November 12, 2008
Kerstin Taylor Highlands of Jeannette Selected as Winner of National Expressions of Courage® Art Contest for People with Epilepsy
Annual Contest Aims to Reduce Stigma of Epilepsy
In celebration of National Epilepsy Awareness Month, Ortho-McNeil Neurologics®, Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc, and the Epilepsy Foundation are proud to recognize Kerstin Taylor Highlands, 20, of Jeanette as a winner of the 2008 Expressions of Courage® art contest. Now in its sixth year, the contest recognizes creativity and the ability to demonstrate feelings of living with epilepsy through art. The contest attracts hundreds of entries from adults and children throughout the country.
"Expressions of Courage allows people with epilepsy to serve as strong advocates for their condition by sharing their stories through their beautiful artwork," said Epilepsy Foundation Western/Central Pennsylvania executive director Judy Painter. "The contest also allows others to learn the truth about people with epilepsy - that epilepsy does not define who you are."
The winning artwork will be showcased in books, calendars and in a traveling exhibit to raise public awareness of epilepsy and inspire others with the condition. Selected from hundreds of entries from people willing to share their talents and perspectives of the world around them through art, Kerstin?s artwork, "Falling Flowers of Strength," will be featured in the Expressions of Courage® coffee table books.
Inspired by nature, Kerstin often paints detailed images of flowers and trees. In "Falling Flowers of Strength," she has shown a branch of Cherry Blossom tree, which reminds her that flowers are similar to people, in that they both continue to glow with beauty and at times, when life gets shaky, they fall to the ground. Kerstin explains, "People, however, have the strength and ability to pick themselves back up."
Rather than becoming dismayed by her epilepsy diagnosis at age 14, Kerstin tapped into her inner strength to persevere through challenges associated with the condition. Today she is excelling in courses at Westmoreland County Community College in Youngwood, pursuing a career in Web site design and enjoying nature as often as she is able.
Congratulations, Kerstin, on this outstanding achievement!
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