Marika Akkerman

Marika Akkerman's Fundraiser

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Please Support My Chicago Marathon Fundraiser

Supporting Families Facing Epilepsy

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$1,795 towards $1,750

I am running for Team Danny Did in the 2023 Chicago Marathon.

The Danny Did Foundation supports families affected by Epilepsy by raising public awareness of SUDEP (sudden unexpected death in epilepsy) and helping make available seizure detection and prediction devices that may assist in preventing seizure related deaths.

I support Danny Did because it hits very close to home. My sister, Elsalene, has lived with Epilepsy since she was 12 years old, and I have witnessed first-hand how terrifying the disorder can be. Her seizures are frequent, and prevent her from doing things that many of us take for granted, like driving a car or spending extended amounts of time alone.

I hope you can join me in making a donation to support this important cause. Thank you.

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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.
What few people understand about Epilepsy, including many people with disorder, is that seizures can be fatal. 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.