Local Dundas Family Attends 2013 National Walk For Epilepsy® In Washington, D.C.

MAPLE GROVE, Minn., April 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Inc. (Upsher-Smith), in partnership with The Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota (EFMN), today announced that the Pleschourt family from Dundas, Minnesota was awarded sponsorship to attend The Epilepsy Foundation's National Walk for Epilepsy^® in Washington, D.C. on April 20, 2013.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130425/NY01600)  

Mark and Melissa Pleschourt's 13-year-old daughter, Taylor, was diagnosed with epilepsy at age nine.  Taylor suffers from intractable generalized epilepsy, a condition that is quite serious, difficult to control and can have a significant impact on her life.  "Taylor was ecstatic about traveling to Washington, D.C. to participate in the walk and for the chance to meet others with epilepsy," said Melissa Pleschourt. "We are so thankful to Upsher-Smith and the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota for providing our family with such a wonderful opportunity."

About the Pleschourt Family
Mark and Melissa Pleschourt live in Dundas, Minnesota. They have four children: Courtney, Kara, Kylie and Taylor. Taylor is 13 years old and was diagnosed with absence seizures at age nine. Recently, her diagnosis was changed to intractable generalized epilepsy. It has been a struggle for the family to determine the right balance of medication for her. Taylor has also experienced social issues because of her seizures and has found her condition to be isolating.

Slowly, though, Melissa says her daughter is getting past what they call the "scared stage" and is beginning to reengage in the activities she enjoys.

"She is an avid golfer and seems to have a natural ability. But after her diagnosis, she was afraid to be out on a golf course," she says. "We always tell her not to give up on what she wants to do because of this; now, she realizes she will be with someone, and she will be fine. She wants to golf again." 

Taylor is an avid Minnesota Wild fan, and the family tries to attend as many games as possible.  They also enjoy watching the Minnesota Twins at Target Field as well as other local sports teams.

Melissa says their family has attended events hosted by the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota, and they plan to get more involved in the future. In looking forward to the Walk, they are hopeful that Taylor will meet others with epilepsy who share the same struggles so she can connect with those who understand.

About the National Walk for Epilepsy^®
The National Walk for Epilepsy^® is a family-oriented, noncompetitive walk in our nation's capital to raise awareness and funds to stop seizures and SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy Patients), find a cure and overcome the challenges created by epilepsy through efforts including education, advocacy and research to accelerate ideas into therapies.  The Walk helps to support new and innovative epilepsy research, develop programs to educate first responders and support advocacy efforts against epilepsy-related discrimination and national healthcare reform.

This year marks the seventh anniversary of The National Walk for Epilepsy^® in Washington, D.C.  Each year, more than 5,000 people participate in The Walk in support of over two million Americans who live with epilepsy every day as well as their friends and loved ones.  For more information on The National Walk for Epilepsy^®, visit:  www.walkforepilepsy.org.

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, branded-generic and generic pharmaceuticals.  Upsher-Smith has a particular focus on developing therapies to assist people suffering from central nervous system diseases (including epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease) 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.