Every Picture Tells A Story, Particularly for Those With Epilepsy
May 11 2009 - 8:00AM
PR Newswire (US)
Expressions of Courage(R) Art Contest for People with Epilepsy Now
Accepting Entries TITUSVILLE, N.J., May 11 /PRNewswire/ -- The
definition of art has been debated for centuries, with most
agreeing that art means something different to everyone. For people
living with epilepsy, art can be a self-expressive, visual
demonstration of how it feels to live with this serious
neurological condition. Expressions of Courage(R) is a national
contest for people with epilepsy. From a finger painting on a sheet
of paper to an intricate drawing on a canvas, art provides an
opportunity for those with epilepsy to vibrantly convey how they
live with the condition. The contest helps showcase the talent and
inspiration of people across the country living with epilepsy.
Contest sponsor Ortho-McNeil Neurologics(R), Division of
Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc, in partnership with the
Epilepsy Foundation, invites people with epilepsy of all ages to
share their artwork. The contest will be open for entries from May
11, 2009 through August 28, 2009. A panel of epilepsy advocates,
art industry representatives and healthcare experts will serve as
contest judges and announce the winning artwork in November.
Entries are judged based on creativity and the ability to bring to
life the experiences of living with epilepsy. "Every piece
submitted to Expressions of Courage(R) tells a different story, one
may feature images to describe what it feels like to have a
seizure, while another demonstrates hope for a cure," said Eric R.
Hargis, president and CEO of the Epilepsy Foundation. "Without a
doubt, creating these entries is a very personal experience for
participants, providing a personal platform for them to share what
they go through every day." Epilepsy is one of the most common
disorders of the nervous system, affecting more than 50 million
people worldwide. As many as 200,000 Americans are diagnosed for
the first time each year. Epilepsy produces seizures, which happen
when a brief, strong surge of electrical activity affects part or
all of the brain. The condition can develop at any time in life,
but there is a particular susceptibility in young children and the
elderly. Currently, there is no cure for epilepsy; however,
medications help control seizure activity in the majority of people
with this condition. It is important for people with epilepsy to be
proactive in working with their healthcare providers to determine
the most effective treatment plan. Contest Details: Artwork may be
created in ink, pencil, crayon, paint or a combination of these
materials and must be on paper or board no larger than 8 1/2 by 11
inches. Contest entries will be categorized into three age groups:
children ages 12 years old and younger; teens age 13 to 17; and
adults 18 years of age and older. Multiple submissions will be
accepted. Winners will be highlighted on the Expressions of
Courage(R) Web site. A few winning pieces will also be chosen by
curators from the Society for the Arts in Healthcare for display in
a traveling art exhibition comprised of more than 20 winning
entries from the past seven contests. Please send original artwork
and a completed entry form to: Expressions of Courage(R) 389
Pittstown Road Pittstown, NJ 08867 To download the Expressions of
Courage(R) entry form and review the rules and regulations, click
here (link to
http://www.expressionsofcourage.com/rules/rules.html), or call the
Contest Help Line at 800-224-4935 with questions. Expressions of
Courage(R) is a program developed and funded by Ortho-McNeil
Neurologics(R), Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals,
Inc, in partnership with the Epilepsy Foundation. About the
Epilepsy Foundation The Epilepsy Foundation, a national non-profit
with affiliated organizations throughout the United States, has led
the fight against epilepsy since 1968. The Foundation's goals are
to ensure that people with seizures are able to participate in all
life experiences; and prevent, control and cure epilepsy through
services, education, advocacy and research, so not another moment
is lost to seizures. For additional information, please visit
http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/. About Ortho-McNeil
Neurologics(R) Headquartered in Titusville, NJ, Ortho-McNeil
Neurologics(R), Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals,
Inc, focuses exclusively on providing solutions that improve
neurological health. The company has products for Alzheimer's
disease, epilepsy, and acute and preventive migraine treatment.
Ortho-McNeil Neurologics(R), 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/.
Krystal Loewe Tricia Geoghegan GolinHarris Ortho-McNeil
Neurologics, Inc. 312-729-4453 609-730-3746 DATASOURCE:
Ortho-McNeil Neurologics CONTACT: Tricia Geoghegan of Ortho-McNeil
Neurologics, Inc., +1-609-730-3746, ; or Krystal Loewe of
GolinHarris, +1-312-729-4453, , for Ortho-McNeil Neurologics, Inc.
Web Site: http://www.orthomcneilneurologics.com/
http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/
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