Epilepsy Foundation of Florida Announces Epilepsy Awareness Month Events

Events Planned Throughout The State During “Let’s Talk About It” November Campaign

Miami, Fla. – The Epilepsy Foundation of Florida (EFOF) is inviting public participation throughout the state of Florida in activities to be conducted during Epilepsy Awareness Month.

Held annually in November, the campaign’s mission is to create heightened awareness about the disorder and to generate funds to benefit those who are afflicted.

The 2008 campaign theme is “Let’s Talk About It.”

“Despite the fact that Epilepsy has been recognized since the world’s earliest medical writings, it remains one of the most often misunderstood conditions in our society today,” said Karen Basha Egozi, Executive Director of the Epilepsy Foundation of Florida (EFOF). “Epilepsy Awareness Month shines a spotlight on the neurological condition and provides our organization an opportunity to educate the populace, dispel myths and raise monies to subsidize the services to individuals and their families who are touched by the disorder.”

The organization has earmarked the weekend of November 14 for its primary grassroots fundraising effort, in which those interested in supporting the cause are invited to host a dinner for friends, family, neighbors and colleagues. The menu, location, guest list and suggested donation are up to the discretion of the dinner party host.

To support the initiative, the EFOF has created a personal host kit. Individuals who are interested in participating can call the appropriate regional EFOF office for more information and to request a “Let’s Talk About It” host kit. Offices are located in Miami (305-670-4949), Jacksonville (904-731-3752), Broward (954-779-1509), Gainesville (352-378-4324) and Palm Beach (561-478-6515).

In addition to the dinner parties, a number of events are planned throughout the state to commemorate Epilepsy Awareness Month. Details are as follows:

• Miami – Wine Tasting Reception, 7:30 p.m. – 11 p.m., Friday, November 14 at the home of host Terry Padilla, 14020 SW 92nd Avenue, Miami. The evening will include wines from France and South America, a selection of hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction. A donation of $25 per person is suggested. Call 305-878-8503 to RSVP. To pay in advance, call the Epilepsy Foundation of Florida’s Miami office at 305-670-4949.

• Fort Lauderdale – “Let’s Talk About It” Dinner, 6:30 p.m., Friday, November 14 at the Epilepsy Foundation of Florida’s Broward Office. The cost to attend is $10. For more information or to R.S.V.P., contact Mary Gomez at 954-779-1509

• Jacksonville – 6th Annual Walk for Epilepsy, 9:30 a.m., Saturday, November 1 at Memorial Park. The pre-registration deadline is October 25. The registration fee is $5 for individuals and $15 for team (three or more people). Tickets are available for special drawings that will take place throughout the day. Call 904-731-3752 for details.

• Gainesville – 1st Annual Walk for Epilepsy, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Saturday, November 8 at Trinity United Methodist Church, 4000 N.W. 53rd Avenue. The event also will feature a silent auction, food and festivities. Day-of-event registration begins at 8 a.m. Cost for participating individuals is $15 in advance and $20 the day of the event. The cost for teams of 4-6 people is $75 in advance and $80 the day of the event. Call 352-378-4324 for further information.

• Palm Beach– 2nd Annual Walk and Run for Epilepsy, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, November 8 at Okeeheelee Park in West Palm Beach. The registration fee is $20, which includes a t-shirt. Call 561-478-6515 for more information.

According to the National Epilepsy Foundation, 50 million people worldwide and more than 3 million people of all ages in the U.S. have some form of the disorder. About 200,000 new cases of seizure disorders and Epilepsy are diagnosed each year, of which 45,000 are under the age of 15. It generates an estimated $12.5 billion in direct and indirect costs annually.

Epilepsy is not a disease, but rather a symptom of an underlying neurological disorder that produces seizures affecting a variety of mental and physical functions. A seizure occurs when a brief, strong surge of electrical activity affects part or all of the brain and can last from a few seconds to a few minutes. Seizures can take on many forms and affect different people in different ways. Symptoms can range from mild (blank staring and chewing movements) to convulsions and loss of consciousness.

Head injuries or lack of oxygen during birth is a causal factor. Other causes include brain tumors, lead poisoning, stroke, and infections such as meningitis or encephalitis.

Among the well-known contemporary personalities with Epilepsy are legendary rock star Neil Young, Hip-Hop’s DJ Hapa, football players Alan Faneca of the N.Y. Jets and Samari Rolle of the Baltimore Ravens. Greg Grunberg, star of NBC hit series “Heroes” is a staunch advocate of epilepsy awareness on behalf of his son who has epilepsy. Also believed to have had the affliction: Alexander the Great, Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Dickens, Leo Tolstoy and Vincent Van Gogh.

“Clearly, this is a condition that has no boundaries or barriers and can touch anyone’s life at any time,” noted Egozi. “We are enthusiastic about elevating awareness about what Epilepsy is and isn’t during Epilepsy Awareness Month and supporting those who have been touched by the affliction.”

About the Epilepsy Foundation of Florida
The Epilepsy Foundation of Florida works to ensure that people with seizures are able to participate in all life experiences; improves how people with epilepsy are perceived, accepted and valued in society; and provides medical care, prevention and education, case management, support groups, children’s camps and advocacy for persons with epilepsy. The Epilepsy Foundation of Florida is the lead agency for Epilepsy service programs sponsored by the State of Florida, and is also the sole licensee of the National Epilepsy Foundation in the state. The agency serves 31 counties throughout Florida and has offices in Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Gainesville, Jacksonville and Palm Beach. For more information please visit www.epilepsyfla.org.

Contact:
Duree M. Ross
Duree & Company, Inc.
954.723.9350 t
dureeross@aol.com

This release was published on openPR.