Ohio Youths Named National Epilepsy Spokespersons

Michelle Schmitt and Francisco Maldonado to Visit Washington, D.C., and
Meet With Elected Officials



WASHINGTON, March 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Michelle Schmitt of
Huber Heights and Francisco Maldonado of Massillon will travel to
Washington, D.C., this April 1 to meet with congressional leaders and gain
their support for restoration of the Americans with Disabilities Act,
support for epilepsy public health programs and more research toward a cure
for epilepsy.



Schmitt, 14, and Maldonado, 12, are two 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.



"Michelle and Francisco were 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. They are ideal candidates because each of them
has overcome difficult challenges while living with epilepsy. Their 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 Bradley Fields and
meet Mighty Mike Simmel, an entertainment basketball player of the world
famous Harlem Wizards. Simmel, who also has epilepsy, inspires young people
to follow their dreams despite their obstacles.



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 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 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.

















See Also

• Human Genome Sciences Invites Investors to Listen to Webcast of Presentation at Lehman Brothers Conference
• Hooper Holmes Announces Fourth Quarter and Year-End 2007 Results
• Maryland Youth Named National Epilepsy Spokesperson
• Kansas Youth Named National Epilepsy Spokesperson

Via: Healthcare