Olivia Canizares-Nakanishi's Fundraiser
Running for Johnny: Join me in supporting the fight against epilepsy
Please support my Marathon for Danny Did Foundation
Terry Fucik
"Johnny was a true angel and an inspiration to all who knew him. Your words are truly beautiful! Johnny loved you so much! His spirit will live on. "
$250
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Wendy Holmes
"Olivia, your time with Johnny will always be a strength in your heart and in the good work you do in this world taking care of others ❤️"
$75
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Natalie Canizares
"I love you, Bibi"
$100
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harry Canizares
I donated in support of this campaign.
$100
I am running the Chicago Marathon in honor of my dear friend Johnny. I began babysitting Johnny in 2009 when I was just 16, and from that moment, my life was forever changed. Johnny had an incredible personality, and growing up with him by my side shaped the person I am today. He taught me to cherish every moment, always see the bright side, and never let limitations hold me back.
Johnny remained a constant presence in my life, and when my daughter Mia was born, he became a part of hers as well. I am so grateful that Mia got to meet this true angel on earth. Through Johnny, she learned that there are no limits—he lived his life with unshakable strength and determination.
For years, I told myself I would never run a marathon—not because I didn’t want to, but because I didn’t think it was possible. Now, inspired by Johnny’s relentless spirit and his ability to overcome obstacles, I am running this race to honor him. Johnny never let his epilepsy define him or stop him from pursuing his dreams, and that’s the spirit I will carry with me every step of the way. This marathon is for him—a celebration of his zest for life and the incredible legacy he left behind.
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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 Foundations 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.