Newswise — In celebration of National Epilepsy Awareness Month, Ortho-McNeil Neurologics®, Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc, and the Epilepsy Foundation today announced the winners of the 2008 Expressions of Courage® art contest. Now in its sixth year, the contest recognizes creativity and the ability to demonstrate feelings of living with epilepsy through art.
The contest attracts hundreds of entries from adults and children throughout the country. "Expressions of Courage allows people with epilepsy to serve as strong advocates for their condition by sharing their stories through their beautiful and talented artwork," said Epilepsy Foundation President and CEO Eric R. Hargis. "The contest also allows others to learn the truth about people with epilepsy " that epilepsy does not define who you are."
Nearly 3 million Americans live with epilepsy; yet it remains a largely misunderstood and stigmatized condition. In a recent national survey sponsored by Ortho-McNeil Neurologics®, three-quarters of people with epilepsy (76 percent) and nearly all healthcare professionals (90 percent) felt that the general public is not well-informed about epilepsy. The winning artwork will be showcased in books, calendars and in a traveling exhibit to raise public awareness of epilepsy and inspire others with the condition. This year's winners include:
"¢Linda Kearns, 31, Coatesville, Penn.; Linda's intricate drawing, titled "Togetherness," depicts one hand softly touching another, and was inspired by the first moment she touched the hands of her true love, Ron.
"¢Joshua Fenton, 10, Carver, Mass.; In "The Growth out of Epilepsy," Joshua represents his accomplishments, which have been achieved despite the challenges associated with his condition.
"¢Pamela Davis, 41, Arcadia, Fla.; In Pamela's self-portrait, "Have Courage," she shows two sides of epilepsy " one dependent on courage and one limited by health. She taps into her own courage in order to accomplish her dreams and artistic success.
"¢Tabitha West, 5, Gallatin, Tenn.; Severely disabled and cognitively impaired, Tabitha finds enjoyment and peace in creating art. She maintains a positive attitude, inspiring everyone she encounters, with and without epilepsy.
"¢Kerstin Highlands, 20, Jeanette, Penn.; Inspired by nature, Kerstin, often paints detailed images of flowers and trees. In "Falling Flowers of Strength," a Cherry Blossom tree reminds her that flowers are similar to people, in that they both glow with beauty and at times, fall to the ground. She explains, "people, however, have the strength and ability to pick themselves back up."
"¢Craig Getzlaff, 48, Portland, Ore.; Craig's artistic inspiration is derived from the auras he experienced prior to having a seizure. His winning artwork, "Disturbed Czur," is a translation of symptoms and emotions into a powerful abstract image.
Winners were chosen by a panel of four judges who based their selections on creativity and the ability to demonstrate feelings of living with epilepsy through art.
Panelists included: "¢Elizabeth Thiele, MD, PhD, director of the Pediatric Epilepsy Program at Massachusetts General Hospital
"¢John Schneider, Epilepsy Foundation Vice President of Communications
"¢Lillian Fitzgerald, member of the Society for the Arts in Healthcare Board of Directors
"¢William Whyte, product director of Ortho-McNeil Neurologics®
To view the winning artwork and learn more about each artist's personal experience with epilepsy, visit www.ExpressionsOfCourage.com. To learn more about managing epilepsy, download the Epilepsy Empowerment Podcast available on the Expressions of Courage® Web site. In the podcast, leading experts and celebrity advocates discuss strategies to better manage epilepsy and provide advice on creating individualized treatment plans.
About Epilepsy Epilepsy is a serious neurological condition that can develop at any time in life, but there is a particular susceptibility in young children and the elderly. The condition produces seizures, which can range from a momentary disruption of the senses, to short periods of unconsciousness or staring spells, to convulsions. A seizure happens when a brief, strong surge of electrical activity affects part or all of the brain. When a person has two or more seizures, they are considered to have epilepsy. Currently there is no cure for epilepsy; however, more than half of people with epilepsy are able to control seizures with existing treatment options.
The Epilepsy FoundationThe Epilepsy Foundation is a nonprofit organization with the goal of ensuring that people with seizures are able to participate in all life experiences, and works to prevent, control and cure epilepsy through services, education, advocacy and research. For more information, visit www.EpilepsyFoundation.org.
Ortho-McNeil Neurologics®Headquartered in Titusville, N.J., Ortho-McNeil Neurologics®, Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc, focuses exclusively on providing solutions that improve neurological health. The company currently markets products for Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, and acute and preventive migraine treatment. Ortho-McNeil Neurologics®, in conjunction with internal and external research partners, continues to explore new opportunities to develop solutions for unmet healthcare needs in neurology. For more information, visit http://www.OrthoMcNeilNeurologics.com.
Expressions of Courage® is developed and funded by Ortho-McNeil Neurologics®, Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The Epilepsy Foundation supports Expressions of Courage® through announcements to its membership and distribution of program materials.
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