Epilepsy Foundation's Asian American Outreach Campaign Garnering Widespread Support
Epilepsy Foundation's Asian American Outreach Campaign Garnering Widespread Support
Campaign is raising awareness about epilepsy by sharing key facts,
starting conversations and asking individuals to share their story
LANDOVER, Md.--On July 10, the Epilepsy Foundation launched a national 26-day campaign to raise awareness about epilepsy in Asian American communities and to reduce fear and misunderstanding. The effort, backed by campaign ambassadors actor James Kyson and NBC Early Today anchor Richard Lui, has dedicated efforts on the Foundation's website, Facebook, Twitter and Thunderclap, as well as by local Epilepsy Foundations in Hawaii, Ohio, Oregon, Texas and Washington.
"I want to personally encourage Asian Americans, those with epilepsy and anyone who knows someone with epilepsy to join the campaign," said Lui. "Our family members, friends, neighbors and co-workers need our support. The Epilepsy Foundation, James and I and so many others are here to help."
Despite the fact that millions of Americans have epilepsy, and even more know someone who does, there is a continuing lack of understanding about epilepsy across all communities, including Asian American communities, leading to discrimination and social isolation.
An estimated 1.5 percent of Asian Americans live with epilepsy today and one in 26 people will develop epilepsy at some point in their lifetime. As part of the campaign, which ends Aug. 5, the Epilepsy Foundation is encouraging Asian Americans to talk about epilepsy to help change the lives of the millions of people living with the condition and their loved ones for the better.
"The more we talk about epilepsy, the more comfortable people become getting information and sharing how epilepsy affects them," said Princess Katana, director of multicultural affairs at the Epilepsy Foundation. "That's why the Epilepsy Foundation is so committed to starting these conversations in all communities, dispelling myths with information and creating a supportive environment for everyone."
Individuals are encouraged to share their story about how epilepsy and seizures affect them, whether personally, as a caregiver, friend or family member, on the Epilepsy Foundation's Facebook page. Individuals can also show their support for epilepsy by joining the Thunderclap campaign. In addition, the Foundation is sharing daily facts about epilepsy and answering common questions on Facebook and Twitter at #1in26 and directing people to information and resources through a new webpage designed for Asian American communities available here.
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About Epilepsy
When a person has two or more unprovoked seizures, they have epilepsy, which affects more than 2 million people in the U.S. and 65 million people worldwide. This year, another 150,000 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with epilepsy.
Epilepsy Foundation
The Epilepsy Foundation, a national nonprofit with affiliated organizations throughout the United States, has led the fight against seizures since 1968. The Foundation's goals are to ensure that people with seizures are able to participate in all life experiences and to prevent, control and cure epilepsy through services, education, advocacy and research so not another moment is lost to seizures. For additional information, please visit www.epilepsy.com and www.epilepsyfoundation.org
Media Contact:
Leonie Williams
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lwilliams@veng-group.com