Thank you for visiting my donation page to raise funds for the Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County—an organization that means the world to me. Like many, I’m driven by personal experience. For over 21 years, I’ve fundraised in honor of my nephew (and heart-friend) Jake, who has battled uncontrolled seizures his entire life.
I met Jake when he was 3 years old. He is now 29. In his lifetime, he has been transported in countless ambulances, been in intensive care too many times, been on 25+ different seizure medications, has had 2 major surgeries involving his brain, and has endured more medication titrations and ‘let’s wait and see how it goes’ medical care than anyone I know. He’s a badass! And an inspiration to me. As is his mom.
These two humans are how I came to know the value of the Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County. Not only has the Foundation been a resource for them, but for me too. And for all the people I meet through their programs and services. I love this organization. I support it in honor of Jake Anaya. Any donation is truly appreciated.
For those who look forward to the update on Jake, keep reading!
He is doing well. It’s been 2 years since the DBS surgery. Still sorting the most effective DBS stimulation cycles and medication combos, but I think we are all feeling more hope and less fear these days.
His mom and Scott are even planning a vacation. David and I will have two weeks straight with Jake, and I cannot wait!
Jake still volunteers at RAD and Birch Aquarium but has added the San Diego Food Bank into the rotation. “Do good, feel good,” he tells me.
School is going well for him. He graduates this May with his Teaching Aid certificate. I will be there, cheering the loudest! Celebrations will, of course, happen at his favorite Old Town restaurant.
I have a heartfelt appreciation for the person Jake is. Always growing. Always learning. Full of compassion and acceptance. Interested in life both intellectually and emotionally. He will always be my heart friend.
Thank you again for supporting my special cause.
Gina
Welcome to My Sharon's Ride.Run.Walk. San Diego Fundraising Page!
Sharon's Ride.Run.Walk San Diego is a 15-mile Bike Ride or 5K Run/Walk that is very important to me. I am raising money to help The Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County so they can provide wraparound support services and programs at no cost to individuals and families affected by epilepsy. Please help me support this cause and spread awareness for epilepsy.
DID YOU KNOW?
- 1 in 10 people will have a seizure in their lifetime.
- 1 in 26 people will be diagnosed with epilepsy.
- 3.4 million people nationwide are affected by epilepsy.
- 50,000 San Diegans are living with epilepsy.
- Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder and affects people of all ages.
- Epilepsy means the same thing as "seizure disorders."
- Epilepsy is characterized by unpredictable seizures and can cause other health problems.
- Epilepsy is a spectrum condition with a wide range of seizure types and control varying from person-to-person.
- Public misunderstandings of epilepsy cause challenges that are often worse than the seizures.
Epilepsy is more than seizures. Every story matters in this fight. Here is my personal story of WHY this matters...
