On September 22, 2019 Total Care RX participated as a sponsor at the 8th annual “Into The Light Walk” for epilepsy awareness, organized by the Epilepsy Foundation of Metropolitan New York (EFMNY).

Both Total Care RX and EFMNY feel shining a light on epilepsy is an important endeavor as the statistics associated with the disease are eye-opening: One in 126 people will be diagnosed with epilepsy this year; 3.4 million people nationwide are currently living with epilepsy; the average incidence of epilepsy each year in the United States is estimated at 150,000, or 48 for every 100,000 people. 

Those are numbers that most certainly grab our attention. 

The prevalence of epilepsy in the United States is alarming, and making the public more aware about it is a critical component of the continuing fight against the disease. Events like the “Into The Light Walk” are all about awareness and all about that fight. 

On that late September afternoon, at the beautiful Pier 25, Hudson River Park in Manhattan, the non-profit EFMNY celebrated epilepsy awareness with their annual walk to, “bring epilepsy into the light,” as their website explains.   

“Total Care Rx is honored to be part of the 8th Annual Into The Light Walk for Epilepsy. Members of our team from clinical, operations, home delivery and sales participated, with our patients, families, and providers,” says Tom Michaels, CEO of Total Care RX. “It was wonderful seeing everyone at the park on what was a beautiful end of summer day!”    

Strength in Numbers

Now in its eight year, the annual walk educates the public, helps raise funds, and puts epilepsy awareness in the spotlight. A powerful, overarching sense of community manifests itself every year at this event in the form of the special spirit of the people and organizations participating. It’s that spirit that makes the “Into The Light Walk” truly unforgettable. 

Total Care RX sponsored this year’s eighth annual walk and the disorder is one of its specialty areas of care. The pharmacy works with epilepsy patients to help ensure adherence to treatment guidelines, as an estimated 30% to 60% of those diagnosed with epilepsy do not comply. Total Care RX is also a limited distribution partner for Epidiolex (cannabidiol), a prescription treatment for seizures associated with two specific forms of epilepsy: Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. 

The 2018 Walk united more than 1,200 people, and organizers are always quick to mention the “special spirit” of the gathering each year for epilepsy awareness, as well as the bonds formed as part of this extraordinary effort.