Walk The Talk For Epilepsy: Exercise For A Cause This Weekend In Hollywood

The Hollywood Walk The Talk For Epilepsy, sponsored by Memorial Healthcare Brain Institute, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, Jazz Pharmaceutical, UCB, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital’s Brain Institute, Catalyst Pharmaceutical, Holy Cross Hospital, among others, will feature a two-mile walk and family-friendly entertainment, including a live DJ, face painting and special appearances by Star Wars characters.

Local resident Jayla Booker will be honored at the event with Epilepsy Alliance Florida’s Clayton Feig Youth Award, an award commemorating youth who battle Seizures and that highlights the important work of those dedicated to removing the stigma associated with Epilepsy. The award was established in memory of Clayton Feig, a young man who demonstrated courage and strength of character while dealing with Epilepsy. Complications from Epilepsy claimed Clayton’s life in 1993 when he was just 18-years-old.

Fifteen-year-old Jayla’s life took a drastic turn in 2021, the year she was first diagnosed with Epilepsy. Despite this diagnosis, she has not let it stop her passion for gymnastics. A gymnast for the past 10 years, Jayla has inspired many through her gift of the sport where she has made it to a level 10 – the highest level in the USA Gymnastics Junior Olympics Program. Jayla has accomplished much as a competitive gymnast, most recently having won 1st place at the Sand Dollar Invitational Competition, held in Orlando this past January and 2nd place at the Tim Rand Invitational, held in Fort Lauderdale earlier this year. Although Jayla faces many obstacles and challenges when it comes to living with Epilepsy, she continues to let her light shine by inspiring and uplifting others. Jayla and her mother are proud to be a part of the Epilepsy Alliance Florida family, serving in advocacy roles through the organization’s Youth Advocacy Council And Parent Advisory Board.

“We’re so proud to recognize Jayla for her bravery facing Epilepsy and her incredible will to help make the path easier for others, like her, who are living with this disease,” said Karen Basha Egozi, President and CEO of Epilepsy Alliance Florida. “She’s a true inspiration and representation of all this special award entails.”

Epilepsy, a neurological disease that one in 26 people will be diagnosed with at some point in their lives, is a diagnosis given when a person experiences two or more Seizures that cannot be attributed to another cause. It is a disorder more people live with than Autism, Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis and Cerebral Palsy – combined.

The Epilepsy Alliance Florida (formerly Epilepsy Florida), was established in 1971 as a not-for-profit 501 (c)(3), they are dedicated to supporting those impacted by Epilepsy by confronting the spectrum of challenges created by Seizures. It is a founding member of the Epilepsy Alliance America. Epilepsy Alliance Florida provides numerous services to individuals and families, including advocacy and counseling, education and prevention, direct medical and neuropsychological services, as well as other programs regardless of financial situation or socioeconomic status. For more information, visit: www.epilepsyalliancefl.com

To register for the Hollywood Walk The Talk For Epilepsy, visit: www.walkthetalkfl.org