Recognizing October 23, 2006 as "Robert O. Henderson, Sr. Epilepsy Awareness Day."

WHEREAS, Epilepsy is the third most common neurological disorder, affecting approximately 2.3 million Americans; and

WHEREAS, Approximately 180,000 new cases of seizure disorder and epilepsy are diagnosed each year in the United States; and

WHEREAS, Nearly 70 per cent of epilepsy cases have unknown causes; and

WHEREAS, Public education programs are needed to educate all Pennsylvanians about epilepsy and to dismiss misconceptions regarding the disorder; and

WHEREAS, Robert O. Henderson, Sr., died in 1993, at the age of 41, as the result of an epileptic seizure; and

WHEREAS, When he was diagnosed with epilepsy in the 1970's, the family was told by doctors to keep the condition a secret because people with epilepsy had difficulty obtaining employment and insurance and were treated as social outcasts; and

WHEREAS, In 1998, Robert's sisters, Michele, Loretta and Nancy established the Robert O. Henderson, Sr., Memorial Award, to promote awareness of epilepsy. This award is given annually to a student at the Joseph H. Brown School, at Frankford Avenue and Stanwood Street, which Robert and his sisters attended; and

WHEREAS, In 2003, after Michele was diagnosed with breast cancer, the Henderson family established the Robert O. Henderson, Sr. Epilepsy Foundation, to ensure the continuity of the family's activities in behalf of epilepsy awareness; and

WHEREAS, On October 22, 2006, the Robert O. Henderson, Sr. Epilepsy Foundation is sponsoring a five kilometer "Memorial and Honors Walk" to raise funds for the foundation, the Epilepsy Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania, and Camp Achieve, a program for children with epilepsy and learning disabilities; and

WHEREAS, Proceeds from the walk will go to promote awareness of epilepsy, medical research, and services for people with epilepsy; now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA That October 23, 2006 shall be observed as "Robert O. Henderson, Sr., Epilepsy Awareness Day," to promote awareness of epilepsy and seizure disorder and to recognize the courage and commitment of people with epilepsy and their caregivers and associates.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Robert O. Henderson, Sr., Epilepsy Foundation as evidence of the respect and admiration of this legislative body.

End