| Atonic [drop-attack] seizures are often synonymous with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. They are one of the most devastating types of seizures associated with LGS and are caused by a sudden burst of electricity to the brain and loss of muscle tone, often resulting in a dangerous fall. Children are more commonly affected by drop-attacks than adults, and are usually required to wear a helmet or protective headgear for their safety. Helmets for Hope is a campaign developed by the LGS Foundation to raise awareness of severe epilepsy disorders, including those which are characterized by drop‐attack seizures. One of the main objectives of the campaign includes gathering support from professional athletes who wear helmets in their careers, in an effort to help erase the stigma associated with children who are required to wear helmets in their daily lives. Other objectives of the campaign include raising funds for epilepsy research and programs to benefit families affected by catastrophic or severe forms of epilepsy. The Helmets for Hope campaign launched on October 6th, 2009 and ran for a one‐month long period with a grand finale celebration and fund raiser held on November 5th. The finale was held at The Providence, 311 West 57th St. in New York City, and was be co‐hosted by the American Epilepsy Outreach Foundation. |