We kicked off our 2024 events a few weeks ago with a visit to Sarasota Florida, hosted by JoshProvides Epilepsy Assistance Foundation, a member of Epilepsy Alliance America. Founded by the Chapnick family in 2008 after the tragic passing of their son and brother, Joshua David Chapnick, from a fatal fall from an epileptic seizure, JoshProvides Epilepsy Assistance Foundation, Inc. offers HELP & HOPE to children, families, individuals and caregivers who are living with Epilepsy or other seizure disorders.
Members of the local epilepsy community joined us at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium for an inspirational presentation and nautical activities. Phil spoke about his journey with epilepsy and the challenges he overcame to have a successful career in neuroscience. He drove home an important message for anyone facing adversity: I Can and I Will. The question and answer session after the presentation led to thoughtful discussions that continued in small groups as attendees enjoyed light snacks and connecting with one another.
As in all of our events, we invited everyone to join the One More Step Challenge to do something to live a fuller life. We were thrilled to welcome 12 new Virtual Shipmates to our crew! We’ll add their names to the hull of Fearless and they will be able to join us for the 2024 sailing season.
Peter is going to get better at his new job to make his mother proud. Melanie is going to commit to not allowing her fear of SUDEP limit her son from living a fuller life. Freya is going to encourage her son to live his life fully with safety guardrails, regardless of his epilepsy. She will also educate more people about epilepsy. Evelyn is going to learn more about epilepsy. Ellerie is going to learn how to sail! We applaud all of these goals and look forward to hearing about your progress.
Our thanks to Andria, Monica and the rest of JoshProvides for welcoming us for an enjoyable afternoon – and for all you do to help those living with epilepsy and their families.
Next on our event calendar is Aquarium Adventure: Nautical Fun for Epilepsy Families on February 24th in New Orleans, hosted by Epilepsy Alliance Louisiana.
