Upsher-Smith Teams Up With Epilepsy Foundation Of Minnesota For 2013 Stroll For Epilepsy

MAPLE GROVE, Minn., Aug. 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Inc., today announced that it teamed up with the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota to support those with epilepsy at the 15^th annual Stroll for Epilepsy.  The Stroll took place on Thursday, August 8, 2013 in five cities throughout Minnesota and North Dakota to benefit those with epilepsy.  The two-mile walk is the largest fundraising and awareness event in this area for the epilepsy community.  The funds raised from the Stroll help to educate those affected by epilepsy.

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This year, the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota incorporated its new "I'm wired to..." campaign into the event.  The campaign encourages those living with epilepsy to share how they are "wired," and refuse to let epilepsy define who they are.  The slogan of the campaign, "Rise Above Seizures," supports the idea that epilepsy is not something that should get in the way of living an active, happy life.

"The Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota is a tremendous resource for patients and their families," said Tom Burke, COO, Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Inc.  "We are proud to support an organization that is a leading voice in educating, connecting and empowering people affected by epilepsy." 

"'I'm wired to...', our first-ever public awareness campaign, added to the success of this year's Stroll," said Vicki Kopplin, Executive Director, Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota.  "This new campaign helps to demystify epilepsy and proves that nobody needs to be defined by seizures.  By helping people understand that those with epilepsy can accomplish anything, we are empowering patients to live life to the fullest." 

The first Stroll for Epilepsy took place in Rochester, MN in 1999 and raised $4,784.  In 2012, the proceeds increased to more than $280,000 and the money raised in each community will be used to help fund local programs including Camp Oz, Shining Stars and Seizure Smart Schools. Camp Oz provides a safe camping experience designed for kids with epilepsy.  Shining Stars connects families living with epilepsy, while Seizure Smart Schools helps peers and school staff understand seizures and reduces bullying.  The Foundation served 101,446 individuals with epilepsy and their caregivers in 2012.  For more information about the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota or the Stroll for Epilepsy, visit www.efmn.org.

About Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a medical condition that causes seizures affecting a variety of cognitive and physical functions.  More than two million people in the U.S. are estimated to be affected by epilepsy with about 200,000 new cases of epilepsy diagnosed each year.¹  For many people with epilepsy, medication will prevent seizures if taken regularly, but some people continue to have seizures.¹  As many as two out of three patients treated for epilepsy have seizures that are refractory to therapy, either because they have incomplete control of their seizures or they experience treatment-related side effects that interfere with their quality of life.²

About The Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota
The Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota (EFMN) leads the fight to stop seizures, find a cure and overcome the challenges created by epilepsy.  One in 10 Americans will have a seizure in their lifetime, and 60,000 Minnesotans have epilepsy, also known as a seizure disorder.  This is enough people to fill TCF Bank Stadium beyond its 50,000 seat capacity.  The Foundation's programs and services cover all of Minnesota and Eastern North Dakota.  Those interested in any of its programs may contact Vicki Kopplin at 651-287-2314 or via email at [email protected].  To learn more, please visit: http://www.epilepsyfoundationmn.org. 

About Upsher-Smith
Upsher-Smith, founded in 1919, is an independent and privately-owned specialty pharmaceutical company headquartered in Maple Grove , Minnesota that focuses on product growth and innovation for branded and generic pharmaceuticals.  Upsher-Smith has a particular focus on developing therapies to assist people suffering from central nervous system diseases, and also markets products relating to cardiology, dermatology, and women's health.  For more information, visit www.upsher-smith.com.

SOURCE Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Inc.