I am running to Protect Kids with Epilepsy

When I was younger, I was diagnosed with childhood epilepsy—an experience that gave me a deep understanding of how challenging the condition can be, not only physically and emotionally for those who live with it, but also for the families who support them every step of the way. I was incredibly fortunate to overcome epilepsy with the love and encouragement of my family, along with the care of countless nurses, healthcare workers, and especially Dr. Schnitzler from Loyola University of Chicago Hospital and Dr. Kumar from the University of Chicago hospitals. I truly would not be where I am today without them.

While my journey led to recovery, I know many people continue to face epilepsy every day. That is why raising awareness and giving back to those who helped me—and to those still fighting—means so much to me. Supporting the Foundation’s mission is my way of saying thank you and helping ensure others receive the care, resources, and hope they deserve.

Now, at 24 years old, running this marathon feels like a full-circle moment. It represents how far I’ve come and serves as a way to make a meaningful impact beyond myself. I’ve run marathons before, but this time I’m running for something greater than a personal goal. I’m running to spread awareness, to honor those who supported me, and to stand with everyone still living with epilepsy.

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.