Today's Rock-a-thon raises funds, provides info on epilepsy

AUSTINTOWN

Clowns and music lent a party-like feel to the porch of the Cracker Barrel restaurant, but it was a party with a purpose.

It was part of the Mahoning Valley Epilepsy’s eighth annual Rock-a-Thon to raise awareness and money.

“There are many people that do not know that Mahoning Valley [Epilepsy] exists, and we want them to know that, because we’re here to help,” said Marty Smith Subramanian, director.

“We have support groups for adults, for children.”

Cracker Barrel restaurants have rocking chairs on their front porches, encouraging people to sit and talk with neighbors.

“And that’s what we wanted,” Subramanian said. “A relaxed atmosphere where people could rock and talk to each other about their experience with epilepsy, as well as share information about epilepsy.”

Community businesses, individuals, clubs, and other organizations sponsored rocking chairs or obtained pledges to occupy the rocking chairs for an hour at a time during Saturday’s event.

For the complete story, read Sunday's Vindicator or Vindy.com.