LANDOVER, Md., Nov. 08, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- More people live with active epilepsy than ever before, according to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. During National Epilepsy Awareness Month, the Epilepsy Foundation, along with actor Greg Grunberg, is encouraging people around the country to learn about seizure recognition and first aid to help improve the lives of more than 3.4 million people in the United States who have epilepsy, including over 470,000 children.1
“When my son was diagnosed with epilepsy at a young age, my wife and I felt very alone,” said Grunberg, who recently came off of roles on both STAR TREK BEYOND and STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS. “We were lucky to connect with the Epilepsy Foundation and find specialty care. Having epilepsy in the family can be challenging and lonely, but it doesn’t have to be. That’s why I joined forces with the Foundation and created TalkAboutIt.org. We want to support families and make a difference for all the sons and daughters living with epilepsy and seizures.”
TalkAboutIt.org features celebrities and epilepsy experts covering a wide range of important topics for individuals, parents, and caregivers. A new landing page (www.talkaboutIt.org/Kids) highlights the importance of parents, siblings, teachers, and neighbors knowing the best ways to support kids living with seizures.
“We know 1 in 26 people will develop epilepsy in their lifetime. That means there is a good chance at least one kid in a typical classroom has or will have epilepsy,” said Dr. Christianne N. Heck, chair of the Epilepsy Foundation Professional Advisory Board and medical director of the USC Comprehensive Epilepsy Program at the Keck Medical Center in Los Angeles. “Every case of epilepsy is unique since no two seizure profiles are alike. Parents should seek out specialty care for their child, especially if seizures persist after diagnosis. It is also extremely important for parents and the broader community to learn what to do if a child, or anyone, has a seizure.”
TalkAboutIt.org is an immersive web experience designed to take users on a journey of education and awareness. The site includes “stops” featuring Epilepsy Foundation experts introduced by celebrities such as John Mayer (Grammy-Winning artist), Kristen Bell (THE GOOD PLACE), Milo Ventimiglia (THIS IS US), Chris Pine (WONDER WOMAN), Zachary Quinto (STAR TREK), and Jennifer Garner (ALIAS). TalkAboutIt.org is sponsored by Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc. All content on TalkAboutIt.org is developed and controlled by the Epilepsy Foundation.
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 more than 3.4 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 nonprofit with more than 50 local 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.
About Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Sunovion)
Sunovion is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on the innovative application of science and medicine to help people with serious medical conditions. Sunovion’s vision is to lead the way to a healthier world. The company’s spirit of innovation is driven by the conviction that scientific excellence paired with meaningful advocacy and relevant education can improve lives. With patients at the center of everything it does, Sunovion has charted new paths to life-transforming treatments that reflect ongoing investments in research and development and an unwavering commitment to support people with psychiatric, neurological and respiratory conditions.
Contact Name: Kenneth Lowenberg
Contact Phone: 301-918-3773
Contact Email: klowenberg@efa.org
- Zack MM, Kobau R. National and State Estimates of the Numbers of Adults and Children with Active Epilepsy – United States, 2015. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2017; 66: 821-825.