My team
My Story…
Many of you know that running once defined me, so a post that I’m running a marathon may not be a surprise.
Few of you know about my journey alongside epilepsy, or rather, my son Clarence's journey with epilepsy. I’ve been wanting to tell the full story, but my writing and rewriting has been holding up my ability to post this, so here’s the condensed version.
Clarence was diagnosed with epilepsy at age two. It was scary, the seizures changed, the drugs changed, the comorbidities appeared. The Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota (EFMN) helped us navigate so much of that, and more. They helped us learn about the disease and the drugs. They helped us connect with families and doctors. They engaged us to lobby with our state representatives and senators for a number of things, most exciting as we were entering first grade was successful legislation to require seizure training for all school employees. Simply put, EFMN has been awesome.
Most importantly, they helped Clarence. The events they host throughout the year to celebrate kids with epilepsy always make him feel like a king. The day camp and week-long overnight camps they host have introduced him to a level of independence he’s never known. They not only normalized his epilepsy and life with epilepsy, they made it a special part of him.
I’m happy to report that Clarence’s epilepsy was tamed by drugs from a fairly young age, and most who know him never knew he was affected. Now, nine years after his initial diagnosis, he has had a few consecutive ‘normal’ EEGs and we’re two weeks from finishing his four month weaning off his last anti-epileptic drug. We feel so fortunate that he’s one of the lucky ones that has inexplicably grown out of this disease. Miranda and I are elated. Clarence is sad that a part of him has been lost – yes, EFMN made him feel that special.
Anyway, they’re a great organization. They’ve done so much to support us and families like ours. I’m running for EFMN as a way to give back, and hope you can chip in to help.
Description
Your gift to the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota today provides:
- Education on research-based strategies to manage epilepsy for Minnesotans living with epilepsy
- Supported access to healthcare and treatments
- Personalized support navigating barriers to employment, education, and basic living needs
- Social programs that build meaningful connections, including social events, youth programs, and peer-based Connect Groups
- Seizure recognition and response training for 10,000+ individuals working and living in Minnesota annually
Together, we are making sure no one in Minnesota faces epilepsy alone.
💜 THE IMPACT OF YOUR GIFT 💜
$10 provides Seizure Smart Training to one individual, increasing their ability to recognize and respond to seizures.
$25 supports an adult with epilepsy's independence by providing guidance on safe transportation options and the steps required to earn back their driver’s license after a breakthrough seizure.
$50 welcomes new youth into our Shining Stars program, building confidence and letting them know they are not alone.
$100 equips nurses, teachers, and administrators at one Minnesota school with the skills to support students with epilepsy and effectively recognize and respond to seizures.
$250 supports in-person Connect Groups, creating welcoming spaces for Minnesotans impacted by epilepsy
$500 helps ensure campers at our Day Camp and Family Camp have nutritious meals, snacks, supplies, and plenty of hydration, so they can focus on trying new things and meeting new friends.
$1,000 supports one individual with a full year of personalized education and ongoing assistance to help them manage their epilepsy, access essential resources, and overcome barriers to education and employment.
Recent donors
| Donation date | Donor name | Donation amount |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 01 | Dawn Striegel | $106.00 |
| Oct 01 | Anonymous | Undisclosed amount |
| Oct 01 | Kevin Ballard | $53.00 |
| Sep 30 | Anonymous | Undisclosed amount |
| Sep 30 | Tara Anderson | Undisclosed amount |
| Sep 30 | Carl Sauey | $20.00 |
| Sep 30 | Katie Josephson | $53.00 |
| Sep 30 | Grandpa & Grandma Striegel | $265.00 |
| Sep 30 | Anonymous | $250.00 |
| Sep 30 | David Striegel | Undisclosed amount |
