Believe it or not, I first came across Sail For Epilepsy through my love of tall ships and sea chanteys. In undergrad, I volunteered at my college town’s “Downrigging Weekend,” where tall ships from across the Mid-Atlantic would congregate and take people for one last river sail before the winter. As I handed out maps and pointed out parking spots, I watched the staff on each ship, thinking of Avi’s novel, The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, that I had loved in my younger years, and wondering if I could ever sail with epilepsy. 

A couple years later, I moved to Rochester, NY to start my new job, and through a quick Google search, found Sail For Epilepsy and Phil’s website. I was so happy to find a person with my same condition doing something that I dreamed of doing. As I followed Phil’s travels on social media, I thought about what I would ask Phil if I ever met him in person. 

In May of 2025, Phil came to visit Rochester. I couldn’t pass up the chance to learn about the organization, and, of course, to learn more about sailing. I headed over, complete with my sailing-themed novelty socks, and smiled as I met more folks who were just like me: navigating an epilepsy diagnosis and living fulfilling lives. 

I had been aware of the One More Step Grants from reading the 2024 grantees’ updates and tossed around a couple ideas. I loved theater, but didn’t have a clear idea for a grant. I then considered past sports I had tried, like figure skating and karate, and reflected on other sports that involved fewer chances of falling. Coincidentally, I had just read Billie Jean King’s autobiography, All In, a couple months prior and loved it. I decided I’d give tennis a try and sent in my grant application. 

I got the email congratulating me as one of the recipients at the end of May, and started tennis lessons in June. I had never even held a racquet before. Throughout the next three months, I learned the basics of tennis and did a lot of running. Most importantly, I found a sport I enjoyed and made friends. Who knew my interest in tall ships would eventually lead me to a tennis court? Sail For Epilepsy showed me that even unexpected journeys lead to worthwhile destinations.