AUSTIN, Texas – The Epilepsy Foundation Central & South Texas announces the first Walk to End Epilepsy – McAllen. The walk will begin on Saturday, November 3, 2018 at 8:30 a.m. with refreshments and family-friendly activities at Fireman’s Park.

Community members are invited to run or walk along a route at Fireman’s Park. Those unable to attend can register as a “virtual walker.” The walk provides social and educational opportunities for people with epilepsy and their family members.

Origin of the New RGV Walk

Families of people with epilepsy face daunting annual medical expenses for doctor visits, medications, and diagnostic tests. Proceeds from the walk will help build an Epilepsy Foundation RGV Family Support Network.  This Network will assist with health costs, transportation, and the operation of a  South Texas support group for individuals and caregivers.

McAllen resident April Flowers was inspired to organize the walk after her daughter, Lily Flowers, was diagnosed with epilepsy. “When my daughter was first diagnosed, we were completely blindsided,” said Flowers. “We had to learn everything the hard way, and if not for the Epilepsy Foundation, we would have been completely lost. I don’t want any person affected by epilepsy to ever feel as alone as we did in those early days.”

Lily attended Camp Brainstorm, a summer youth camp for children and teens with epilepsy. Many people with epilepsy in South Texas are in need of services to improve their health and lives. However, they may be unaware that services like Camp Brainstorm are provided by the Epilepsy Foundation Central & South Texas at no cost.

April Flowers said, “It is time we ensure that every one of our families has a support network to help them make informed decisions regarding medical care, educational supports, social services, and recreational options. This walk is where it’s all starting.”

Seeking Sponsors

Individuals, families, businesses, and community organizations can form a fundraising team. Teams can set a financial goal to raise from friends and family. All proceeds from the walk will help provide essential services and programs to people living with epilepsy and their families. More than 155,000 people have epilepsy in Central and South Texas.

Visit EpilepsyRun.org for information, to donate, and to register online. Registrations start at $20. People who register by October 20 will be guaranteed an event t-shirt. Online registration ends on November 2 at 4 p.m. People can register in-person on the day of the event at 7:30 a.m.

EFCST is seeking sponsors for financial and in-kind support as well as volunteers on the day of the walk to help with operations including event set up and break down.

Our Mission

The Epilepsy Foundation Central & South Texas was founded in 1993 by Sindi Rosales, whose daughter Jessica has epilepsy. Its mission is to lead the fight to overcome the challenges of living with epilepsy, to accelerate therapies to stop seizures, find cures, and save lives. To find out more about this event or this nonprofit organization which serves 79 counties, visit EFCST.org, or call (956) 704-9191.

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