Epilepsy Foundation and Actor Greg Grunberg Unveil New 'TalkAboutIt.org' to Raise Awareness for Millions of Americans Living with Seizures

Landover, MD (May 4, 2016) – The Epilepsy Foundation launched the new “TalkAboutIt.org” website today in partnership with epilepsy advocate and actor Greg Grunberg, who is featured in the recent “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and upcoming “Star Trek Beyond.” The site, with sponsorship support from Sunovion Pharmaceuticals, will raise awareness about seizure symptoms, offer first aid information, and address misconceptions about the condition. Three million people in the United States currently live with seizures, and one in 26 Americans will develop epilepsy in their lifetime.

The new site is a unique, subway-themed resource that pairs celebrities and some of the leading experts in epilepsy to take viewers on a journey and provide information about key topics such as: what is epilepsy, who has it, how to treat epilepsy, how to provide seizure first aid, and how to help end public misunderstanding about epilepsy.

“Epilepsy is one of the oldest known medical conditions, but many people still don’t know much about seizures,” said Grunberg. “My son had seizures during high school. I personally went to the teachers and spoke about what to do if he had a seizure. It’s very common for people to think that epilepsy is contagious or that it is a mental illness, when in fact it’s not! Once people know about epilepsy and are comfortable talking about it, the world can start to change for people with seizures. Acceptance and understanding replaces ignorance and fear. Everyone needs to talk about it.”

When his son was first diagnosed with epilepsy, the Epilepsy Foundation helped the Grunbergs connect with services and support. One of the goals of TalkAboutIt.org is to help individuals and families find similar connections through the resources of the Foundation.

Another key goal of the site is to help raise public awareness. Celebrities – including J.J. Abrams (director, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”), Kristen Bell (“Frozen”), Roger Cross (“Arrow”), Harrison Ford (“Star Wars: The Force Awakens”), Jennifer Garner (“Alias”), Christopher Gorham (“Covert Affairs”), Sean Hayes (“Will & Grace”), Joe Mantegna (“Criminal Minds”), John Mayer (Five-time Grammy Winner), Sarah Jane Morris (“NCIS”), Hayden Panettiere (“Nashville”), Chris Pine (“Star Trek”), Dr. Drew Pinsky (“Dr. Drew on Call”), Zachary Quinto (“Star Trek”), Jesse Spencer (“Chicago Fire”), Derek Theler (“Baby Daddy”), and Milo Ventimiglia (“Gilmore Girls”) – appear on the site to help educate visitors about epilepsy and seizures.

“The Epilepsy Foundation is proud to deepen our partnership with our longtime friend and advocate, Greg Grunberg,” said Phil Gattone, president and CEO of the Epilepsy Foundation. “Greg and his celebrity friends will help us take our efforts to the next level to lead the fight in helping people overcome the challenges of living with epilepsy. TalkAboutIt.org helps us highlight the need to accelerate access to better therapies to save lives, while also raising awareness of seizures and proper first aid. We have greater strength when we all talk about it and take action together.”

TalkAboutIt.org is a program of the Epilepsy Foundation and is supported by Sunovion Pharmaceuticals, a global biopharmaceutical company focused on the innovative application of science and medicine to help people with serious medical conditions.

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About Epilepsy
When a person has two unprovoked seizures or one unprovoked seizure with the likelihood of more, they are considered to have epilepsy. Epilepsy affects 3 million people in the U.S. and 65 million worldwide. This year, another 150,000 people will be diagnosed with epilepsy. Despite all available treatments, 4 out of 10 people with epilepsy continue to experience uncontrolled seizures while many more experience less than optimal seizure control.

About the Epilepsy Foundation
The Epilepsy Foundation, a national non-profit with nearly 50 local organizations throughout the U.S., 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 lead the fight to overcome the challenges of living with epilepsy and to accelerate therapies to stop seizures, find cures, and save lives. 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 epilepsy.com.

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