Epilepsy Foundation's 2016 Hero of Epilepsy Award Recipient

Washington, DC (May 18, 2016) - The Epilepsy Foundation recognized Jerry Kill, former football Head Coach of the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers, as the 2016 Hero of Epilepsy. The award was presented on April 15, 2016 in conjunction with the 10th anniversary celebration of the National Walk for Epilepsy.

“I am honored to be able to come here tonight and receive an award that is unbelievable to me,” said Coach Jerry Kill. “It’s our job to go out and educate people on epilepsy. I’ve been fortunate to go out and do that. My message to everyone would be, ‘Don’t give in.’ I feel like I just started my second life. Right now I’m living the dream.”

The Hero of Epilepsy Award is presented each year to celebrate exceptional leaders who have made an impact in the epilepsy community. Past honorees have included: Greg Grunberg (actor), Alan Faneca (former NFL player), Bob Madigan (former WTOP radio host), Joyce Bender (former Epilepsy Foundation board chair), Dr. Howard Koh and Christian San, Dr. Jacqueline French, Dr. Brien Smith, and former U.S. Representative Tony Coelho.

“We are honored to recognize and present Coach Jerry Kill with the 2016 Hero of Epilepsy Award,” said Phil Gattone, president and CEO of the Epilepsy Foundation. “Coach Kill has lived with epilepsy in the most public venue anyone can experience. In the time that I’ve known Coach Kill his level of commitment has always been 100%. It’s those living with epilepsy that look to him and say ‘I can do something with my life.’ We thank him for his passion, friendship, courage, and example.”

In 2010, Jerry Kill was named head coach of the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers, where he went on to become the American Football Association’s Region 3 Coach of the Year and Big Ten Coach of the Year. In 2014, Coach Kill and his wife, Rebecca, announced they were forming the Chasing Dreams Epilepsy Fund. Despite his retirement on October 28, 2015, Coach Kill and Rebecca continue their commitment to helping kids with epilepsy chase their dreams. Learn more at Chasing Dreams Epilepsy Fund.

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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.

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