I am running to Protect People with Epilepsy

Thank you for considering a donation to support my 26.2 mile Chicago Marathon run dedicated to those facing epilepsy. An epilepsy diagnosis can affect anyone, at any age, at any time. My partner, Charlie, was diagnosed with epilepsy at 18 years old- over 5 years ago. Learning to live with this new normal has been a difficult adjustment, and advocating for him (and others with epilepsy) has been a strong motivation and passion for me since we first met. There is so much we can do, as caretakers, bystanders, and survivors, to help advocate and care for for those who are facing epilepsy and help them thrive without fear of their seizures. From normalizing and improving seizure detection devices, to having a basic Seizure First Aid education, the Danny Did foundation provides public awareness and advocacy. Please read more below about this amazing organization and visit the website at DannyDid.org

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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.

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. Danny Did Foundation takes its 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.