Paul's Run for epilepsy research steps off Oct. 16 in Prospect Hts.
Oct. 16 marks the third annual Paul's Run for Epilepsy. This 5K run/walk will take place at the Gary Morava Recreational Center 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).
Proceeds from the race will benefit Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy and the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago.
Entry fees are: Adult 5K runner/walker: $30; Youth (17-under) 5K runner/walker: $20; 1-Mile Run for Kids (12-under): $10. Online registration will be taken until Oct. 14; late registration is available on race morning, with each fee $5 higher.
For information about sponsoring, volunteering, or racing at Paul's Run for Epilepsy, visit www.PaulsRunForEpilepsy.org.Paul Schmidt was a longtime athlete from Prospect Heights. He began experiencing seizures in 2001 at the age of 15, and 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.During that time he saw many epilepsy experts in 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. On Oct. 17, 2008, 12 days short of his 22nd birthday, Paul's body went into cardiac arrest and his breathing stopped. Two days later he passed away, joining the 50,000 Americans who die each year of epilepsy. The cause of Paul's death was SUDEP: sudden unexplained death in epilepsy.Through the amazing support of corporate sponsorships, individual donations and racer registration fees, last year's race raised over $20,000. The Schmidt family hopes to continue to grow the race and bring in even more support this year.This year not only will the event continue to raise funding for CURE and their efforts to fund research for cutting edge projects and raise awareness about the devastation of epilepsy, but will also help provide support, advocacy and educational services to those affected by the daily challenges that epilepsy presents by partnering with the Epilepsy Foundation. This year's event includes a timed, USATF sanctioned 5K run/walk, and a 1-mile run for kids. There is a Healthy Kids' Corner with free activities and races for the little ones along with a magician to entertain them.Don't miss the second annual Epilepsy and Health Wellness Fair which includes various vendors within the epilepsy community as well as health and wellness-related vendors.