Gabriella Pattavina's Fundraiser
I am running to Protect Kids with Epilepsy
Please support my Marathon for Danny Did Foundation
As a kid, I was always active. In fact, I like to say there were few sports I did not try and that does not mean I was good at them by any means but, my parents always made sure to keep my brothers and I as involved in sports and activities as possible. Whether it was running around the neighborhood, riding our bikes with friends, or trying a new sport every other year staying active was always a part of who I was.
Running, became an outlet for me early on, and as the years went on especially throughout college, it was an activity that turned into more than just a hobby. Outside of middle school and high school track practices, running became an extremely easy way for me to clear my head, challenge myself, and appreciate the strength and resilience my body and mind have. As the years continued forward, I started to run longer distances, reaching my first half marathon as a fundraiser for one of UConn’s student organizations and completing my first official half marathon in June of 2024. The joy I find in running is something that has stayed with me, to this day.
Over time, I realized that running is not just something that I can do for fun; it’s something that connects me to something larger than myself. It brings me a sense of accomplishment and peace but, it also provides an opportunity to give back, which is what brings me to writing this today.
Now, I am running the Chicago Marathon for a cause that means a lot to me. The Danny Did Foundation’s commitment to raising public awareness of epilepsy and SUDEP, and work in supporting families affected by epilepsy, is something I am proud to be a part of. As I run these miles, I am doing so for the children affected by epilepsy and honoring the challenges they face on a day-to-day basis. It is a way for me to contribute to The Danny Did Foundation’s incredible work, knowing that every step I take can truly make a difference.
Your support in this race means the world to me, and so many others, and any donation will help the Danny Did Foundation continue to provide vital resources and support for children and their families affected by epilepsy.
Thank you for your support and I will see you at the finish line!
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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.