EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies and the Epilepsy Foundation Long Island Host Annual Walk for Epilepsy

The EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies, which includes the Epilepsy Foundation Long Island, proudly hosted the annual Walk for Epilepsy at Eisenhower Park, uniting more than 1,000 participants in a powerful show of solidarity and support for those living with epilepsy. With a goal to raise $126,000—symbolic of the statistic that 1 in 26 people will develop epilepsy in their lifetime—the event has already generated nearly $95,000 in contributions. The walk highlighted the importance of education, advocacy, and community for the more than 35,000 Long Islanders impacted by this neurological condition.

“Epilepsy affects so many lives—children, families and individuals across every community,” said Lisa Burch, President & CEO of the EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies. “Through the Walk for Epilepsy, we are standing together to raise awareness, strengthen understanding and empower those living with epilepsy to live full and confident lives. The community’s generosity and energy make this event so meaningful year after year.”

The Walk for Epilepsy is part of a national movement to bring greater visibility to epilepsy, one of the most common yet misunderstood neurological disorders. Affecting approximately 3.4 million people in the U.S.—including 470,000 children—epilepsy can impact every aspect of a person’s life. This annual event aims to increase awareness, reduce stigma, and fund programs that provide education, support, and advocacy to individuals and families across Long Island.

This year’s Grand Marshal, Kassandra Facey, was recognized for her inspiring advocacy and personal strength. At sixteen, Kassandra experienced her first tonic-clonic seizure—a life-changing moment that sparked her journey to raise awareness and create community. Now an author, creator and founder of Kassy’s Corner, Kassandra has dedicated herself to providing a safe, inclusive space where people with epilepsy, special needs and their families can connect, share experiences and support one another.

“Kassandra’s courage and dedication to helping others embody the spirit of what this event is all about,” said Irene Rodgers, Chief Development & Engagement Officer. “Her story reminds us that with understanding, compassion and community, no one has to face epilepsy alone.”

The Walk for Epilepsy participants enjoyed a day filled with energy, hope and togetherness. Teams proudly wore custom shirts honoring loved ones, while local sponsors provided refreshments and signage to cheer walkers along the route. The event served as both a celebration of resilience and a rallying call to continue supporting essential programs that educate and empower the epilepsy community.

Funds raised through the Walk for Epilepsy support the Epilepsy Foundation Long Island’s vital initiatives, including Seizure Recognition and First Aid Certification Training, School In-Service Programs, Community Education, Advocacy and Monthly Workshops—all offered free of charge to individuals and families.

The EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies comprises three organizations that provide advocacy and healthcare resources for families and communities throughout Long Island. EPIC Long Island operates a Day Habilitation program in East Meadow along with 18 group homes located throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties and provides clinical services for children and adults who have developmental disabilities. These facilities are led by incredible caregivers who offer support and help facilitate wonderful experiences and programs for those in their care. Each of EPIC Long Island’s residences is unique, and the individuals who live there have various abilities as well as life challenges.

The Epilepsy Foundation Long Island helps raise awareness and provides vital advocacy and resources for the more than 35,000 Long Islanders who have been diagnosed with epilepsy and experience seizures. This includes providing community education in schools and healthcare venues and offering Seizure First Aid Certification to help train Long Islanders to provide immediate care for someone experiencing a seizure.

The South Shore Guidance Center in Freeport is an outpatient behavioral health clinic within the EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies. It provides a wide range of care for Long Islanders of all ages to accommodate the unique needs of children, adolescents, and adults. This includes individual, group, and family psychotherapy, substance use treatment, crisis stabilization, and medication-assisted treatment.

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