Expressions of Courage
Breanna Plessinger of Covington, Selected as Winner of National
Expressions of Courage® Art Contest
Artwork by People with Epilepsy Showcases Talent and Stories of Inspiration
In 2007, 11-year-old Breanna Plessinger experienced her first seizure. Today, her life continues to be interrupted by seizures nearly every week, a challenge her epilepsy brings to both her and her family. Yet this inspiring student has been able to find peace with her condition and cherish the opportunities presented to her.
"One time, I told Breanna that I wished there was a cure for epilepsy," said Manda Plessinger, Breanna's mother. "Instead of agreeing, she said that she didn’t want a cure because she wouldn’t be able to go to camp and see all her wonderful friends.”
Attending Camp Dream Catcher in Oregonia, Ohio, a camp sponsored by the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Cincinnati, has quickly become something that Breanna not only looks forward to three times a year, but has introduced her to some incredible friends. “I go to a camp that’s so fun I don’t ever want to leave,” says Breanna. “My friends from camp are really special to me, and I love them all.”
Inspired by her camp experience, Breanna created a drawing titled, “Special.” This month, Breanna’s piece was selected from several other submissions as a winner in the national art contest for people with epilepsy called Expressions of Courage, which showcases the artistic talent and inspirational stories of people with epilepsy during National Epilepsy Awareness Month, recognized each November. Expressions of Courage is a program developed and funded by Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., in partnership with the Epilepsy Foundation. Breanna’s artwork will be featured on the Expressions of Courage Web site.
To view the winning artwork and learn more about each artist's personal experience with epilepsy, visit www.ExpressionsOfCourage.com.
Press Release to go along with Breanna's artwork:
RARITAN, NJ (November 16, 2009) – Epilepsy and seizures affect nearly 3 million Americans of all ages and in 70 percent of new cases, no cause is apparent. Those who live daily with the condition have no way of knowing when the next seizure will occur, how long it will last or where they will be, often experiencing a roller coaster of emotions as they cope with the condition. The wonder behind the diagnosis, the perseverance in managing it, and the support received through family and friends are some examples of the stories told through artwork in the 2009 Expressions of Courage® art contest, a national art competition inviting people with epilepsy to submit creative artwork conveying their feelings of living with epilepsy.
Expressions of Courage® is a program developed and funded by Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., in partnership with the Epilepsy Foundation. Today, they recognized Breanna Plessinger age 11, of Covington as a winner of the 2009 Expressions of Courage® art contest, which showcases the artistic talent and inspirational stories of people with epilepsy during National Epilepsy Awareness Month, recognized each November.
“Each year I look forward to announcing the Expressions of Courage® contest winners, as each individual has a unique way of demonstrating his or her feelings of living with the condition in a way that words cannot,” said Eric R. Hargis, president and CEO of the Epilepsy Foundation. “We are truly proud of the Expressions of Courage® participants for giving a voice to what it’s like to live with epilepsy, standing up and sharing their personal experiences with the public.”
Epilepsy advocates, art industry representatives and healthcare experts, selected Breanna’s drawing, “Special” from several entries. Breanna’s artwork will be featured on the Expressions of Courage® Web site at www.ExpressionsofCourage.com.
In 2007, Breanna experienced her first seizure. Today, her life continues to be interrupted by seizures nearly every week, a challenge her epilepsy brings to both her and her family. Yet this inspiring student has been able to find peace with her condition and cherish the opportunities presented to her.
"One time, I told Breanna that I wished there was a cure for epilepsy," said Manda Plessinger, Breanna's mother. "Instead of agreeing, she said that she didn’t want a cure because she wouldn’t be able to go to camp and see all her wonderful friends.”
Attending Camp Dream Catcher in Oregonia, Ohio, a camp sponsored by the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Cincinnati, has quickly become something that Breanna not only looks forward to three times a year, but has introduced her to some incredible friends. “I go to a camp that’s so fun I don’t ever want to leave,” says Breanna. “My friends from camp are really special to me, and I love them all.”
To view Breanna’s winning artwork and learn about each artist’s personal experience with epilepsy, visit www.ExpressionsofCourage.com. Winners were chosen by a panel of seven judges who based their selections on creativity and the ability to demonstrate feelings of living with epilepsy through art. Panelists included:
- Elizabeth Thiele, MD, PhD, director of the Pediatric Epilepsy Program at Massachusetts General Hospital
- Lillian Fitzgerald, member of the Society for the Arts in Healthcare Board of Directors
- Eric Hargis, Epilepsy Foundation president and CEO
- Jude Rouslin, of Sarasota, Fla., 2005, 2006 and 2008 Expressions of Courage® contest winner, an accomplished oil painter who shares her artwork through various displays
- Pamela Davis of Arcadia, Fla., 2004, 2005 and 2008 Expressions of Courage® contest winner, an accomplished artist who holds a leadership role with the Desoto County Arts and Humanities Council
- Bridget Bobinger, of Cincinnati, Ohio, 2007 Expressions of Courage® contest winner, holds a Masters in Art Education from Xavier University and volunteers frequently in art education
- Walter Danker, PhD, Manager, Professional Education, Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
About Epilepsy
Epilepsy is one of the most common disorders of the nervous system, affecting more than 50 million people worldwide. As many as 200,000 Americans are diagnosed for the first time each year. Epilepsy produces seizures, which happen when a brief, strong surge of electrical activity affects part or all of the brain. The condition can develop at any time in life, but there is a particular susceptibility in young children and the elderly. Currently, there is no cure for epilepsy; however, medications help control seizure activity in the majority of people with this condition. It is important for people with epilepsy to be proactive in working with their healthcare professionals to determine the most effective treatment plan.
About the Epilepsy Foundation
The Epilepsy Foundation, a national non-profit with affiliated organizations throughout the United States, has led the fight against epilepsy since 1968. The Foundation’s goals are to ensure that people with seizures are able to participate in all life experiences; and prevent, control and cure epilepsy through services, education, advocacy and research, so not another moment is lost to seizures. For additional information, please visit www.epilepsyfoundation.org.
About Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (OMJPI), a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, provides medicines for an array of health concerns, including central nervous system disorders, such as schizophrenia and epilepsy; metabolic diseases, such as diabetes; cardiovascular diseases; women's health; urology; gastrointestinal disorders; and infectious diseases. The company strives to provide innovative, high quality, safe and effective treatments and continually seeks new opportunities to offer solutions for unmet healthcare needs. Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is headquartered in Raritan, New Jersey.