Toronto, ON – March 9, 2020 – EpLink – The Epilepsy Research Program of the Ontario Brain Institute and Katie’s Run for Epilepsy – announced a partnership with moJJa Socks, a Canadian premium sock and underwear company. This partnership will run for one year, beginning in March 2020, which is also Epilepsy Awareness Month in Canada.
For the month of March, 10% of sales from any moJJa socks sold online will support Katie’s Run & epilepsy research at EpLink. In addition, $3 will be donated to Katie’s Run with the sale of each purple peace sock (see above photo), a sock designed by Katie Woudstra in loving memory of her partner Levi VandenBrink, who died tragically on August 1st, 2018. Levi had an affection for funky and unique socks and was once gifted a year’s subscription of moJJa socks for Christmas from Katie’s family. The “peace” sign on the sock is meaningful because it honours Levi’s fun and quirky personality – he would often show the “peace” sign in pictures.
“Designing and selling these socks – which help to raise funds for epilepsy research, a cause that Levi cared for deeply and stood behind – is an attempt to make a difference in the lives of people living with epilepsy and those who are suffering,” said Katie, “There is meaning in knowing that we can relate to each other in our sorrows and struggles. It’s one small way to say, “We love you Levi. We miss you so dearly. We wish you were here.”
The purple peace socks and other moJJa products can be purchased online at this link: https://bit.ly/39VRXwn.
Epilepsy is a common brain disorder where individuals experience multiple seizures during their lifetime. Having frequent, uncontrolled seizures can have a vastly negative impact on an individual’s quality of life. About one in three people with epilepsy still experience uncontrolled seizures, and are in need of community support and the development of new, more effective therapies – which are the primary goals of Katie’s Run and EpLink.
The 9th annual Katie’s Run for Epilepsy will take place on Saturday, July 11th in the scenic highlands of Haliburton, Ontario. The family-friendly event offers a 5 km run, 10 km run and 2.5 km run/walk all in support of EpLink. Last year, over $60,000 was raised from donations, race income, sponsorships, and a silent and “loud” auction.
About Katie’s Run
Katie’s Run began in 2012, inspired by then 16-year-old Katie Woudstra and her experience with the sudden, unexpected diagnosis of epilepsy. It has now become an annual event that, in just over eight years, has raised over $300,000 for epilepsy research and brought together many families from across the country to share their experiences and encourage each other. Katie’s Run is a fun, scenic, multi-race event in the heart of cottage country. Participants can choose from a flat and fast 5K or 10K trail run, or a stroller, wheelchair and dog friendly 2.5K family walk/run. The event features medals for top finishers, t-shirts for all participants and volunteers, chip timing, top fundraiser awards, an auction and lots of prizes! Our mission is to help uncover the brilliance that will end epilepsy – forever!
About moJJa Socks
moJJa Socks is a Canadian family run business that began about 5 years ago. They are based in Toronto and their socks are showcased at events in the GTA and at a permanent kiosk at St. Jacob’s market in Waterloo, ON. MoJJa also actively supports various charitable causes (e.g. breast cancer, Movember). The company sells premium quality and comfortable products that are stylish, colourful and unique in designs, and also offer an underwear subscription club. For more info, go to www.mojja.ca.
About EpLink
EpLink – The Epilepsy Research Program of the Ontario Brain Institute is dedicated to reducing seizures and improving quality of life for people with epilepsy through research. We have over 25 researchers and over 30 collaborators from eight universities and hospitals across Ontario working to improve drug, diet and genetic therapies, surgicaoutcomes, brain monitoring and modulation, and quality of life for people with epilepsy. We work with industry partners, patients, caregivers, and community epilepsy agency representatives to bring our research to the community. We also host research talks and public education events to raise epilepsy awareness. For more information about our program, please visit eplink.ca.
Contact Information
| Rebecca Woelfle Communications Lead, EpLink rwoelfle@eplink.ca 416-978-6381 | Katie’s Run for Epilepsy info@katiesrun.ca Geri Woudstra: 705-457-6840 |