Stone Pony concert for epilepsy awareness

Feb. 8, 2012 - PRLog -- ASBURY PARK— The Stone Pony will host the "Paint the Pony Purple" concert to benefit the Epilepsy Foundation of New Jersey (EFNJ) on Sunday, March 18th. This all-ages event,  in celebration of Purple Day, will raise necessary funds to continue running educational programs that spread knowledge and awareness of epilepsy and improve the quality of life of those living with the condition in New Jersey.

The concert lineup includes local cover bands enjoy!, One Eyed Jack, and Short Term Memory, as well as The RockNRoll Chorus and Patrick Stoner. The event will run from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tickets may be purchased for $20 through the Epilepsy Foundation of New Jersey's Manasquan office or via telephone at (732) 528-4382. Additional information and timely updates may be found on the Facebook event page for
"Paint the Pony Purple for Epilepsy".

Kelly Pretz of Manasquan, who was recently recognized in the area for publishing a novel depicting her struggle with epilepsy titled Rain at Midnight, expressed her excitement for the event. "It's going to be such a fun and inspiring event for everyone who attends, whether or not they know someone with epilepsy. My friends and family will be there to support me and enjoy the live music!"

Purple Day is a global effort dedicated to promoting epilepsy awareness in countries around the world. Motivated by her own struggles with epilepsy, Cassidy Megan created the idea of Purple Day in 2008. Cassidy's goal is to get people talking about epilepsy in an effort to dispel myths and inform those with seizures that they are not alone.

All funds raised at this event will help expand and maintain EFNJ’s fifth grade education program titled “Thinking About Epilepsy”. Because of outdated stigma and lack of understanding, children with epilepsy often face ostracism and bullying from their peers which may produce lasting effects of low self-esteem and depression. EFNJ hopes to stop the continuation of the outdated stigma by teaching students the necessary facts about epilepsy before leaving elementary school. Almost 25% of all epilepsy diagnoses each year in the United States involve children under the age of 15. EFNJ trained over 9,000 fifth grade students during the 2010-2011 school year.

The Epilepsy Foundation of New Jersey (EFNJ), an affiliate of the National Epilepsy Foundation and The Family Resource Network, provides programs for families living with epilepsy, such as a residential summer camp, support groups, scholarships, referral programs and respite care. EFNJ also institutes free educational presentations about seizure first aid and police training. Schools interested in participating in the "Thinking About Epilepsy" program may contact Jenna Andolora at 800-336-5843 or via email at efnj@efnj.com. To learn more, please visit www.efnj.com.

# # #

The Family Resource Network is a comprehensive, family-focused organization designed to meet the growing need for community based programs & services to individuals with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities & their families in NJ.