Walk for Epilepsy, hosted by the Epilepsy Foundation is a family-oriented, noncompetitive, two-mile walk in our nation’s capital. In the last three years, the event has engaged more than 20,000 walkers and raised more than $3 million for research, education, advocacy and services for people with epilepsy and their caregivers.
“My family and I look forward to participating in the National Walk again,” said Faneca. “This is an opportunity for me to say I have epilepsy, but it doesn’t have me.”
Faneca and his wife Julie have become more involved with epilepsy advocacy since the diagnosis of their daughter who has a rare form of the condition—Sturge-Weber. They have lobbied for legislation to ensure that families get the respite care they need for their children. They host fundraising events to benefit epilepsy organizations and are spokespersons for the Epilepsy Foundation.
Faneca will join other celebrities including Jason Snelling of the Atlanta Falcons, Geoffrey Pope of the Philadelphia Eagles and Greg Grunberg, star of NBC’s, Heroes, who will each lead their own Walk teams of family, friends, and fans.
For information about joining Alan’s “Pave the Way” team, go to WalkforEpilepsy.org and click on Find Participant and then search for a team.
