“The turnout was more than last year,” according to a CSC security staff member with attendees going from 4,000 to almost 5,000 this year.

It started out with some drizzle but after the clouds went away it made for the “perfect walking environment” said fourth-year attendee Jasmine Sandoval, whose niece is affected by Epilepsy.

Epilepsy is a seizure disorder and it is the fourth most common neurological disorder and affects people of all ages according to the Epilepsy Foundation’s website.

Booths provided information on epilepsy; new surgically-implanted devices as well as creative resource areas and more.

“I’m so happy to be here to support ending epilepsy; it is definitely underfunded and needs more research. Plus, the 5k is a good workout,” said Francisco Rodriguez.

Vendors included Sprouts, who brought along piles of fruit for the runners such as bananas and apples. Boar’s Head hot dogs were also at the event handing out hot-dogs for hungry patrons.

“I’m the team captain of “On our way to greatness”, we came all the way from the [San Francisco] bay to be here today,” said Jennifer Reyes. “I’ve had an exceptionally tough year and it is so nice to reach out to other people in my shoes”.

UCLA Medical School had a booth in order to promote the medical offices they offer for those patients suffering from epilepsy. The booth handed out informational pamphlets as well as tee shirts with their logo on them.

“Epilepsy is a really confusing thing to understand for some people, and so my hope is that grammar schools and colleges will implement epilepsy awareness programs,” said George Loulatis, a sixth-time attendee of the Epilepsy walk.

Folks came out to walk the 5k in support of ending epilepsy through raising money to fund research towards a cure. Several people who suffer from epilepsy as well their families and friends showed up to support the cause.

“The swag is great, the people are great. We are definitely coming back next year” said Alicia Fabbri.

Teams wore matching homemade tee shirts with the name of their loved one who is affected by epilepsy and proudly took a stand against the underfunded neurological disorder.

“These kinds of events are delightful for me, since I’m surrounded by people who truly understand my daily struggles and hardships,” said Rosemary Montoya who suffers from epilepsy. “The walk was the best exercise, I barely make it out of bed every morning but I made it through the entire 5k walk because I am walking for an important cause”.

November is Epilepsy awareness month, so supporters are wearing purple to show support for ending Epilepsy.

“It looked like a great turnout to end epilepsy, I learned a lot more about the disorder and met a lot of good people who are staying strong through their battle with epilepsy” said first-time attendee David Sierra. “All the workers and volunteers made this possible, they were great. Sprouts brought great food, and the energy was high today- I couldn’t ask for a better day”.

Constant seizures plague people with epilepsy from all ages, as well as random seizures that can be controlled or helped with medication along with other forms of treatment.

Researchers are still a long way gone from finding a cure and that is why the Epilepsy walk is a true testament to how many people want and need this disorder to be known and funded.

For more information on epilepsy and how to end it, go to https://www.epilepsy.com/.