VERO BEACH — November is national Epilepsy Awareness Month.
Each year, some 50,000 Americans die from seizures and related causes. With 375,000 Floridians and over three million Americans suffering from epilepsy, it is the third most common neurological disorder in the U.S. after Alzheimer’s and stroke.
About as many people have epilepsy as have cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease, combined. More people die yearly from seizure-related causes than die from breast cancer.
“Living with epilepsy and seizure disorders is difficult in so many ways, but it is often the stigma and misunderstandings surrounding epilepsy that most hinders our communities’ efforts to recognize and come to grips with this widespread and devastating disorder,” explained Karen Basha Egozi, chief executive officer of Epilepsy Foundation of Florida.
“Epilepsy is not a disease; it is a symptom of an underlying neurological disorder and often can be controlled given proper medical care and medication,” said Egozi. “Unfortunately, people die each year from epilepsy and, in many cases, these deaths could have been prevented.”
EFOF is holding a series of events across Florida aimed at educating Floridians about this prevalent neurological condition, while also raising funds to benefit those living with epilepsy and seizure disorders.
EFOF was established in 1971 as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) and is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. The organization serves as the lead advocate for the rights and needs of people with epilepsy and seizure disorders at the local, county, and state level.
EFOF provides valuable services, regardless of financial situation, to individuals and their families including advocacy, case management, information, referral, support, medical services, neuropsychological services, prevention and education, individual and family counseling, research, resource materials, support groups, and children’s camp.
For more information, please visit www.EpilepsyFLA.org or call (877) 553-7453.