For the Media

The Epilepsy Foundation Honors Young Artists

Landover, Md., April 1, 2005 -- The Epilepsy Foundation announces two winners for the Get the WORD Out! contest, a national competition that seeks to raise awareness about epilepsy among youth ages 10 to 18, reduce the stigma associated with the disorder and encourage respect for young people with epilepsy.

In the 10- to 13-year-old category, the grand-prize winner is Emily Kagey, 13, of Tacoma, Wash. Jodi Marshall, 17, from Viola, Wisc., is the grand-prize winner in the 14- to 18-year-old category.

"We believe the contest inspires 'tweens and teens with epilepsy to express their talents, and share their experiences with others who may not be familiar with the condition," said Eric Hargis, president and CEO of the Epilepsy Foundation. "By partnering with our affiliates across the country, we are able to gather a wide range of creative submissions to spotlight."

Kagey submitted an abstract painting about the Vagus Nerve Stimulator (VNS), which is a form of treatment for seizure disorders. Marshall submitted a poem entitled, "Everyone is Entitled to Respect." Submissions were judged by an independent panel on creativity, originality, content, clarity and use of medium. Other entries included songs, spoken word, drawings, videos, essays and poems. Selected artwork can be viewed online.

Kagey and Marshall will each receive a home imaging kit and digital camera with printer. All other entrants will be awarded a digital camera and a free Get the WORD Out! t-shirt.

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About the Epilepsy Foundation

The Epilepsy Foundation, a national charitable organization founded in 1968, is dedicated to supporting children and adults affected by seizures through research, education, advocacy and service. The national office located in the Metropolitan area of Washington, D.C., has nearly 60 affiliated Epilepsy Foundations providing local services throughout the nation. For additional information, please visit our website.