Thank you kindly for visiting my donation page to raise money for the Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County, an organization that is deeply rooted in my heart. Most people become active in fundraising because of experiences that touch them personally and that is exactly why I do this every year…for… over 20 years now! My nephew Jake has had uncontrolled seizures his entire life. F*** Epilepsy. Note: Jake would say he is my friend now, since we are not blood related, which is fine by me because he is 100% my chosen family….as friends are!
I met Jake when he was 3 years old. He is now 28. 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 as well and for all the people I met through their programs and services. So, I love this organization and 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. Still sorting the most effective DBS stimulation cycles and medication combos, but we are all feeling more hope and less fear these days.
He was recently on the local news after being interviewed about one of his new passions; horses and horse riding at RAD, Ride Above Disability. I’m not clear how or why he become so interested in horses, but it is a spiritual connection between him and the animals for sure. He still volunteers at Birch Aquarium but has added RAD to his volunteer activities too. He’s not bothered by ‘horse chores’ as compared to other chores.
School is going well for him. It is my understanding that he is just a few credits away from getting his Teaching Aid certificate. This semester he is truly enjoying choir. On my last visit, he shared his music binder with me and talked about how it is important to read and speak the lyrics first to understand and feel the emotion of the song. You do not need to be concerned about hitting the notes perfectly because that invites judgment. You want to share the emotion, not be judged. I do plan to see one of the choir’s live performances soon!
Jake continues to maintain his long- term friendships and was recently the best man at a wedding, nailing the speech! He does look great in a tux too.
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. And a badass!
Thanks again for your support of 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...
