News Releases

SUNY New Paltz to host annual epilepsy walk

NEW PALTZ – Sara’s Fourth Annual Walk for Epilepsy and Sara’s 5K Sprint for Epilepsy will take place at the State University of New York at New Paltz from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 2.

Volunteers are being sought to participate in the walk and race to raise money and awareness for those whose lives have been touched by epilepsy in the Hudson Valley. Proceeds from the two-mile walk and 5K run will benefit the Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern New York (EFNENY).

Four years ago, Sara-Elizabeth was a 10-year-old New Paltz Middle School student who had experienced tonic clonic and partial complex uncontrollable seizures since the age of 16 months. She decided to turn her focus outward and organized her first event as a way to create awareness of the disease.

Today at 14, Sara-Elizabeth is seizure-free. She remains dedicated to her cause, which in its first three years raised more than $40,000.

“I hope this year’s walk will be even more successful in helping others with seizure disorders and to demystify the ever-present stigma that some people have regarding people with epilepsy,” she said.

Susan Kaczynski, special events coordinator for the events, said, “Sara-Elizabeth has done an amazing job raising awareness and money for those affected by epilepsy in northeastern New York. I look forward to another successful walk!”

Participants should park in the Wooster Parking Lot (#21) and follow signs to registration.

For more information on participating in the walk, contact Kaczynski at (518) 456-7501 or (845) 883-6320, ext. 114 or e-mail skaczynski@epilepsyneny.com or visit www.itsnotwhoiam.com.