The Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Cincinnati participated in the 2009 National Walk for Epilepsy and met with Cincinnati Bengal Geoffrey Pope. (Pictured left to right) Lauren Hackney (front), Christine Darling, Ben Wiechman, Andrew Schwartz, Geoffrey Pope, Jacob Reed, Jason Root, Ray Magoto, Bobby Gustin, Michael McNamee, and Mark Findley, Assistant Director of Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Cincinnati.
The event Walk Chair, Greg Grunberg, star of NBC's hit series Heroes, whose son Jake has epilepsy, joined Jets offensive lineman and eight-time Pro Bowler, Alan Faneca, Atlanta Falcons running back Jason Snelling and Pope. Each man led a team of supporters to increase funding for more epilepsy research and additional awareness and education about epilepsy. Over the past two years, the event has raised more than $2 million and engaged more than 13,000 walkers.
"Many people with epilepsy are encouraged not to participate in contact sports or other activities that could lead to a head injury," Pope said. "Despite that warning, both Alan and Jason keep on playing and both of them are exceptional athletes, who are at the top of their game. I took part in the Walk to encourage people who've experienced seizures like my grandmother, Alan, Jason and thousands of young athletes across the country, like Greg's son, Jake."
Pope served as team lead for the Gridiron Gang, a Walk team established to honor his grandmother, who has epilepsy, and encourage young athletes to pursue their dreams despite living with epilepsy.
"This is the second year that Geoffrey Pope has participated in the National Walk for Epilepsy. As a professional athlete, he is an inspiration to a great many people," said Kimberli Meadows, senior director of public relations for the Epilepsy Foundation. "We are grateful for his support and his willingness to be a role model for many young people who aspire to do good work on and off the field."
For more information about the Epilepsy Foundation, visit EpilepsyFoundation.org.
