Headline: Flying Pig Marathon Highlights Epilepsy Awareness with Powerful “1 in 26” Campaign
This weekend, Cincinnati’s streets will buzz with energy as thousands of runners take on the 28th annual Flying Pig Marathon. Among the participants, a unique group of 26 runners is making strides not just for personal achievement but for a cause close to their hearts: epilepsy awareness.
Epilepsy, a neurological disorder affecting one in 26 people, increases the risk of seizures and often carries significant stigma. This year, the Epilepsy Alliance of Ohio is using the marathon as a platform to educate and advocate for those living with the condition.
Scott Badzik, a long-time advocate and runner living with epilepsy, is one of the faces of this initiative. Diagnosed over 20 years ago, Badzik has turned his passion for running into a mission to raise awareness. “My purpose has become to educate and advocate,” he said. “There’s so little known about epilepsy, and I’m guilty of it myself when I was first diagnosed.”
Badzik’s journey is not without challenges. Epilepsy can unpredictably trigger seizures, even during physical activity. To mitigate risks, he relies on technology, such as his watch and phone, to monitor his health while running. His courage and determination have inspired others to join the cause.
The “1 in 26” Campaign, now in its second year at the Flying Pig Marathon, symbolizes the startling statistic that one in 26 people will be diagnosed with epilepsy in their lifetime. Rick Mullins, whose 18-year-old son has epilepsy, conceived the idea. While training for a marathon, Mullins realized the connection between the 26-mile race and the statistic. “Wouldn’t it be cool if we could have one patient with epilepsy run each of those 26 miles?” he recalled thinking.
This year, 26 individuals with epilepsy will each run one mile of the marathon, including Mullins’ son. The participants will wear purple shirts emblazoned with the “1 in 26” slogan, sparking conversations and raising awareness along the route.
For Mullins, the event is deeply personal. “It’s a moment I get to repeat this weekend,” he said, reflecting on last year’s race with his son and father. “It’s a perfect representation of epilepsy and the village you need to live each day to its fullest.”
Badzik echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the community aspect of living with epilepsy. “Even that one mile can be challenging for some of these patients,” he noted. “It brings the community aspect of living with epilepsy—you just can’t do this on your own. You need a little bit of support.”
The Flying Pig Marathon is more than a race; it’s a celebration of resilience, community, and advocacy. As runners pound the pavement, they carry with them a message of hope and understanding for those affected by epilepsy.
For Badzik, Mullins, and the 24 other participants, crossing the finish line isn’t just about personal accomplishment—it’s about changing the narrative and empowering others to live boldly despite their diagnosis.
— Reported by Nexio News
