Striking Spotlight

Join Tackett on Twitch on November 12 for Stream for Epilepsy

LANDOVER, Md. — To commemorate National Epilepsy Awareness Month, pro-bowler EJ Tackett is presenting the Epilepsy Foundation with a $10,000 donation in support of his 24-year-old brother Zac who lives with epilepsy. Tackett recently released his first signature bowling ball, the limited edition Motiv VIP, and donated $1 from each ball sold to the Epilepsy Foundation. In addition, his sponsor BowlerX, generously donated 100% of the proceeds from the pre-sales. 

For years, Tackett has been adamant about finding a big way to give back. When he was finally given the opportunity with the creation of the Motiv VIP, his number one priority was committing $1 from every ball sale to a charitable organization. During his time playing golf, he always admired how much charitable work is done within the sport, and he wanted to do something similar within bowling. After discussing it with Zac, the brothers landed on the Epilepsy Foundation as the stepping-stone for the Tackett’s efforts to give back. The two brothers oftentimes compete against each other in PBA national tour events.

“I’m so grateful to BowlerX for their collaboration on this effort, which has allowed me to give back to a cause that’s near and dear to my heart because of my brother,” said Tackett. “The response from people I’m associated with and our bowling community has been better than we could have ever imagined. Anything I can do toward finding a cure for epilepsy, I’m going to try my best to do.”

In 2019, Zac had his first seizure in 6 years while behind the wheel of his car. He came out of the accident with a few scratches and a loss of his driver’s license for a brief time. Following the accident, his doctors adjusted his medication and to date, has been able to control his seizures and drive again. 

On November 12, Tackett will participate in the Epilepsy Foundation’s Stream for Epilepsy, which brings together online content creators to do what they love while raising funds and awareness for epilepsy. Tackett and the Epilepsy Foundation’s Chief Development Officer, Geoff DeLizzio, will play the PBA Bowling game together while broadcasting live to the Epilepsy Foundation’s Twitch channel. During the stream, Tackett will discuss his brother’s experience with epilepsy, his new bowling ball and present the $10,000 check to the Foundation. 

“Now more than ever, getting a donation like this is amazing,” said DeLizzio. “We are so touched and grateful to EJ and BowlerX for their support of our cause. This generous donation will help us continue to fund our work in research, education, advocacy and programs for families impacted by epilepsy. And, I’m pretty sure EJ, a world champion pro bowler, will crush me in the lanes but I’ll be losing for a great cause!”

To tune in to the stream, visit: https://www.twitch.tv/streamforepilepsy. For more information about epilepsy, please visit epilepsy.com. 

About EJ Tackett
Tackett is a 28-year old pro bowler on the PBA Tour. His accomplishments include 13 career PBA tour titles including two majors, 2013 PBA Rookie of the Year and 2016 Player of the Year. He is also Hall of Fame eligible. Tackett has previously golfed competitively in juniors and at the collegiate level for a short time, but left school to pursue bowling. 

About Epilepsy
According to the World Health Organization, epilepsy is the most common serious brain disorder worldwide with no age, racial, social class, national or geographic boundaries. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) estimates that 3.4 million people in the United States are affected by epilepsy. It is the underlying tendency of the brain to produce seizures which are sudden abnormal bursts of electrical energy that disrupt brain functions.

About the Epilepsy Foundation
With a network of nearly 50 partners throughout the United States, the Epilepsy Foundation is leading the fight to overcome the challenges of living with epilepsy. The Foundation connects people to treatment, support and resources; leads advocacy efforts; funds innovative research and the training of specialists; and educates the public about epilepsy and seizure first aid. For more than five decades, the Epilepsy Foundation has shone a light on epilepsy to promote awareness and understanding, and to advocate for laws that matter to people with epilepsy, while also funding $68.7 million for epilepsy research and supporting 3,091 epilepsy investigators and specialists in their early careers. Over the past 18 years, in partnership with the CDC, the Epilepsy Foundation has helped to improve access to care for people with epilepsy, expanded its digital reach and online resources in homes across the country, and trained more than 500,000 school and community personnel in how to recognize seizures and administer seizure first aid. The Foundation has also assisted more than 123,470 people through its 24/7 Helpline in the past five years, and continues to focus on innovation, new therapies, community services, advocacy and education as key priorities. To learn more visit epilepsy.com or call 1.800.332.1000. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

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