5K event will bring attention to epilepsy

The second annual Paul's Run for Epilepsy will take place Sunday, Oct. 17, in Prospect Heights.

The run is organized by the family of Paul Schmidt, a Prospect Heights man who died in 2008 at the age of 21 from SUDEP (sudden unexplained death in epilepsy). All proceeds benefit Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy.

Paul Schmidt was a longtime athlete who began experiencing seizures in 2001 at the age of 15. For the next six years of his life, he faced a grueling uphill battle with near-weekly tonic colonic (previously known as gran mal) seizures.

He saw many epilepsy experts within the Chicago area, tried several medications and underwent a promising surgical treatment. However, as is the case for one third of people with epilepsy, Paul's seizures remained uncontrollable. He was among the 50,000 Americans who die each year of epilepsy.

“Paul was always known around town as an athlete, so we thought a 5K would be a great way to honor his memory, said his mother, Debi Schmidt. “We hope this event will help other families who are struggling with epilepsy, by raising awareness about the condition while also raising much-needed research money.

There will be free events for children, including a balloon artist and kids' races. Local band Get Real will perform at the finish line. An Epilepsy and Health & Wellness Fair will include vendors and resources such as a service dog company, acupuncturist and neurofeedback clinic.

Through corporate sponsorships, individual donations and racer registration fees, the Schmidt family hopes to raise more than $20,000.

For details, visit PaulsRunForEpilepsy.org.