Epilepsy Foundation to Make Special Visit to "Hometown Hero"

BRUNSWICK, Ga., Jan. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of Epilepsy Awareness Month, Team Epilepsy, the largest epilepsy community on Facebook, hosted a national contest encouraging their fans to "Get Purple, Get Proud and Get Posted."   Dubbed the "Purple Pride Contest," the Team Epilepsy community submitted creative expressions showing their connection to epilepsy and support for epilepsy awareness.  On January 28th, Team Epilepsy and the Epilepsy Foundation of Georgia will travel to Brunswick to personally congratulate the 13-year-old winner, Christopher Carswell, and his service dog, Bronx. 

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120124/PH40938 )

Chris's winning entry, submitted by his mother Janet, amiably showcased the bond between Chris and Bronx, resting together during a recent hospital stay.  The photo earned Chris $500 for himself and $3,000 for his local affiliate of the Epilepsy Foundation of America (EFA) after receiving the most votes from the Team Epilepsy community.  This weekend, Chris will personally present the $3,000 winnings to the Epilepsy Foundation of Georgia's Director of Education and Client Services, Lloyd Brown, while Team Epilepsy, friends and family look on. 

"Chris has never won anything before," Janet told Team Epilepsy.  "Words can't explain how excited he is about this win."  At Chris' request, the event will be held at the local Golden Corral family restaurant, a place where Chris feels comfortable bringing Bronx.  "Chris likes that no one at Golden Corral has ever questioned him about Bronx being allowed in the restaurant," Janet explained, noting that many people do not understand the importance or necessity of service dogs.  She added, "Plus, he loves their chocolate fountain."    

The Purple Pride Contest marked the start of Chris's work in creating more awareness for epilepsy in his community.  Chris was recently named a "Hometown Hero" by his local news channel WTOC-TV, recognizing his strength and perseverance while dealing with his disorder.  With his mother's help, Chris also established his website, www.1Boy4Change.org, encouraging young children with epilepsy to push forward and make a difference in their community. 

"Although more people are diagnosed with epilepsy than multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and Parkinson's disease combined, awareness of the disorder is relatively low," explained Nick Halkitis, MediciGlobal's VP of Online Marketing and Digital Strategies and an administrator of the Team Epilepsy Facebook page.  "Team Epilepsy is truly touched by the photo submitted by Janet and Chris and we are looking forward to this opportunity to bring much-needed public attention to the disorder."

Created by MediciGlobal, a specialty patient recruitment and retention firm, Team Epilepsy began as one aspect of an integrated initiative to increase awareness for a clinical trial for partial onset seizures last January.  The Team Epilepsy community is growing at a staggering rate, helping to connect its members with support groups and outside resources while giving them a place to share opinions and advice with others dealing with epilepsy in an easily accessible and welcoming environment. 

The event will be held at the Golden Corral from 1-3 pm at 114 Golden Isles Plaza, Brunswick, GA 31520.

About MediciGlobal

MediciGlobal is in the business of making a meaningful difference to patient health - by identifying and engaging patients for clinical trials and by building deep and lasting connections with our many stakeholders.  Our clinical trial recruitment practices are guided by global standards and by our concern for the lives of the patients who put their trust in us.  We're also making certain that those who participate in there trials fully understand what clinical trial participation means, and that their participation is guarded by strict privacy policies.  MediciGlobal meet BBB Online® and WBENC accreditation standards and is certified as a Safe Harbor company.  Visit www.MediciGlobal.com and follow the company on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MediciGlobal

About Team Epilepsy

Team Epilepsy is a Facebook community created in 2011 to specifically inform people about a clinical trial enrolling people living with partial seizures about the opportunity to screen and participate in a clinical trial for an add-on antiepileptic medication. Team Epilepsy comprises doctors, nurses and medical specialists across the U.S. and internationally in studying the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of an investigational add-on antiepileptic medication.  Team Epilepsy has received nationwide recognition for bringing this clinical trial opportunity to people taking medicine for the partial onset seizures and yet who still experience 'break through' seizures. Team Epilepsy is managed by MediciGlobal, a firm dedicated to bringing clinical trials to patients and advancing the development of new medicines. For more information about Team Epilepsy, or to pre-screen for the clinical trial currently enrolling, visit www.TeamEpilepsy.com/PressKit.htm

SOURCE Team Epilepsy