Team Danny Did in the 2018 Bank of America Chicago Marathon

So here it goes! I'm running my first marathon and need your help!

Don't worry, you won't have to run one single step...that will be my job. I just need your help to raise money for a wonderful foundation I will be running for.

I started running a little over a year ago thanks to my great friend/trainer encouraging me along. Given that the first time she asked me to run, I laughed and said, "only if something is chasing me will that happen." To me saying to her a few months later, "lets break double digits today!" So my journey continues and my goals get bigger. After my training got sidelined due to a fall six months ago, I've been itching to set another goal and meet it...so here it goes! With some gentle encouragement and motivation from another friend to run for a charity, I did some research as I knew I would want to run for a charity/cause close to me....one that could push me those last few painful miles.

In my search, I found The Danny Did Foundation. As I was reading about them I was moved, touched, and found a motivation I wasn't sure I've ever felt. As I read their "About Us" page I found the following mission statement, "The Danny Did Foundation's mission is to prevent deaths caused by seizures through public awareness of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), enhancing the SUDEP communication model between medical professionals and families afflicted by seizures, and the mainstreaming of seizure detection and prediction devices that may assist in preventing seizure-related deaths." This was the one. I emailed them right away to share my "why" and desire to join their team, and they welcomed me with open arms.

This is my "why"...A little over ten years ago, we found out that my youngest brother had been diagnosed with Epilepsy. His world was flipped upside down and his plans for the future shattered, as he had just finished Missile IQT school at Vandendberg AFB, and was finishing out his final qualification certification in Montana. He was an adult when this happened, which left all of us perplexed as we never knew this in all his years growing up. Given this diagnosis, he was medically discharged from the military and moved home to figure out the next chapter in his journey. As I look back over the years since then, I look back with an extreme sense of pride. I'm not sure I could have handled it like he did and continues to. Through the years of testing, medication trials, and path detours, he has taken it in stride, has always smiled and even cracked some pretty funny jokes to make us all laugh. They say laughter is the best medicine and a great way to handle a tough situation, and he does this well. He has always made the best of every situation and continues to do so. He's successful, smart, loving, determined, faithful, and gives selflessly. I thank God everyday that he is healthy and here with us.

A BIG thank you to my wonderful husband for his support and encouragement. It means the world and gives me the kick in the bum I occasionally need!

Thank you in advance for your help in raising funds for The Danny Did Foundation. Any amount big or small is greatly appreciated for this wonderful cause. Remember, I'll do all the running. Please just help me meet my fundraising goal!

This ones for you, Mick! XOXO, Sis