ROYAL OAK, Mich. – Hundreds of supporters gathered at the Detroit Zoo Saturday for the 33rd annual Stroll for Epilepsy, demonstrating solidarity with the nearly 109,000 Michigan residents living with the neurological disorder.
The event, organized by the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan, aims to raise $198,000 to fund vital support services, education programs, and community outreach initiatives.
Organizers reported approximately $150,000 in donations before the event began.
“We want to make sure that people know that no one has to face epilepsy alone,” said Andrea Schotthoefer, President of the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan. The organization provides essential services including camps for children, family support programs, and specialized seizure recognition training.
For families like the Mays, this stroll hits close to home as they joined up to 2,000 participants for the event.
“Both Madison and Ashlyn are persons living with an epilepsy diagnosis,” said Angie May, board chair of the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan. “We started at the walk about 13 years ago after Madison was diagnosed.”
Medical experts emphasize that epilepsy affects more people than commonly believed.
Statistics show one in 26 people will develop epilepsy during their lifetime, while one in 10 people will experience a seizure at some point.
The condition can develop independently or emerge as a result of other neurological conditions, including stroke or autism.
