Epilepsy Alliance Florida will host its annual Gainesville Walk the Talk for Epilepsy is slated for Saturday, April 26, at the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo.
The fundraising event will begin with registration at noon and the walk at 1 p.m. at 3000 NW 83rd St. For more information and to register, visit walkthetalkfl.org.
Sponsored by UCB, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Neurelis and Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, the event will feature family-friendly entertainment, including a live DJ, face painting and special appearances by Star Wars characters.
“Epilepsy makes daily life a difficult journey for many individuals,” said Karen Basha Egozi, president and CEO of Epilepsy Alliance Florida, in a press release. “This event, which unites us as one, highlights the essential support we provide to over 500,000 Floridians affected by epilepsy and helps to shine a light on the importance of awareness in our local communities.”
Twenty-one-year-old Aurora Williams will be honored at Saturday’s event with the Epilepsy Alliance Florida’s Clayton Feig Youth Award, an award that commemorates youth who battle seizures and features the work of those dedicated to removing the stigma associated with epilepsy. The award was established in memory of Clayton Feig, a man who demonstrated courage and strength of character while dealing with epilepsy. Complications from epilepsy claimed Feig’s life in 1993 when he was 18 years old.
Williams began experiencing seizures in early childhood. Despite some learning delays, the unwavering support of her parents and access to educational resources enabled her to thrive. Today, she is a full-time student at the College of Central Florida and works as a substitute teacher at a local private school where she inspires others through her commitment to education and advocacy.
She became an Epilepsy Alliance Florida client in 2023, seeking support during her transition into adulthood. After losing insurance coverage, the organization assisted her with medical services, and she now receives consistent care from a neurologist. Williams regularly participates in Epilepsy Alliance Florida’s support groups and her story reflects the very spirit of the Clayton Feig Youth Award.
Epilepsy is a neurological disease that affects one in 26 people is diagnosed with. It is a diagnosis given when a person experiences two or more seizures that cannot be attributed to another cause and is a disorder that affects more people than live with autism, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and cerebral palsy combined. In the U.S., Florida is the state with the most instances of epilepsy.
The Gainesville Walk the Talk for Epilepsy is one of seven walks hosted by Epilepsy Alliance Florida across the state. Other cities where walks will be held are Jacksonville, Hollywood, West Palm Beach, Pensacola, Miami, and Naples.