Children with Epilepsy Take Over Capitol Hill to Urge Congress for Change

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Kisha James, 
301-918-3768, kjames@efa.org

Editor’s Note: View a complete list of Kids Speak Up! participants
 
Washington, DC, March 28, 2008— Hundreds of children and their families will journey from across the country to Capitol Hill to take part in the Epilepsy Foundation’s annual Kids Speak Up! campaign from Sunday, March 30, 2008, until Tuesday, April 1, 2008.

This spring marks the sixth year that the program, which is funded by Abbott, has brought more than 50 children with epilepsy ages 7–16 to Washington, D.C., every year to meet with their congressional representatives. This year, the children will be advocating for restoration of the Americans with Disabilities Act, support for epilepsy public health programs and more research toward finding a cure for epilepsy.

Despite their individual challenges, the kids enjoy doing ordinary things, so when they come to D.C., besides meeting with their leaders, they will be treated to a magic show featuring award-winning magician Bradley Fields and meet Mighty Mike Simmel, an entertainment basketball player from the world-famous Harlem Wizards. Simmel, who also has epilepsy, inspires young people to follow their dreams despite their obstacles.  

“The impact of Kids Speak Up! is immeasurable. It teaches kids with epilepsy about our democracy and why it is important to be personally involved and speak out about issues that are important. They are then able to turn around and ask their representatives for better access to care, improved public education and greater research toward finding a cure for epilepsy. I am extremely pleased that our participants’ activism will influence the quality of life for the next generation of people with epilepsy,” said Eric Hargis, president and CEO of the Epilepsy Foundation.

Epilepsy is the most common neurological condition in children and affects more than 3 million Americans. According to the World Health Organization, more than 300,000 children under the age of 15 live with epilepsy. 

Despite modern therapy, about one million people continue to experience seizures and/or significant side effects from treatments. An Epilepsy Foundation report published in 2000 revealed that epilepsy costs the nation more than $12.5 billion a year in health care and unemployment.

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About the Epilepsy Foundation
The Epilepsy Foundation, a national nonprofit with affiliated organizations throughout the United States, has led the fight against epilepsy since 1968. The Foundation’s goals are to ensure that people with seizures are able to participate in all life experiences; and 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.epilepsyfoundation.org.

About Abbott
Abbott is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics. The company employs more than 60,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries.