The first Epilepsy Awareness Motorcycle Ride will be held on Saturday, September 8th, 2018. All interested riders should meet at the Armory, located at 241 Front St. in Marietta, OH at 10:00 am. The motorcycle ride will start at noon. An escort will lead everyone out of town. The ride will end at the VFW Post 5108 at 319 Pike St. in Marietta, OH. The ride will be free, and free t-shirts will be handed out to the riders prior to the ride.

What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a chronic seizure disorder and is the 4th most common neurological disorder in the US. It affects people of all ages. Though there is a wide range of seizure types that vary from person-to-person, it often causes public misunderstanding that often affects a person’s safety, relationships, job, driving, and so much more. About 70{adf03471c70bc8114ba939a4ead795dc42e1770869422a3fc5206141d27312b1} of people go into remission or have reduced seizures when given the right treatment.

Why The Ride:

The purpose of the Epilepsy Awareness Ride is to help bring awareness for epilepsy.

John Miller, the organizer of the event, is 57 years old and has Epilepsy. He was only 10 years old when he learned he had Epilepsy. It affected him in school. He had trouble focusing, felt like his mind was always cloudy, and after a seizure, his body would hurt tremendously. He is now currently on medication. Though the medication helps with the seizures, it doesn’t stop them completely. He may still have a break through seizure (one that occurs once in a while but isn’t very severe).

The Social Challenges of Epilepsy

As an adult, it prevents him from becoming employed. He feels that due to discrimination, health risk, and insurance companies, he is often let go once the employer finds out he has epilepsy. After a seizure, it takes him 2-3 days to recover. He feels that employers would be more open if they understood epilepsy. He hopes this ride will help people realize that people with epilepsy can live a normal life. Freedom Riders Motorcycle Club is also sponsoring the motorcycle ride.  John has been a member for almost a year, and has been a motorcycle rider since October 2014.

Free Food After

Afterwards the riders and any family members may meet at the VFW for free food. There will be hamburgers, hot dogs, macaroni and potato salad. Any T-shirts left over will be given to family members of the riders but is first come, first serve. There will also be a raffle drawing. Some items that will be raffled are a $25 gas card, $25 Cabela’s gift card, Jewelry and more!

This event is completely free with the exception of raffle tickets and drinks! Please come and help raise awareness for Epilepsy! Donations will be accepted.

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