Epilepsy Foundation Celebrates 10 Years at the National Walk for Epilepsy in DC with Special Guests Including Rick Harrison and Coach Jerry Kill
Today Over 5,000 People from Across the Nation Walk to Help Find a Cure for Epilepsy
Pictured: Front row (l to r) -
Sleepy Man (Jonny Mizzone, Robbie Mizzone, Tommy Mizzone, Josh Thomas), Professional triathlete Michael Poole, President and CEO Phil Gattone, NFL Hall of Fame nominee Alan Faneca, PGA golfer Jeff Klauk, Athletes Vs. Epilepsy co-chair Sam Estes, Olympic Ice Hockey Medalist Chanda Gunn (with son Lawton), professional swimmer Zach McGinnis, Former NCAA Head Coach Jerry Kill, DJ HAPA, Board Chair Bob Smith, Terri Smith, Rick Harrison of TV's Pawn Stars.
(Washington DC - April 16, 2016) - Thousands of walkers from across the nation are in Washington DC to help celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the National Walk for Epilepsy. The event is met with several special guests including Rick Harrison, Sleepy Man and Coach Jerry Kill.
The official debut of the "Talk About It" VIP experience tent is being unveiled today where walkers are given a special "red carpet treatment" as they sit down and open up about how seizures and epilepsy has impacted their lives. The "Talk About It" experience is part of a national initiative that will launch in May 2016.
The National Walk for Epilepsy started in 2006 and has raised nearly $10 million to help provide services for people living with epilepsy, awareness for seizure recognition with first aid, and research toward better treatment options.
Epilepsy is the 4th most common neurological problem nationwide, impacting 3 million people. This year another 150,000 people living in the US will develop epilepsy.
"I'm very excited to be here today to help celebrate the 10th anniversary of the National Walk for Epilepsy," said Rick Harrison, TV personality 'Pawn Stars'. "It's not about me being a celebrity, it's about the people and the cause."
"It's a privilege to be here today for such a great cause," said Jerry Kill, former Head Coach for the Minnesota Golden Golphers at University of Minnesota. "This is a cause we need to send around to the country and the world because we have so many young people and people my age who don't understand and our job is to educate everyone by coming together as a team."
The 10th annual National Walk was MCed by DJ HAPA, who lives with epilepsy, and included a performance from Sleepy Man. The band of three brothers performed their hit song "Man in Your Corner" dedicated to their youngest brother who has epilepsy.
Media Contact: LeAnn Harley | lharley@efa.org | 301.918.3721
About Epilepsy
When a person has two unprovoked seizures or one unprovoked seizure with the likelihood of more, they are considered to have epilepsy. Epilepsy affects 3 million people in the U.S. and 65 million worldwide. This year, another 150,000 people will be diagnosed with epilepsy. Despite all available treatments, 4 out of 10 people with epilepsy continue to experience uncontrolled seizures while many more experience less than optimal seizure control.
About the Epilepsy Foundation
The Epilepsy Foundation, a national non-profit with nearly 50 affiliated organizations throughout the U.S., has led the fight against seizures since 1968. The Foundation is an unwavering ally for individuals and families impacted by epilepsy and seizures. The mission of the Epilepsy Foundation is: to lead the fight to overcome the challenges of living with epilepsy and to accelerate therapies to stop seizures, find cures, and save lives. The Foundation works to ensure that people with seizures have the opportunity to live their lives to their fullest potential. For additional information, please visit epilepsy.com.
“Like” the Epilepsy Foundation on Facebook at facebook.com/epilepsyfoundationofamerica
Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/epilepsyfdn.
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