Abbott News
South Carolina Youth Named National Epilepsy Spokesperson
WASHINGTON,
Smith, 15, is one of 50 young people with epilepsy participating in Kids Speak Up!, a national program coordinated by the Epilepsy Foundation with support from Abbott. The program rallies young ambassadors with epilepsy between the ages of 7 and 16 to advocate for the more than 3 million Americans living with the condition.
"Shana was selected to participate in Kids Speak Up! to represent the approximately 350,000 children under the age of 17 who are affected by the condition. She is an ideal candidate because of her desire to achieve her goals despite her challenges. Shana's courage is an inspiration to us all," said Eric R. Hargis, President and CEO of the Epilepsy Foundation.
This year's participants are a diverse group ranging from those with controlled seizures to those who are massively affected by their epilepsy. Despite their individual challenges, the kids enjoy doing ordinary things, so when they come to D.C., besides meeting with their leaders, they will be treated to a magic show featuring award-winning magician
Epilepsy is the most common neurological condition in children and each year approximately 45,000 children under age 17 are diagnosed with the disorder. Despite modern therapy, about one million people in the U.S. continue to experience seizures or significant side effects from treatment for their epilepsy.
About the Epilepsy Foundation
The Epilepsy Foundation, a national non-profit with affiliated organizations throughout the
About Abbott
Abbott is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics. The company employs more than 60,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries.
SOURCE Epilepsy Foundation
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