Iowa Walk for Epilepsy & 5K - Iowa City: Presented by University of Iowa Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery

This year’s Walk to END EPILEPSY® & 5K– IOWA CITY is now a Virtual Walk, due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak.

Out of abundance of caution, we have made the difficult decision to forego an in-person Walk to END EPILEPSY and instead we are hosting a Virtual Walk & 5K on SATURDAY, JUNE 6th at 9 A.M. CST via Zoom.

As always, the health and well-being of Epilepsy Foundation event participants, volunteers, staff and partners, as well as the IOWA community, remains our top priority. Weighing heavily into this decision was our ongoing commitment to overall wellness and safety to those we serve.

While we are disappointed, we won’t be seeing you in person on the 6th of June, we are excited to be hosting this Virtual Walk to END EPILEPSY & 5K – and we hope you are, too! We know you have some questions about this Virtual Walk & 5K, and what this means in regards to your participation and fundraising. Please find more details about the Virtual Walk & 5K below!

 

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1. Will this event be rescheduled?
Unfortunately, given the size and scope of the event, we are unable to reschedule the in-person 2020 event. That being said, we are still hosting this event as a Virtual Walk & 5K, and hope you’ll join us!

 

2. What is a Virtual Walk &5K?

A virtual walk & 5K is a set date and time where we all will pledge to walk or run in support of the Epilepsy Foundation. Instead of walking/running with us in person, you’ll be walking/running with us in your own neighborhood, on your treadmill, or wherever you choose on Saturday, June 6th! You have the freedom and choice to join us in whatever capacity you are able! Just be sure to join us for our Celebration Ceremony at 9 A.M. CST that morning before or after you complete your walk!

 

3. How do I sign up to participate in a Virtual Walk & 5K?
This is easy – if you're already registered, you don’t have to do any extra work!

If you are not registered - Simply click “Sign Up” on our website and select “Virtual Walker or Virtual 5K” to register. There is no cost to participate – but individuals who fundraise $50 or more will receive the Event T-Shirt (see question #13 for more information on how to collect T-Shirts).

4. What will happen to the funds I’ve already raised?
The funds you’ve raised will be used toward achieving the mission of the Epilepsy Foundation, including programs, education, services, epilepsy care, support and research. On behalf of our epilepsy community, please know how much we appreciate your support!

5. Can I still fundraise leading up to and beyond Virtual Walk/Run day?
Yes, and we encourage you to! Fundraising will remain open until June 30th at Midnight.

6. How can I fundraise virtually?
Fundraising is still easy, and FUN! You are still able to send out emails and posting on social media to spread the word to ask for your friends, family and co-workers’ support of the epilepsy community. Phone calls, emails and text messages also go a long way to ask your peers for support. You can learn the easy steps to navigating your participant center by reviewing our Fundraising Toolkit and our How-To Guide.

 

7. Can people still register?
YES! We encourage it and need their support! Simply have them head to our Registration page, Click “Sign Up” and select “Virtual Walker or Virtual 5K” to register. It’s still free to register – but individuals who fundraise $50 or more will receive the Event T-Shirt (see question #13 for more information on how to collect T-Shirts). Your friends, family and co-workers can also register directly on your team, or you can create a team – email us at [email protected] and we can assist you in order to create your team! 

8. What does event day look like?
Great question! Since we are now walking/running virtually, things will be a bit different, but we still have some exciting activities planned!

 

On Saturday, June 6th, instead of walking/running with us in person, you’ll be walking/running with us in your own neighborhood, on your treadmill, or wherever you choose - you have the freedom and choice to join us in whatever capacity you are able!

Just be sure to join us via computer or mobile device for our Virtual Walk Celebration Ceremony, hosted at 9 A.M. CST!

 

Zoom Celebration Ceremony Highlights:

Top individual fundraiser will receive an Amazon Fire Tablet!
Recognition of top 5 individual fundraisers.
Recognition of top 5 team fundraisers.
Learn how you can win an Amazon Fire Tablet!
Meet our Executive Director and learn about our programs, services & advocacy.
Be motivated by stories of hope from our epilepsy community.
Learn about epilepsy, seizure first aid and make a difference.
 

Zoom Conference Link and Call-In Details:

Here are some FAQs on how to join a Zoom Meeting – it’s super easy: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362663-Joining-a-meeting-by-phone

 

9. Where can I walk/run?
Anywhere!  Trails, treadmills, or wherever you can safely. Get out and get active in your local community. Encourage your family, friends, and fellow epilepsy warriors to do the same.  Just be sure to stay safe and follow the Governor’s and Iowa Department of Public Health’s recommendations, as well as the CDC’s Regulations!  Make it fun and get all purpled out so people will ask you why you are wearing purple!  Use this time to share your story and raise awareness!

10. Do you need proof that I actually finished my walk?
No, and there is no need to report any results.  We do encourage you, however, to share your experience online by posting photos and videos on our Facebook page or anywhere on social media using #ENDEPILEPSY, #VIRTUALWalkToEndEpilepsy and #WalktoENDEPILEPSY!

11. How can I let others know I’m participating?
We want to see you in our virtual epilepsy community, walking with us to END EPILEPSY! Be sure to download and fill out the I Walk For Sign, and add our Facebook Frame to your Facebook profile by following the steps below!

• Head to your Facebook profile and select “Update Profile Picture” (look for the camera icon next to your profile)
• Click on “Add Frame”
• Search “walk to end epilepsy”
• Select the frame
• Adjust the frame size and drag to reposition to your liking
• Select how long you want the frame to appear on your page
• Click “Use as Profile Picture”
• All set!

 

Follow us on social media:
• Facebook – Epilepsy Foundation Iowa https://www.facebook.com/epilepsyiowa/
• Instagram –  @EpilepsyIowa https://www.instagram.com/epilepsyiowa/
• Twitter – @EpilepsyIowa https://twitter.com/EpilepsyIowa

12. Leading up to and on/after Virtual Walk/Run Day, when and where can I turn donations in?
Donations can be mailed to our Epilepsy Foundation Iowa office at:
 
Epilepsy Foundation Iowa
1111 9th Street, Suite 370

Des Moines, IA 50314

 

13. Will I receive my event participant t-shirt? Or, my living with epilepsy t-shirt?
Yes, participant t-shirts will be mailed to qualifying participants. Any individual who raised $50 or more will receive their official event Walk t-shirt!
 
Individuals with epilepsy will also receive their living with epilepsy t-shirt via mail regardless of their fundraising.
Please contact us directly if additional arrangements are required: Megan Middaugh 319-359-8682 [email protected]

 

14. What if I have other questions?
We are here to help!  Please contact us at:
Megan Middaugh 319-359-8682 [email protected]

 

More updates will be shared here on our website and our Facebook page - check back often!
 
More updates on the Epilepsy Foundation's response to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak can be found here.

 

Even in times like this, seizures haven’t stopped...and neither has the fight to End Epilepsy. We truly thank you for your continued support of the Virtual Walk to END EPILEPSY & 5K now more than ever!

 

 Thank you to our National Walk to END EPILEPSY® Sponsor Greenwich Biosciences!