EPILEPSY FLORIDA OFFICIALLY UNVEILS NEW NAME TO EPILEPSY ALLIANCE FLORIDA
Epilepsy Florida will host its annual Miami Walk the Talk for Epilepsy on Saturday, April 2, 2022 – the largest community event in the area that raises awareness and funds for individuals living with epilepsy. The walk will be held at MAPS Backlot (342 NW 24 St.) in Miami’s Wynwood Arts District, with registration opening at 8 a.m. and the walk following at 9:15 a.m. This year’s event will mark the organization’s 50-year anniversary.
The Miami Walk the Talk for Epilepsy, sponsored by Nicklaus Children’s Hospital’s Brain Institute, will feature family-friendly entertainment, including: a Kids Corner presented by The Children’s Trust, a dedicated source of revenue established by voter referendum to improve the lives of children and families in Miami-Dade County; a live DJ; face painting; public art stations; raffle prizes; and more.
Local youth Sofi Quintana will be honored at the event with Epilepsy Florida’s Clayton Feig Youth Award, an award commemorating youth who battle seizures and that highlights the important work of those dedicated to removing the stigma associated with epilepsy. The award was established in memory of Clayton Feig, a young man who demonstrated courage and strength of character while dealing with epilepsy. Complications from epilepsy claimed Clayton’s life in 1993 when he was just 18-years old.
Sofi, a sophomore at Archbishop Coleman Carroll High School, had her first seizure when she was 7-years old. She was diagnosed with epilepsy almost a year later following numerous seizures, countless EEG’s, MRI testing, and several hospitalizations. With the help of a dedicated neurologist and her current medications, Sofi’s seizures have been controlled greatly. A thriving student, Sofi is also a member of Epilepsy Florida’s Youth Advocacy Council and recently traveled to Tallahassee to advocate for the recently passed care of students with epilepsy or seizure disorders legislation (House Bill 173/Senate Bill 340).
“Sofi’s work in raising local epilepsy awareness is remarkable,” said Karen Basha Egozi, President and CEO of Epilepsy Florida. “We’re grateful to her for serving as an advocate and raising awareness, and are proud to recognize her as she is a true representation of all this award entails.”
During the Miami Walk the Talk for Epilepsy, Epilepsy Florida will unveil its organizational name change to Epilepsy Alliance Florida officially aligning itself with the national Epilepsy Alliance organization. Epilepsy Alliance Florida will continue with its existing mission of providing resources for people with epilepsy, their families, their caregivers, and the community, and will continue to serve the more than half a million individuals and families in Florida impacted by epilepsy and the spectrum of challenges created by seizures.
For more information and to register for the Miami Walk the Talk for Epilepsy, visit epilepsyfl.com/walk-the-talk-2022.
Epilepsy Florida, established in 1971 as a not-for-profit 501 (c)(3), is dedicated to supporting those impacted by epilepsy by confronting the spectrum of challenges created by seizures. It is a partner of the Epilepsy Alliance America. Epilepsy Florida provides numerous services to individuals and families, including advocacy and counseling, education and prevention, direct medical and neuropsychological services, as well as other programs regardless of financial situation or socioeconomic status. For more information, visit epilepsyfl.com.
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