Running Together to Raise Awareness about Epilepsy, SUDEP, and Epilepsy Mortality.

We’re combining our fundraising efforts this year since this cause is personal to both of us and because together, we can do more.

We’re running to support the mission of the Danny Did Foundation, an organization that works every day to raise awareness of epilepsy, improve seizure safety, and prevent Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP). Their work supports families through education, advocacy, and access to seizure-detection devices.

Why This Matters to Alison

As someone who has lived with epilepsy for 20+ years, this mission is deeply personal. I’ve seen firsthand how the Danny Did Foundation’s work improves safety, awareness, and quality of life for individuals and families affected by epilepsy. I’ve also dedicated my career to raising awareness about epilepsy mortality and supporting families who have lost loved ones. This run honors those lives and supports closing the gaps in epilepsy care that persist today.

Why This Matters to Preston

It happened. Alison finally convinced Preston to join her in doing THE CHICAGO MARATHON! Aside from the physical and mental challenge, running this marathon in October means so much more to him.

Epilepsy is brutal. It is like a shadow always following our every move. We never know when a seizure will show its face and derail our plans. They can happen anytime, whether it is a typical Tuesday at the office, a holiday, a vacation, a concert, a hockey game, or any other time. Although it took 8 months from when Alison and I first met for me to see one, they impact our lives every day.

Why We’re Doing This Together

This effort reflects both of us, since epilepsy impacts both of us. Our shared commitment, our community, and our belief that awareness and prevention truly matter. Every mile we run, and every dollar raised, supports families who need resources, answers, and hope.

Every donation, large or small, helps expand education, advocacy, and access to tools for those affected by epilepsy. If you’re able, we’d be incredibly grateful for your support, whether that’s through a donation or simply sharing our page.

Thank you for being part of this with us!

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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 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 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.