I am running to Protect Kids with Epilepsy

This October I will be running the Chicago Marathon with Team Danny Did, and I'm honored to be running in support of a cause that is close to my heart.

I'm running in honor of my best friend's sweet daughter Gracie. Over the past few years, I've watched my best friend and her husband navigate multiple diagnoses while raising their daughter. Through countless appointments, extended hospital stays, and challenges, they have stayed incredibly positive, humble, and strong, all while being amazing parents to their other two children.

It has been such a privilege to watch Gracie grow over the years. Seeing her continue to reach milestones that once seemed out of reach has been nothing short of inspiring. Her joy and resilience are a reminder of the strength she carries every day.

Training for a marathon is a challenge, but it doesn't compare to the challenges that so many families affected by epilepsy face every day. That's why I'm proud to support the Danny Did Foundation and the incredible work they do for families like theirs.

If you're able to donate, I'd be so grateful. Every contribution helps make a difference. Thank you so much for your support!

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.