FAQ - Epilepsy Freedom Walk

General information about the Epilepsy Freedom Walk is provided below. Be sure to check back periodically and right before the big day for any updates. In the meantime, if you have additional questions, please contact Rebekkah Halliwell at (310) 670-2870 / (800) 564-0445 or rhalliwell@epilepsy-socalif.org.

The Event & Walk
This Fall, one special event will united individuals, organizations and celebrities dedicated to improving the lives of people with epilepsy. The Epilepsy Freedom Walk of the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles is a fun family walk in the park, complete with food, games and prizes. While the event is fun, the purpose is serious - - to increase awareness about epilepsy and to raise money to continue our fight for freedom from seizures and freedom to succeed for the more than 180,000 living with epilepsy in our region. In order to fulfill our hopes that individuals of all ages can participate as a group, the walk itself is no more than one mile. We are pleased to offer a walk where - as one past participant shared delight with - grandparents can walk beside their young grandchildren!

The Participants
The Epilepsy Freedom Walk will bring together a huge cross-section of constituents, representing our 53-year commitment to people with epilepsy and their families. Walkers will include those living with seizures and their caregivers; doctors, nurses and other health care professionals; government leaders; celebrities, Foundation staff and volunteers; corporate walking teams; Foundation business partners and, of course, members of the general public who enjoy walking. All of these participants will show their dedication to our continued fight for freedom from seizures and freedom to succeed.

The Need
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects 3 million Americans. There are over 180,000 living with epilepsy in the greater Los Angeles area, and every three minutes someone new is diagnosed with epilepsy. Seizures are unpredictable and can vary from a momentary disruption of the sense, to short periods of unconsciousness or staring spells, to convulsions. Epilepsy affects people of all ages and ethnic backgrounds, and can develop at any time of life. 

The Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles
The Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles works to improve the lives of people affected by epilepsy by promoting care, prevention and cure through education, support services, programs, advocacy and awareness. The Epilepsy Foundation dedicates its efforts to ensure...not another moment lost to seizures.

How Do I Get Involved?
Be a Freedom Walker or "Virtual" Walker: Join in the day of fun as an individual Freedom Walker. If you are unable to attend the event, you can still register and participate as a "virtual" walker. Each Freedom Walker has an individual sponsorship goal of $100. Invite others to help reach you reach and even exceed your goal. Start A Freedom Team: A Freedom Team is a group of 10 or more Freedom Walkers who want to join in the fun and help raise money for epilepsy education and awareness. Each Freedom Team member has a sponsorship goal of $100, for a collective goal of $1,000. Support A Freedom Walker &/or Team: Show your support by sponsoring a Freedom Walker and/or Team. Donations may be made online at www.EpilepsyFreedomWalk.kintera.org or by mailing donations to the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles at 5777 W Century Boulevard, Suite 820, Los Angeles, CA 90045. 

How Do I Register?
You can register online or by mail. To read detailed instructions on how to register, please visit the 'How to Register' tab located on the left column of the event's homepage or click here. To register by mail, please call the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles at (800) 564-0445 or (310) 670-2870 to request an event brochure.

Why Register Online? 
The event's official website (www.EpilepsyFreedomWalk.kintera.org) is a great place for online team building and fundraising! Not participating as a team? No worries - the website functions the same way. Each Freedom Walker is given his or her own page to personalize with photos and images, send emails to recruit others to participate at the Walk, or send emails to encourage friends, family, co-workers and more to sponsor you. Please note that each Freedom Team shares one team page, while each member still has his or her own personal page, too!

What Are Some Tips for Fundraising & Educating Others About Epilepsy?
Check out the special Fundraising & Epilepsy Education Tips page for suggestions on how to approach donors, how to educate others about epilepsy & the local Epilepsy Foundation, and more! For  every person you ask to sponsor you in the Epilepsy Freedom Walk, that means there is one more person aware of epilepsy! It's a win-win situation! 

How Do I Turn In Donations?
Encourage donors to support you by making their donations online at www.EpilepsyFreedomWalk.kintera.org. For detailed instructions on how to make a donation to share with potential donors, please visit the 'How to Donate' table located on the left column of the event's homepage or click here. Donors can easily locate your name or team by using the search feature on the homepage of the event's site - 'Support A Walker'. Donations may also be collected and reported on the Sponsor Pledge Form. Donations and Sponsor Pledge Forms can either be turned in the day of the event or mailed to the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles - Freedom Walk, 5777 W Century Boulevard, Ste 820, Los Angeles, CA 90045.

What Is My Role As A Team Captain?
The local Epilepsy Foundation would like to thank you for taking on the role of Team Captain and putting together a Freedom Team! We are grateful that you recognize the importance of people working together towards one collective goal. Even though one in three adults knows someone with epilepsy, it is still among the most least understood disorders of all major chronic conditions. What does this mean? It means that there is still so much to do when it comes to education the public about epilepsy, which is why we are so thankful that you have joined us in our mission to increase awareness about epilepsy. As a captain, you have the ability to make this as much as fun as possible . Be creative with your team name and dare to be silly! Build team spirit by constantly communicating or getting together with our teammates. For more tips and information about being a Team Captain, download and print the Freedom Captain Packet by clicking here [coming soon].

What Is My Role As A Freedom Walker?
Coming Soon!