Kailua event carries message of hope for those with epilepsy

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Hundreds of footsteps carried one powerful message through Kailua on Sunday: No one facing epilepsy should feel alone.

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Runners and walkers gathered at Kailua High School for the Freedom Run & Walk, choosing from a 5K, 10K, or 1-mile awareness walk.

Organizers say the event is about breaking the stigma surrounding the condition.

“We want people to feel that connection because people with epilepsy, they feel alone, there’s stigma,” said Toni Muranaka, executive director and CEO of the Epilepsy Foundation of Hawaii.

“My wife has epilepsy, so we always support the foundation here in Hawaii,” runner Greg Voelke said.

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The Epilepsy Foundation of Hawaii is the state’s only local nonprofit dedicated solely to the condition.

It serves an estimated 14,000 people across the islands, including about 2,000 children, by providing education, advocacy and support services.

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