The Epilepsy Foundation Commends Rock Star Prince for Talking About It


WASHINGTON, April 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Epilepsy Foundation applauds legendary rock star Prince for sharing his childhood experiences with epilepsy.


Prince revealed he had epilepsy during PBS's Tavis Smiley show. The award-winning musician said, "I used to have seizures when I was young and my mother and father didn't know what to do and how to handle it, but they did the best they could with what little they had."


Prince said he had to deal with a lot of things in life and attributed his past flamboyant behavior to being teased as a child. "Early in my career I tried to compensate for that by being as flashy as I could and as noisy as I could." He said he had never spoken publicly about his epilepsy before.


"The myths surrounding epilepsy have been part of our society for far too long," said Eric R. Hargis, president and CEO of the Epilepsy Foundation. "We are incredibly grateful that Prince has shown everyone with epilepsy the importance of following your dreams and talking about the condition. The Epilepsy Foundation has numerous programs and resources to help people with epilepsy cope with the challenges they face today, and we are the largest nonprofit funder for epilepsy research for a cure tomorrow."


Greg Grunberg, star of NBC's 'Heroes' and spokesperson for the Epilepsy Foundation said, " I can't thank Prince enough for sharing his personal story. My son had such a smile this morning when I told him that Prince had epilepsy and has gone on to live his dream of making music and changing lives. I welcome Prince to the community of celebrities and entertainers who are talking about epilepsy. Grunberg and the Epilepsy Foundation recently launched www.TalkAboutIt.org, a site where celebrities, healthcare professionals and the public are coming together to help end the stigma around epilepsy.


About Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a serious neurological condition that affects more than 3 million Americans and 50 million people worldwide. The condition produces seizures, which can range from a momentary disruption of the senses, to short periods of unconsciousness or staring spells, to convulsions. Currently there is no cure for epilepsy; however, more than half of people with epilepsy are able to control seizures with existing treatment options.

Website: http://www.efa.org//
Website: http://www.TalkAboutIt.org/

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LondonStyle said:

Prince

What a great impact a few words and "confessions" can have. That's wonderful

I wonder if he'll take up the offer?

So is the new treatment for epilepsy - Flashy and Noisy therapy?
I'd like to see the doco on how they administer that treatment

stranger things have happened ya know...

Prince really is a genius

you know that some of the most negative idiots on here will manage to post something hateful about this.

Before some TV Programmes, dont TV announcers warn, or display a written warning, that "the following programme may contain flashing imagery. It is advised that sufferers of photo sensitive epilepsy need to take caution" or words to that effect!!!!!???

I guess that cable or satelite channels need not bother now!!!!!

Is there one for multiple personality disorders? Prince admitted to that in 1995/96 to Oprah.

Good news. I wonder if the Council For Chemtrail Survivors are feeling equally thankful thanks to Prince's shoutout?

I have childhood epilepsy in my family and I agree, it is good to have it spoken about and not kept in the dark the way it use to be. I hope he is also active with the foundation. Thank you Prince.

Forgive me if this has been brought out in another thread- I don't read them all, so don't provide a link...

Prince mentioned this in "The Sacrifice of Victor":
I was born on a blood stained table
Cord wrapped around my neck
Epilectic 'til the age of 7
I was sure heaven marked the deck

I remember there being much speculation about whether or not these lyrics were true... He has provided confirmation.

Well done Prince Hope his help and words may help some.

chocolate1 said:

but wat about the first 2 lines?

funkyhead said:

You know it. In 5...4...3...

This is really great that what he said about his bout with Epilepsy is getting through to a lot of people. I hope that more people see the clip online and those who have it will be inspired to still live their lives the way they want to.

Thank you Prince for being honest about this very personal issue in your life.

It's really nothing to hide. It's best to talk about it...

how about bar 36 in the song Dreamer? Pretty cool huh? Can we talk about Prince's music again?
[Edited 4/29/09 9:03am]

Epileptic until the age of 7....Prince told us that on the Sacrifice of Victor concert...watch it on lotusflow3r again....

ooops...you guys beat me to the punch. Thanks for posting and confirming!
[Edited 4/29/09 12:47pm]

Some orgers' comments on Prince's childhood epilepsy (on all threads related) give me the impression that Prince tried to hide this piece of information...
e.g. "thank u prince for being honest about this".
Was he being dishonest before?
Did he try to hide it?
or is it all wrong choice of words?

Considering his episodes of seizures went into permanent remission at age 7, I've always thought he possibly had benign epilepsy (myoclonic or partial) that started during infancy. I admire him speaking about it explicitly in public.

well he did allude to it on The Sacrifice of Victor.

the main stream press is making him look crazy again by saying that an angel cured him even though he doesn't remember telling his mom about this.

chocolate1 said:

Now I want confirmation if the lyrics about child abuse in "Papa" are based on reality.

Don't abuse children, or else they turn out like me

Ive wrote 2 really big stories in here about this. Im a huge fan if u didnt already know. My husband has epilepsy. Hes never really been to thrilled of my prince world but Ive been a fan since long ago before. I want to say so many things but this thing is not taking my response. peace and love


ps dang Im irritated that I typed this long story twice and it didnt go thru

janecarol said:

of course now, just my luck!

I only wanted to say I appreciate his opening up on this matter and find it ironic in my situation. I have to go walk now so I would love to contribute further on this thread. Look forward to writing again.

Keep the Faith

Thanks 2 P for sharing. I don't have epilepsy but my younger sib does and is now able live life to the fullest. It's not an easy thing to deal with but you do the best you can for that person through the tears and fears. She'll never forgive me for making her sit in the movie theater and watch PR 3 times in a row. What's her problem.

masbas said:

I don't think it makes him look crazy at all. I think it's awesome. The only people who probably hear that and think it's crazy are people who don't believe in such things. There are lots of people that don't believe in God or angels. But, should Prince keep quiet about it just because others don't understand? It was interesting to hear.

sexyeyeliner said:

-----
Considering he said he made this statement when he was 7 years old and ill I think calling him crazy is in bad taste.

He also said his mom told him he said it and that he did not recall seeing an angel or making the statement.

miniatureamazon said:

Co-sign...

Somewhere there's a Golden Retriever that's havin' a seizure....