I am running to help raise critical awareness of both epilepsy and SUDEP💜

Hi! My name is Michelle LaVan and I am so excited that I not only have the opportunity to run the Chicago Marathon but that I get to run it as part of Team Danny Did. This is a foundation that is near and dear to my heart as some of you may already know. It is an absolute honor to be able to run and fundraise for this foundation!

My “why" is simple - Brenna Brossard and those who live day to day with epilepsy. For me this race will be to honor Brenna and the beautiful person she was inside and out while raising awareness of epilepsy and SUDEP.

While I am still new to marathon running, this will be my third full marathon. One thing I try to do when running is stay positive and be grateful for the ability to run. During the Chicago marathon, I will take the words from Danny's parents: "Please go and enjoy your life. Danny did.". My goal for this race? Enjoy every second!

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.

Please consider donating to this incredible foundation! I greatly appreciate all donations in advance. Looking forward to running the Chicago Marathon and to honor those we have lost to SUDEP while raising public awareness of epilepsy. Thank you & much love!!