Sunday October 20^th will see thousands of Victorians Walk for Epilepsy at Princes Park in Carlton in support of the Epilepsy Foundation, whose programs provide much needed support and assistance to those living with epilepsy and their families.

The Walk for Epilepsy is the annual outdoor FUNdraising event for the Epilepsy Foundation. The day will assemble people from all walks of life – those living with epilepsy, their families, friends, carers, health professionals and supporters.

The day will feature an abundance of family activities including: live entertainment, music, games, face painting, a delicious sausage sizzle and most of all, fun, laughter and community.

Funds raised on the day will help the Epilepsy Foundation to continue supporting Victorians living with epilepsy along with their their families and support networks.

Graeme Shears, Chief Executive Office of the Epilepsy Foundation says:

“The Epilepsy Foundation prides itself on its highly motivated community. The Walk for Epilepsy is a great opportunity for this community to come together and celebrate the amazing work we are able to achieve.”

Epilepsy is a very misunderstood condition and one that can have a devastating impact on people’s lives.  Up to 60,000 Victorians live with epilepsy and one million Australians alive today will have epilepsy at some point in their life.  Despite the condition’s prevalence, ninety percent of Australians don’t have access to the epilepsy support they need.

For over 50 years, the Epilepsy Foundation has been supporting the hundreds of thousands of Australian families living with epilepsy.  The Foundation’s support includes individualised client services as well as our education and training programs.  We are also driving the research for an ultimate cure through the launch of our Australian Epilepsy Research Fund. Their goal is to make life for people living with epilepsy better by delivering:

• essential support programs for people and families living with epilepsy
• education and training tailored for individuals, families, schools, workplaces and community settings
• information and resources
• community awareness programs
• the quest for an ultimate cure through the Australian Epilepsy Research Fund

For more information, visit www.epilepsyfoundation.org.au

Event Details:

Where: Princes Park Lawn 5, Carlton

When: Sunday 20 October 2019

Start Time: 9am Check-in / register, 11am Walk commences

Distance: 3.2km or 6.4km (1 lap or 2 laps)

Registration Fees:

Entry Type		Standard	On the Day
Adult (18 yrs)		$45	$55
Senior / Student / Concession		$35	$40
Child (6-18yrs)		$20	$25
Child (5 and under)		FREE	FREE

Registrations can be made at: www.walkforepilepsy.com.au

About the Epilepsy Foundation:

The Epilepsy Foundation works with individuals and families, organisations and the community to increase people’s understanding of epilepsy. The Epilepsy Foundation uses evidence-based practice to stop avoidable deaths, ensure children get a good education, help people get and keep their jobs and help people feel safe and connected. A good understanding of epilepsy is the key to achieving these outcomes. www.epilepsyfoundation.org.au/

The Epilepsy Foundation believes – no one should go it alone with epilepsy.

About Epilepsy:

Epilepsy is a disorder of brain function that involves recurring seizures. About 4% of the population will have epilepsy at some stage of their life and it presents as unique to every person.

What is a seizure? A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical discharge in a group of brain cells (neurons). During a seizure, neurons can fire up to five hundred times a second – more than six times the normal rate and for a brief period, this can cause strange sensations, emotions and behaviour or convulsions & loss of consciousness.

Living with epilepsy is not is not just about managing seizures; it is learning to build resilience concerning the associated health and wellbeing impacts, economic and social participation barriers as well as issues with discrimination and stigma among the wider community. www.epilepsyfoundation.org.au/understanding-epilepsy/