‘Heroes’ Actor Greg Grunberg, ‘Pawn Star’ Rick Harrison Kick Off ‘Talk About It for Epilepsy!’ Netathon Presented by Epilepsy Foundation and Sunovion

Greg Grunberg ("Heroes Reborn," "Star Wars: The Force Awakens") and Rick Harrison ("Pawn Stars," "Pawnography") Kick Off the "Talk About It for Epilepsy!" Netathon Presented by Sunovion (Photo credit: Sean Kirkpatrick)

LOS ANGELES — Greg Grunberg (“Heroes Reborn,” “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”) and Rick Harrison (“Pawn Stars,” “Pawnography”) kicked off the Epilepsy Foundation’s first-ever “Talk About It for Epilepsy!” Netathon Presented by Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Sunovion) today at noon Pacific time.

“Talk About It for Epilepsy!” Netathon Presented by Sunovion features stars from stage, screen, music, and comedy. The program includes information to educate the epilepsy community and general public about seizures and epilepsy, as well as resources available. The Netathon is expected to raise thousands of dollars for the Epilepsy Foundation’s programs and initiatives aimed at advancing access to care, funding research and new therapies, and enabling educational programs.

“Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological problem in the United States, but far too often, people are afraid to talk about it,” said Philip M. Gattone, president and CEO of the Epilepsy Foundation. “‘Talk About It for Epilepsy!’ will help increase public awareness, help break down the misperceptions surrounding epilepsy, and raise critical funds for the epilepsy community, including funding new therapies in a timeframe that matters. Together with Rick, Greg, and everyone watching, we will broaden epilepsy awareness with the goal of helping people with seizures live to their fullest potential.”

Epilepsy — a medical condition characterized by recurring seizures — can affect anyone of any age at any time. Nearly 3 million people in the U.S. are living with epilepsy and seizures, and 1 in 26 Americans will develop epilepsy during their lifetime. More than one-third of people living with epilepsy continue to experience seizures, despite currently available treatments. As the price of seizure control, many live with diminished awareness, perception, reasoning, and judgment. Therefore, there is a need for new treatment options.

For more information and to watch the live event, visit epilepsy.com/netathon.

About Epilepsy
When a person has two or more unprovoked seizures, they are considered to have epilepsy. Epilepsy affects nearly 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, four 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 United States, 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 stop seizures and SUDEP, find a cure, and overcome the challenges created by epilepsy through efforts including education, advocacy, and research to accelerate ideas into therapies. 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 www.epilepsy.com.

“Like” the Epilepsy Foundation on Facebook at www.facebook.com/epilepsyfoundationofamerica and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/epilepsyfdn.

About Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Sunovion)
Sunovion is a leading pharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering, developing and commercializing therapeutic products that advance the science of medicine in the Psychiatry, Neurology and Respiratory disease areas to improve the lives of patients and their families. Sunovion, an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd., is headquartered in Marlborough, Mass. More information about Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc. is available at www.sunovion.com.