Epilepsy Freedom Walk

Those of you that are closer to me know about this new journey we've been on with Epilepsy.

Our youngest son Jason had his first seizure in December of 2007. He had another in January, and since then, we have been riding the epilepsy roller coaster. On November 2nd, we will be participating in the Epilepsy Freedom Walk over at Griffith Park.



Below, I've included some information that I posted on our family donation page for the walk. If you want to join us on the day of the walk, please let me know. And anyone who would like to sponor us with a donation, please follow the link. It will take you to the donation page.



Thanks for taking the time to read about Jason's journey. -Rob



Our wonderful son Jason was diagnosed early this year with a Generalized Seizure Disorder. He began having seizures out of the blue, for no apparent reason. We don't know if his condition will improve as he gets older, or if we will have a lifelong battle with Epilepsy. As a parent, it's terrifying and heartbreaking to witness your child having a seizure. Our prayer is that Jason will grow out of this disorder and live a long, healthy, happy life. But the fact is that it's a very real possibility that he will struggle with generalized seizures for the rest of his life.



November is Epilepsy awareness month. We need to get the word out. You can help by wearing a Lavender ribbon and talking with people at about this disease. Belinda and I, (Rob) ask for your support as we participate in this year's walk. Your donation will help in finding a cure for this dark disease and allow the Epilepsy Foundation Of Los Angeles to help families who are affected by it.



They say that lightening never strikes twice. But for a kid with epilepsy, it could strike dozens of times a day.



We feel helpless. Millions of other parents in our situation feel the same way everyday.



Here is a list of facts that I got from CURE, (An epilepsy awareness group)Epilepsy affects over 3 million Americans of all ages, more than multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and Parkinson’s disease COMBINED.

Almost 500 new cases of epilepsy are diagnosed every day in the United States.

Epilepsy affects 50,000,000 people worldwide.

In two-thirds of patients diagnosed with epilepsy, the cause is unknown.

Epilepsy can develop at any age and can be a result of genetics, stroke, head injury, and many other factors.

In over thirty percent of patients, seizures cannot be controlled with treatment.

Uncontrolled seizures may lead to brain damage and death.

Many more have only partial control of their seizures.

The severe epilepsy syndromes of childhood can cause developmental delay and brain damage, leading to a lifetime of dependency and continuously accruing costs—both medical and societal.

It is estimated that up to 50,000 deaths occur annually in the U.S. from status epilepticus (prolonged seizures), Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), and other seizure-related causes such as drowning and other accidents.

The mortality rate among people with epilepsy is two to three times higher than the general population and the risk of sudden death is twenty-four times greater.

Recurring seizures are also a burden for those living with brain tumors and other disorders such as cerebral palsy, mental retardation, autism, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis, tuberous sclerosis, and a variety of genetic syndromes.

Epilepsy is the second leading cause of disability and death in children under the age of 14—second only to automobile accidents.

There is a strong association between epilepsy and depression: more than one of every three persons with epilepsy will also be affected by depression, and people with a history of depression have a higher risk of developing epilepsy.

Research on epilepsy has historically been under funded. Federal dollars spent on epilepsy pale by comparison to those spent on other neurological diseases, many of which affect far fewer people than epilepsy.

For many soldiers suffering traumatic brain injury on the battlefield, epilepsy will be a long-term consequence.



Of the above facts, the one that I want you to pay particular attention to is the one that explains that Epilepsy affects more Americans than multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and Parkinson’s disease COMBINED. COMBINED!!!!And it remains seriously UNDERFUNDED!!!!



How many times a year do you hear about different events that support those causes? I participated in the MS150 bicycle ride a few years ago, and thousands of people came out to show their support. It was a great thing to see. Epilepsy awarness should be no different.Please join us in this battle. Help to find a cure for Epilepsy. Let's do it for Jason, and the millions of other kids worldwide like him.

Thanks for your support! -The Golden's





Here is the link that will take you to the Epilepsy Foundation, and our family Donation page.



https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=281071&lis=0&kntae281071=3A79E1ADB0CD418E94FE34C73862EF7B&supId=228239228