Across Minnesota, families, friends, and neighbors walk united in epilepsy—to ensure no one faces epilepsy alone.
Last year, when Bethany arrived at her first United in Epilepsy Walk in Fargo-Moorhead to support her daughter Lizzy, who lives with epilepsy, she wasn’t sure what to expect. But the moment she walked in, she felt something shift.
Bethany’s story is just one of many that reflect the joy, emotion, and sense of connection shared by those who come together each year at the United in Epilepsy Walks.
“Approaching the building, hearing the music and seeing all the people gathered together with so much positive energy filled my heart with joy and brought me to tears. It was a powerful moment that will stay with me forever.”
This year, across Minnesota, more than 1,500 walkers came together, raising $149,000 to support over 55,000 Minnesotans living with epilepsy.
Funds raised from the walks help sustain EFMN programming that supports Minnesotans impacted with epilepsy in real, everyday ways, including:
- Personalized support helping those impacted by epilepsy navigate barriers and access resources
- Seizure Smart trainings building awareness of epilepsy and seizures
- Monthly connect groups creating a supportive space for those to share their journeys
- Statewide social events to reduce isolation and create lasting community connections
- EFMN camp programs offering safe spaces where kids with epilepsy build confidence, friendships, and lifelong memories
Every Step Has a Story
From Moorhead to Duluth, Rochester to St. Cloud, and the Twin Cities, families, friends, and neighbors come together, united in epilepsy.
Whether it’s their first walk or their tenth, participants come together with purpose. Some walk to honor their own journey with epilepsy, celebrating milestones and resilience. Others walk to support a loved one, standing in solidarity. And many walk in remembrance, carrying the memory of someone they’ve lost. United, every walker’s reason becomes part of a larger story—one of belonging, connection, and community.
For Jenifer, from Duluth, the Walk is about celebrating resilience. Her team, the “Brainerd Walkers,” is made up of family and friends all impacted by epilepsy.
“Our first regional walk in Duluth was back in 2023, and we felt a strong sense of belonging and support,” she said. So much that at the end of the walk her entire team was “dancing across the finish line.” The emcee even called out her husband’s dance move—the dinosaur. “We all laughed, and it created a long-lasting memory.”
Danielle, who lives with epilepsy, has been part of the Walks for more than 16 years, and continues to walk for those who have been lost to epilepsy, her family and sisters living with epilepsy, and for those who are newly diagnosed and need support. For her, the events are about connection.
“My very first year, everyone from the Support Group got together in the end and we took a picture, and everyone is smiling,” she remembered. “To this day, some of us still talk regularly and get together for supper.”
And for organizers, the walks are just as meaningful.
“The day of the Walk is a day full of so many emotions seeing teams come together to raise awareness and funds to support programs and services provided at EFMN. I am filled with gratitude for all of the walkers who are willing to be part of the epilepsy community and help make it easier for people to talk about epilepsy and find support,” says Lisa P., EFMN Outreach Manager.
This year, the “Why I Walk” wall and Remembrance Area offered spaces of reflection and connection. These areas invited participants to share their stories, honor their personal experiences, and carry forward the memories of loved ones lost. Whether through heartfelt messages, photos, or quiet moments of remembrance, these spaces served as powerful reminders that while each epilepsy journey is unique, no one is alone.
It Takes All of Us
The United in Epilepsy Walks come to life because of the incredible people who make them happen: Walk Captains who rally their teams with passion and purpose, Walk Ambassadors who share their journeys and inspire others, volunteers and EFMN staff who give their time and dedication, sponsors who show up to support the community, and every person who participated from across the state. Together, we are united.
The Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota carries this mission forward year‑round educating, connecting, and empowering individuals impacted by epilepsy, so no one faces epilepsy alone.
Inspired by this work? Make a gift, get connected, and explore more ways you can get involved at efmn.org.
Find more pictures from the 2025 United in Epilepsy Walks on our Flickr Page.