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Record-Breaking Number of Teams #DareTo Move Forward at the 2015 National Walk for Epilepsy

Epilepsy News From: Wednesday, April 15, 2015

On April 11, 2015, thousands of enthusiastic walkers came together on the cherry blossom-filled Washington Monument grounds to take part in the Epilepsy Foundation’s 9th Annual National Walk for Epilepsy. A record-breaking total of 686 teams participated in 2015’s Walk, and together raised nearly $1 million to advance access to care, fund new therapies research, and educate people about epilepsy and seizures.

“At this year’s Walk, the epilepsy community came together as a family to remember that we are not alone on our journey,” said Philip M. Gattone, president and CEO of the Epilepsy Foundation. “We are grateful for the extraordinary support of the National Walk from people with epilepsy and their families, friends, caregivers, loved ones, and physicians. Together we are helping to raise awareness, provide support for education and services across the country, and accelerate new therapies to make a difference in the lives of people living with epilepsy and seizures.”

The event kicked off with a performance by music trio Sleepy Man. Comprising three brothers, Tommy Mizzone on guitar and harmonies, Robbie Mizzone on fiddle and lead vocals, and Jonny Mizzone on banjo, the band filmed a music video for “Man in Your Corner” live at the Walk. The teen trio penned the song as a tribute to their younger brother Sam, who lives with epilepsy.

The Epilepsy Foundation also welcomed Hailey Scheinman to the pre-Walk rally as a featured speaker. Hailey and her family created Lemonade for Livy, the first global campaign to raise significant funding for epilepsy research. The campaign is inspired by Hailey’s 10-year-old twin sister, Olivia (Livy) Scheinman, who has had severe epilepsy since birth. Although she cannot walk or talk, Livy is the symbol of a movement that inspires children and families to work together for a common purpose: bringing awareness to the condition and raising critical funds for epilepsy research through lemonade stands and parties across the country. The Scheinman family kicked off 2015’s Lemonade for Livy initiative at the Walk. 

Additionally, the Pre-Walk Rally featured appearances by several Athletes vs. Epilepsy spokespeople. The Athletes vs. Epilepsy initiative galvanizes athletes, coaches, volunteers, and fans to bring awareness to epilepsy and raise funds to continue the Foundation’s mission. Super Bowl Champion Geoff Pope, who also serves on the Foundation’s Board of Directors in honor of his grandmother who lives with epilepsy, Olympic ice hockey medalist Chanda Gunn, who lives with epilepsy, and professional swimmer Zach McGinnis, who also lives with epilepsy, all were recognized at the Walk, as was Leroy Garrett, of MTV’s popular “The Challenge: Free Agents” and “The Real World: Las Vegas.”

The 2015 Walk’s fundraising pages will remain available until May 31, so it’s not too late to support an individual or a team! Visit walkforepilepsy.org to find a participant or donate to the Epilepsy Foundation.

The National Walk for Epilepsy was supported by the Foundation’s generous partners Sunovion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Eisai Inc.; UCB; Upsher-Smith Laboratories; Acorda Therapeutics; Cyberonics; and Lundbeck. The SUDEP Memorial Wall was presented by the SUDEP Institute and the Danny Did Foundation.  

Reviewed Date

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

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