Team members of Andrea's Army walked in Summer Stroll 2013, in memory of their daughter, sister and friend, Andrea “Andy” Keehn. From left: Paul (holding Farnsworth) and Abby Keehn, of Ambler, Jim Griffin, of Wyndmoor, Madge Keehn, of Erdenheim, Gloria and Walter Keehn, of Lafayette Hill.[/caption]

Team members of Andrea's Army walked in Summer Stroll 2013, in memory of their daughter, sister and friend, Andrea “Andy” Keehn. From left: Paul (holding Farnsworth) and Abby Keehn, of Ambler, Jim Griffin, of Wyndmoor, Madge Keehn, of Erdenheim, Gloria and Walter Keehn, of Lafayette Hill.

More than 1,000 children, families, doctors and even a few four-legged friends will strap on their sneakers on June 21 for the Epilepsy Foundation Eastern Pennsylvania signature fundraiser, the Summer Stroll. The Summer Stroll is a five-mile non-competitive walk that honors those affected by epilepsy/seizure disorders. The largest event of its kind in the area, the Stroll is instrumental in creating awareness about epilepsy and raising funds for the EFEPA’s free programs.

The Summer Stroll kicks off with registration at 8 a.m. Walkers hit the path by 9 a.m. Starting on Forbidden Drive, the route is a 5-mile loop along the beautiful Wissahickon creek for 2.5 miles with a turnaround at the Valley Green Inn. After the Stroll, walkers will enjoy a light picnic lunch and family activities including face painting, crafts and children’s entertainment. Last year the Summer Stroll raised more than $125,000 for the EFEPA’s free programs and services. The foundation hopes to surpass that mark this year with a fundraising goal of $140,000.

This year, the EFEPA wants to celebrate those living with epilepsy by asking our walkers, Who Do Your Stroll For? “We encourage all of our participants to share who they are walking to support. These individuals face incredible challenges every day and we want to honor them for the heroes they truly are,” states Allison McCartin, executive director of the EFEPA.

Summer Stroll participants can register as an individual, as a team or even as a virtual walker. There is no fee to participate – however, fundraising is a vital component to the event’s success. Any and all donations are crucial to support programs such as first-aid trainings in schools, seizure education programs to law enforcement and emergency responders, and directing funds towards research for a cure.

For more information or to register for the Stroll, visit www.summerstroll.org. The EFEPA is still looking for sponsorships, volunteers and in-kind donations.