Eisai Launches “Search for the Next Medikidz Star” Contest for Kids Living With Epilepsy

As part of Eisai’s commitment to public education about epilepsy and helping to reduce stigma associated with the condition, Eisai has teamed up with Medikidz USA Inc. on the school age-appropriate comic book series. In addition to this year’s contest launch, Eisai is also announcing the availability of the second comic book in the series, titled “Medikidz Explain Seizure Assistance Dogs.”

“Raising awareness about epilepsy at a young age is more important than ever as stigma about the condition persists,” said James W. Wheless, MD, Professor and Chief of Pediatric Neurology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, Memphis, TN and a peer reviewer of the book. “The hope is that by increasing education about epilepsy through this comic book series, not only can we start to eliminate the stigma surrounding the disease, but also help children realize that they can live normal, successful lives with the condition.”

“Search for the Next Medikidz Star” Contest
The “Search for the Next Medikidz Star” contest, now open for entries, will identify a child living with epilepsy, who has overcome a challenge or obstacle. Children between the ages of 13 and 18 years old, who have been diagnosed with epilepsy by a health care professional, are encouraged to enter the contest at www.advancingepilepsycare.com. Entrants must register by December 31, 2014 and submit a short (up to two minute) video describing why he or she should be chosen to be the next Medikidz star.

“Medikidz Explain Epilepsy” Comic Book Series
According to a national survey, 95% of epilepsy patients and caregivers believe the public is unaware about how many people are affected by epilepsy and 89% report there is a stigma associated with the condition. The “Medikidz Explain Epilepsy” series was first launched in December 2013 to help educate children about epilepsy and reduce the stigma associated with the disease. Following the success and impact of the first book, Eisai has committed to supporting three additional books in the series. The newest book now available in the comic series, “Medikidz Explain Seizure Assistance Dogs,” tackles the physical and emotional aspects of epilepsy and how the disease may affect children at school and in their social lives. It tells a story inspired by a 14-year old boy named Joel and focuses on his struggles in school and his journey with his seizure-assistance dog, Flame.

“I’ve shared my book with my friends and it’s pretty cool because I’ve never been able to explain what it feels like to have epilepsy and how Flame helps me manage my seizures. Now the other kids at school can understand what I go through every day,” said Joel Wilcox, the inspiration for the “Medikidz Explain Seizure Assistance Dogs” book. “I think it is awesome that the ‘Search for the Next Medikidz Star’ now gives another child living with epilepsy the chance to star in a book and continue to teach others about living with epilepsy.”

The “Medikidz Explain Epilepsy” series is peer-reviewed by leading medical professionals. To order a free copy of “Medikidz Explain Seizure Assistance Dogs” and learn more about “The Search for the Next Medikidz Star,” visit www.advancingepilepsycare.com.

About Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a disease of the brain characterized by unprovoked seizures that can affect a variety of mental and physical functions. According to the Institute of Medicine, epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders, affecting 2.2 million people in the United States.

About Eisai Inc.
At Eisai Inc., human health care is our goal. We give our first thoughts to patients and their families, and helping to increase the benefits health care provides. As the U.S. pharmaceutical subsidiary of Tokyo-based Eisai Co., Ltd., our passionate commitment to patient care is the driving force. We are a fully integrated pharmaceutical business with discovery, clinical, manufacturing and marketing capabilities. Our key areas of commercial focus include oncology and specialty care (Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy and metabolic disorders). To learn more about Eisai Inc., please visit us at www.eisai.com/US.

Eisai Inc. has affiliates that are part of a global product creation organization that includes R&D facilities in Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina and Pennsylvania, as well as a global demand chain organization that includes manufacturing facilities in Maryland and North Carolina. Eisai’s global areas of R&D focus include neuroscience; oncology; metabolic disorders; vascular, inflammatory and immunological reaction; and antibody-based programs.

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