Watch: Walkers Raise Funds, Awareness For Epilepsy At Great Lakes Mall

The eighth annual Epilepsy Assocation Winter Walk returned Saturday to the Great Lakes Mall.

Walkers raised money and awareness for families affected by epilepsy both in Mentor and at the SouthPark Mall in Strongsville.

Paul Orlousky of WOIO news hosted the Mentor walk. He noted that his family has also been affected by epilepsy, telling the crowd that his father had his first seizure more than 50 years ago.

Each year, the Epilepsy Association highlights local families who have struggled with the disease at the Winter Walk.

This year, they features the Kovi and Konover families:

Mark and Shanna Kovi’s youngest son, Griffin was diagnosed with epilepsy at 14 months old after he had his first grand mal seizure. The Kovi family was nominated and chosen for the Winter Walk featured family award because of their love, persistence, faith, and enduring hope they have displayed for their son Griffin over the last year and a half.

The Konover family was nominated and chosen for the Winter Walk featured family award because of the love and determination this family has demonstrated to find help for their Dylan. Their efforts are the reason he is doing so well and able to live a normal life.

Several local performers -- including the Savelli Dance Studio and All About You Entertainment -- performed at the mall during the winter walk.

Students from Sterling Morton and Rice Elementary schools in Mentor walked at the event Saturday.

Sterling Morton teacher Jacqui Spetrino said the students raised more than $600 for the Epilepsy Assocation.

At the winter walk, 87 cents of every dollar raised goes to help those who suffer from epilepsy.