NEW YORK, Sept. 10, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The epilepsy community of Greater New York will gather for the third annual ‘Into The Light’ Walk for Epilepsy Awareness on September 21, 2014 at the South Street Seaport. Hosted by the Epilepsy Foundation of Metropolitan New York, this event has, since its inaugural year, helped further public awareness and educational programs while celebrating the diversity and strength of the area’s epilepsy community.

1 in 26 people will develop epilepsy at some point in their lifetime. Please join us and become a part of the EFMNY’s ongoing efforts to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected. The community’s solidarity and the outpouring of support for the ‘Into the Light’ teams let others know they are not alone.

Team Valentina
The day Paula Cruz witnessed her one-year-old daughter Valentina’s first seizure was the day their family’s life changed. “Valentina started crying and as my husband lifted her to hold her, she started seizing,” Paula recalled.  Panic ensued and Valentina was rushed to the hospital. Despite comprehensive tests that came back normal, the seizures continued, and little Valentina was eventually diagnosed with epilepsy. Her parents and neurologist still do not know what causes her seizures or when the next one will occur, and this uncertainty fuels their never-ending search for answers and solutions.

An unwavering ally on this quest is the Epilepsy Foundation of Metropolitan New York, whose Executive Director, Pamela Conford, MSW, acknowledges that not knowing when seizures will take place is one of the most challenging aspects of epilepsy. “A sense of control over one’s environment is important and the episodic and unpredictability of when a seizure will occur makes that impossible.” The EFMNY strives to provide thousands of persons with a sense of control through education, resources, advocacy, program supports, and referrals, so that no one is forced to navigate the complexities of an epilepsy diagnosis on their own. 

Team Valentina is just one of the many teams in this year’s Walk. To learn more about the Into the Light Walk for Epilepsy Awareness and the stories behind the teams please visit https://www.crowdrise.com/intothelight2014

The Epilepsy Foundation of Metropolitan New York
Established in 1967, the Epilepsy Foundation of Metropolitan New York remains the only human services agency in NYC exclusively dedicated to serving the epilepsy community through comprehensive social support services in all five boroughs, with education, linkage and advocacy services stretching to Westchester County. The EFMNY leads the fight to stop seizures, find a cure, and overcome the challenges created by epilepsy. Determined to serve, spread awareness and educate, the EFMNY is staffed with professionals from the medical, social work, public health, vocational, and psychological professions.  This integrated comprehensive approach has solidified the EFMNY as a leading community resource.

http://www.epilepsyintothelight.org/register/  
http://www.efmny.org/