I am running the 2021 Chicago Marathon in support of the Danny Did Foundation. Your gift will help protect kids with Epilepsy.

Thank you so much for taking the time to consider supporting this cause that I will be running for in the Chicago Marathon on October 10, 2021. I have chosen to support this cause and to run in this event in solidarity with my dear friend, Rachel Stein, and her beautiful son Caleb, who turns 14 today! I have recently become more aware of epilepsy and become passionate about finding ways to address this heartbreaking disorder by following their journey.

By way of background into their story, Caleb has been suffering with a seizure disorder for many years, and the last 5 years have proven to be very challenging for him and his mother and family to try to control his seizures. I have known his mom, Rachel, for some time, but we became particularly close as we began weekly walks together during the Pandemic. Through that time together I have come to deeply love and respect this woman who has such an amazing heart beyond anything I could put into words on this page.

I learned about Rachel's struggles as a mom having to watch her child suffer and feeling so powerless to help, and how she has is repeatedly traumatized by having to be a bystander to his suffering and struggles because there just aren't enough answers. There is so much unknown about seizure disorders and how to stop them. I sit here in tears just trying to grasp even a fraction of what it is like for her to live this reality and my heart breaks that Caleb has to be faced with such harsh realities about life when he's just supposed be a care free kid.

Rachel spends countless sleepless nights on edge and bracing to be ready for the next episode. She spends endless hours doing her own research and trying to educate herself so she can arm herself with what she needs to help her child in every way humanly possible. She spends hours researching ways she can identify warning signs of seizures, early alert systems, therapy options, night time monitoring systems, special diets and supplements to help prevent seizures, the list is endless. They recently adopted a new dog to train as a service dog for early detection of oncoming seizures. She goes on special diets with Caleb to try to find dietary solutions with him. There is no end to what she will do to help and support this love of her life.

Their strength and bond and perseverance are an ongoing inspiration in my life, so when Rachel asked if I would be interested in participating in the Chicago Marathon for this cause, there was no question that I was on board. After I participated in the NYC marathon in 2019 I said that I was done with distance running events, but when she came to me with this opportunity there was no doubt that it was something I needed to do. If Caleb and Rachel can endure what they face daily, I can certainly go the distance to support this cause. It is my honor to support them and the greater cause for funding research and solutions.

No one should have to live the reality that they live with this disorder. There needs to be more answers, more options and more support for people dealing with seizure disorders. If I can be just one drop in the bucket toward making a difference on those fronts, then I'm in 1,000%. So, today I ask for your support, not for me, but for Caleb and Rachel and the millions of others out there fighting these battles. The struggle and heartache is brutally real and we can help. Thank you so much for being willing to help fight for a better future for those who suffer with epilepsy and seizure disorders.

About Danny Did Foundation

Founded by Chicago parents Mike and Mariann Stanton in 2010 after the sudden death of their four-year-old son Danny, the Danny Did Foundation’s primary mission is to prevent deaths caused by seizures. The Foundation advances public awareness of epilepsy and Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), strives to improve communication about SUDEP between medical professionals and families affected by seizures, and advocates for the mainstream acceptance and use of seizure detection and prediction devices that may assist in preventing seizure-related deaths.

Epilepsy affects 3.4 million people in the United States and 65 million people worldwide. One in 26 Americans will develop epilepsy during their lifetime. But what few people understand, including many people with epilepsy, is that seizures can be fatal. More people die as a result of seizures than from fires and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) combined. In addition to deaths caused by drowning, other accidents, and status epilepticus (prolonged seizures),thousands of deaths occur annually from SUDEP, a fact that is little known and too rarely addressed by medical professionals and in public discussions of epilepsy.

The Danny Did Foundation takes it's name from the last line of Danny Stanton’s obituary, written by his dad: “Please go and enjoy your life. Danny did.” We celebrate Danny’s spirit in every child and family we reach.

THANK YOU MESSAGE FOR RECEIPT

Thank you so much for donating to the Danny Did Foundation. Your contribution is changing lives and appreciated

CONTACT PERSON

Courtney Stepp LoweryCourtney_Stepp@Hotmail.com

PROJECT REVIEW MESSAGES