About Expressions

About Expressions of Courage^®

Art has long been an integral and indispensable part of the human experience. Whether creating art or viewing it, art has the unique ability to allow us to connect to the world, to other cultures, and to other people.

When we started this program in 2002, our goal was to provide a way for people with epilepsy to express themselves through art. We were encouraged and supported by Elizabeth Thiele, MD, Ph.D., director of the Pediatric Epilepsy Program at Massachusetts General Hospital. With Dr. Thiele's help, we started this program by publishing a series of note cards featuring paintings and drawings from children with epilepsy in the New England area. The response was so overwhelmingly positive that we expanded the program to include people of all ages and to distribute the artwork in holiday cards, calendars, and coffee table books.

The artwork symbolizes the spirit of the millions of people who have been diagnosed with epilepsy. It is truly an expression of courage.

Anyone with epilepsy, of any age, may enter the Expressions of Courage contest. See Rules and Registration for more information.

Expressions of Courage is sponsored by Ortho-McNeil Neurologics division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharamaceuticals, Inc., with support from the Epilepsy Foundation.