Ortho-McNeil Neurologics

Every Picture Tells a Story, Particularly for Those with Epilepsy

Expressions of Courage^® Art Contest for People with Epilepsy Now Accepting Entries

[TITUSVILLE, NJ ] (May 11, 2009) - The definition of art has been debated for centuries, with most agreeing that art means something different to everyone. For people living with epilepsy, art can be a self-expressive, visual demonstration of how it feels to live with this serious neurological condition

Expressions of Courage^® is a national contest for people with epilepsy. From a finger painting on a sheet of paper to an intricate drawing on a canvas, art provides an opportunity for those with epilepsy to vibrantly convey how they live with the condition. The contest helps showcase the talent and inspiration of people across the country living with epilepsy.

Contest sponsor Ortho-McNeil Neurologics^®, Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc, in partnership with the Epilepsy Foundation, invites people with epilepsy of all ages to share their artwork. The contest will be open for entries from May 11, 2009 through August 28, 2009. A panel of epilepsy advocates, art industry representatives and healthcare experts will serve as contest judges and announce the winning artwork in November. Entries are judged based on creativity and the ability to bring to life the experiences of living with epilepsy.

"Every piece submitted to Expressions of Courage^® tells a different story, one may feature images to describe what it feels like to have a seizure, while another demonstrates hope for a cure," said Eric R. Hargis, president and CEO of the Epilepsy Foundation. "Without a doubt, creating these entries is a very personal experience for participants, providing a personal platform for them to share what they go through every day."

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 providers to determine the most effective treatment plan.

Contest Details:
Artwork may be created in ink, pencil, crayon, paint or a combination of these materials and must be on paper or board no larger than 8 ½ by 11 inches. Contest entries will be categorized into three age groups: children ages 12 years old and younger; teens age 13 to 17; and adults 18 years of age and older. Multiple submissions will be accepted.

Winners will be highlighted on the Expressions of Courage^® Web site. A few winning pieces will also be chosen by curators from the Society for the Arts in Healthcare for display in a traveling art exhibition comprised of more than 20 winning entries from the past seven contests.

Please send original artwork and a completed entry form to:

Expressions of Courage^®
389 Pittstown Road
Pittstown, NJ 08867

To download the Expressions of Courage^® entry form and review the rules and regulations, click here, or call the Contest Help Line at 800-224-4935 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 800-224-4935 end_of_the_skype_highlighting with questions.

Expressions of Courage^® is a program developed and funded by Ortho-McNeil Neurologics^®, Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc, in partnership with the Epilepsy Foundation.

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 Neurologics^®
Headquartered in Titusville, NJ, Ortho-McNeil Neurologics^®, Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc, focuses exclusively on providing solutions that improve neurological health. The company has products for Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, and acute and preventive migraine treatment. Ortho-McNeil Neurologics^®, in conjunction with internal and external research partners, continues to explore new opportunities to develop solutions for unmet healthcare needs in neurology. For more information, visit www.OrthoMcNeilNeurologics.com.

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