Courtney Gilmore is running the Boston Marathon...

I never thought I would be able to run a marathon but I knew if I did, Boston had to be one of them- not only is it one of the most famous marathons in the world, but more importantly because it provides the unique opportunity to combine a love of running with raising money to support different charities.

After the terrible tragedy in 2013, my motivation to run Boston has only strengthened and honoring the victims became another reason to run. Never knowing if my dream could be a reality, I am now just 2 months and 26.2 miles away from achieving a life-long goal. After running my first marathon last year in Providence, I fully appreciate how challenging and time consuming training is, but I know how rewarding the feeling of crossing the finish line will be. Running Boston will be an incredible experience and I'm so proud to live in a city that is so strong where everyone supports and encourages each other.

While my love of running and this city are huge motivators, most importantly I am running to fund raise for the Danny Did foundation, named for a young boy, Danny Stanton who died of a sudden seizure caused by epilepsy. Over the next few months of training I hope, with your help, to raise money in the fight against epilepsy so others can enjoy their lives…like Danny DID!

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 impacted 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 nearly 3 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 impacted by the disorder, is that seizures can be fatal. More people die as a result of seizures than from fires and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) combined. The causes of death can vary and include drowning, other accidents and status epilepticus (prolonged seizures). In addition, thousands of deaths occur annually from SUDEP, a fact that is little known and too rarely addressed in public and in medical circles. The name of the Danny Did Foundation originates from the last line of Danny Stanton's obituary, written by his dad: "Please go and enjoy your life. Danny did."

The Danny Did Foundation®

PO Box 46576, Chicago, Illinois 60646

Danny Did Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit incorporated in the State of Illinois