WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwired - April 11, 2015) - Thousands of enthusiastic walkers came together this morning for the Epilepsy Foundation's 9th Annual National Walk for Epilepsy. The event kicked off on the Washington Monument grounds with a performance by music trio Sleepy Man.

Epilepsy -- a medical condition characterized by recurring seizures -- can affect anyone of any age at any time. Nearly 3 million people in the U.S. are living with epilepsy and seizures, and one in 26 Americans will develop epilepsy during their lifetime. In more than one-third of people living with epilepsy, their seizures resist all forms of treatment and can be extremely severe and debilitating.

The National Walk for Epilepsy has raised nearly $10 million to advance access to care, fund research and new therapies, and educate people about epilepsy and seizures since its inception in 2007.

"Today the epilepsy community came together as a family to remember that we are not alone on our journey," said Philip M. Gattone, president and CEO of the Epilepsy Foundation. "We are grateful for the extraordinary support of the National Walk from people with epilepsy and their families, friends, caregivers, loved ones, and physicians. Together we are helping to raise awareness, provide support for education and services across the country, and accelerate new therapies to make a difference in the lives of people living with epilepsy and seizures."

About Epilepsy
When a person has two or more unprovoked seizures, they are considered to have epilepsy. Epilepsy affects nearly 3 million people in the U.S. and 65 million worldwide. This year, another 150,000 people will be diagnosed with epilepsy.

About the Epilepsy Foundation
The Epilepsy Foundation, a national non-profit with nearly 50 affiliated organizations throughout the United States, has led the fight against seizures since 1968. The Foundation is an unwavering ally for individuals and families impacted by epilepsy and seizures. The mission of the Epilepsy Foundation is to stop seizures and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), find a cure and overcome the challenges created by epilepsy through efforts including education, advocacy, and research to accelerate ideas into therapies. The Foundation works to ensure that people with seizures have the opportunity to live their lives to their fullest potential. For additional information, please visit www.epilepsy.com.

"Like" the Epilepsy Foundation on Facebook at www.facebook.com/epilepsyfoundationofamerica and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/epilepsyfdn.