PAPHOS, Cyprus –
The Joanna Sophia Foundation is partnering with Round Table 7 Paphos to raise awareness for Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) and epilepsy with the very first Joanna Sophia Around the World Fun Run/Walk in Cyprus. The event will take place on Sunday, November 2, at 10:00 AM, starting at Castle Square in Paphos, with the support of the Municipality of Paphos.
Building on its annual Fun Run/Walk in New York, this marks the first time the Joanna Sophia Fun Run/Walk will be held in Cyprus, honoring the life of Joanna Sophia, who passed away suddenly in 2018 at just 9 years old, due to Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP). The 5km Fun Run invites participants of all ages, from experienced runners to families with children, to join together in support of the Foundation’s mission: raising awareness about SUDEP and epilepsy, supporting research, and helping families in need.
The event will feature fun surprises, photo-worthy inflatables, and excitement along the course, followed by a festival celebration in Castle Square, bringing together the community for a day of remembrance, hope, and unity.
Costa Ioannou, Joanna’s father and founder of the Joanna Sophia Foundation, shared: “This event is more than just a run to my family, it’s a chance to honor my daughter’s memory, to spread awareness around the world about SUDEP and Epilepsy. Our message is #letjoannainspireyou. It’s all about pushing yourself to try something you haven’t done before and to create meaningful memories with your family. New York is our base, and we have the Fun Run annually in Queens. Last year, we added Tanzania, and this year, the run/walk comes home to our roots in Cyprus for the first time. We are expanding our reach and shining a light on epilepsy and SUDEP in communities everywhere”.
The Municipality of Paphos and Round Table 7 also recognize the importance of this event for the community, underscoring the significance of bringing people together to celebrate life while raising awareness for epilepsy.
On behalf of Round Table 7 Leondios Tselepos, shared: “As a local club with more than 35 years of community work and support we are excited that Joanna Sophia Foundation trust us to co-organise this FUN RUN. We assure everyone that it will be a unique fun/run and a day full of surprises for the whole family. Join us to raise awareness about SUDEP and epilepsy and to #letjoannainspireyou.”
About the Joanna Sophia Foundation
The Joanna Sophia Foundation was created in loving memory of Joanna Sophia Ioannou, who passed away at just 9 years old on November 6, 2018. Her fearless spirit and joy live on through the Foundation’s initiatives. Inspired by her favorite song, the Foundation carries her message: Never enough love. Never enough hope. Never enough determination to carry on.
Its mission is to raise awareness about epilepsy and the risks of SUDEP, support research aimed at finding a cure and provide financial assistance to families of children with epilepsy facing hardships.
#letjoannainspireyou
Through joannasophiafoundation.org, the Foundation shares stories, initiatives, and events to keep Joanna’s light shining while supporting the global epilepsy community. With 65 million people worldwide living with epilepsy and 1 in 26 expected to develop it in their lifetime, the need for awareness and research has never been greater.
