JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Epilepsy Alliance Florida hosted its annual Walk the Talk for Epilepsy in Jacksonville on Saturday, the largest community event in the area that raises awareness and funds for individuals living with epilepsy.
The walk was held at Jacksonville Zoo, a new location for the event this year, with a start time of 8 a.m.
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The fundraising and educational event will featured a one-mile walk and family-friendly entertainment, including a live DJ, face painting, and special appearances by 501 Legion Star Wars characters.
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“Epilepsy makes daily life a difficult journey for many individuals,” said Karen Basha Egozi, President and CEO of Epilepsy Alliance Florida. “This event, which unites us as one, highlights the essential support we provide to over 500,000 Floridians affected by epilepsy and helps to shine a light on the importance of awareness in our local communities.”
Fifteen-year-old Jacksonville resident Sawyer Powell will be honored at the event with Epilepsy Alliance Florida’s Clayton Feig Youth Award, an award commemorating youth who battle seizures and that highlights the important work of those dedicated to removing the stigma associated with epilepsy. The award was established in memory of Clayton Feig, a young man who demonstrated courage and strength of character while dealing with epilepsy. Complications from epilepsy claimed Clayton’s life in 1993 when he was just 18 years old.
Epilepsy, a neurological disease that one in 26 people will be diagnosed with at some point in their lives, is a diagnosis given when a person experiences two or more seizures that cannot be attributed to another cause. It is a disorder more people live with than autism, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and cerebral palsy combined. In the United States, Florida is the state with the most instances of epilepsy.
The Jacksonville Walk the Talk for Epilepsy is one of seven walks hosted by Epilepsy Alliance Florida across the state. The other cities where walks will be held are Hollywood, Gainesville, West Palm Beach, Pensacola, Miami, and Naples.
For more information visit walkthetalkfl.org.