People with Epilepsy Encouraged to Submit Artwork as Part of National Expressions...

People with Epilepsy Encouraged to Submit Artwork as Part of National
Expressions of Courage(R) Art Contest
Contest Celebrates Talents and Strengths of Those Living with Epilepsy

TITUSVILLE, N.J., March 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Art is an essential part of the
human experience. It has the ability to relay our deepest feelings with mere
flicks of a paintbrush, or through simple pencil strokes. For people with
epilepsy, art can be a valuable way to communicate their innermost thoughts of
living with this serious neurological condition.
The sixth annual Expressions of Courage(R) national art contest, sponsored
by ORTHO-McNEIL NEUROLOGICS(R), Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen
Pharmaceuticals, Inc, in partnership with the Epilepsy Foundation, provides
people with epilepsy the opportunity to showcase their talents and their
perspectives of the world around them through art. In addition, the contest
helps raise awareness of epilepsy and eliminate the stigma often associated
with the condition -- as epilepsy does not define who people are, it is simply
a condition they live with.
The contest kicked off at the National Walk for Epilepsy on March 29 in
Washington, D.C., and is open through July 16, 2008, to all Americans
diagnosed with epilepsy. A panel of epilepsy advocates and art industry
representatives will serve as contest judges and will announce the winning
artwork in September. Winning entries will be selected based on creativity and
the ability to demonstrate feelings of living with epilepsy through art.
"By participating in the Expressions of Courage art contest, Carly is able
to pursue her love of arts and crafts while gaining a sense of satisfaction
and pride that she doesn't easily find in many activities," explained Kelly
Richards of Westmont, Ill., mother of a past contest winner. "The contest is a
meaningful and positive experience for Carly, and she looks forward to
creating her entry each year."
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. Multiple pieces of artwork will be accepted. Entry forms should be
downloaded from the contest Web site, http://www.expressionsofcourage.com, and
mailed to: Expressions of Courage, c/o ORTHO-McNEIL NEUROLOGICS, 389 Pittstown
Road, Pittstown, NJ 08867. 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.
Winning artwork will be featured on the contest Web site and either in
2009 calendars or coffee table books available in local Epilepsy Foundation
offices and select physician offices nationwide. Also, a few winning pieces
may be chosen by curators from the Society for the Arts in Healthcare for
display in a traveling art exhibition comprised of nearly 30 winning entries
from the past five contests. The exhibition aims to enhance public awareness
of epilepsy by traveling to medical centers across the nation. The artwork is
accompanied by the artists' stories of how epilepsy has impacted their lives
in various ways. Visit the contest Web site to learn more about the
exhibition and find an exhibition location near you.
"The people who participate in the Expressions of Courage contest are
advocates for increasing awareness about epilepsy, in that they creatively use
their talents and selflessly share their personal feelings for the benefit of
educating others," said Eric R. Hargis, president and CEO of the Epilepsy
Foundation. "We recognize their bravery, appreciate their unique and beautiful
artwork, and hope that other people are inspired to speak out about their own
experiences of living with epilepsy."
Epilepsy is one of the most common disorders of the nervous system,
affecting approximately 50 million people worldwide with as many as 200,000
Americans 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, seizure medications help control
seizure activity in the majority of people with this condition.
To learn more about Expressions of Courage, the traveling exhibition and
to download Expressions of Courage entry forms, please visit
http://www.expressionsofcourage.com, or call the Contest Help Line at
800-224-4935 with questions.
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
Headquartered in Titusville, N.J., ORTHO-McNEIL NEUROLOGICS 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.
Krystal Loewe Kara Russell
GolinHarris ORTHO-McNEIL NEUROLOGICS
(312) 729-4453 (609) 730-3592
kloewe@golinharris.com KRussel3@PRDUS.jnj.com

SOURCE ORTHO-McNEIL NEUROLOGICS; Epilepsy Foundation

Krystal Loewe of GolinHarris, +1-312-729-4453, kloewe@golinharris.com, for
ORTHO-McNEIL NEUROLOGICS and Epilepsy Foundation; or Kara Russell of
ORTHO-McNEIL NEUROLOGICS, +1-609-730-3592, Russel3@PRDUS.jnj.com