2025
Jordana, New York
One More Step
I want to learn to play tennis.
This summer I will plan on signing up for tennis lessons through the City of Rochester (NY) Department of Recreation and Human Services.
Safety Measures
I have never learned to play tennis before, and am looking for a sport that I can play throughout my life with appropriate safety measures in place and that poses a lower risk of head injury than previous sports I have participated in (figure skating and martial arts).
Progress Report
August 2025: August has wrapped up and my last month of tennis lessons has come to a close. I found a true community among my tennis classmates and made some new friends! Outside of practice, people in my life have seemed to come out of the woodwork who I never knew played tennis. I’ve already had friends offer to practice with me, and I look forward to doing so! Thank you, Sail For Epilepsy, for helping me take that next step from “I can” to “I will.”
Read a blog by Jordana
Jason, South Dakota
One More Step
Adventure hiking.
This would be something I have not done before but am excited to try. Once I accepted this particular adventure, I realized that documenting myself through all areas of this trip would be a wonderful way to promote epilepsy awareness by promoting it on social media.
Safety Measures
During this trip I will have my medication regiment to take at all times, plus spares. I will continue to use my Embrace bracelet and Garmin watch to monitor for seizure activity at all this. People on the trip are properly trained to take care of me in case a seizure would occur.
Progress Report
October 2025: Going to the National Epilepsy Walk last year was the start of me going “wow…I can have a voice.” My hiking adventure made possible by your grant really make things GO! The walk put the spark in my brain, but your grant gave me the confidence to do more. Thanks for your help in starting things. I found my voice and will keep using it.
Jordan, Florida
One More Step
Participate at the Ohio Star Ball Dance Competition to dance a solo in the Cabaret category.
Will take 2 lessons a week starting in June 2025 until the competition which is November 2025 with my ballroom instructor.
Safety Measures
Will have my caregiver with me at all ballroom dance lessons, coaching and fitness classes. Use gym mats where necessary in trying the new lifts. Have spotters unit I am 100 percent comfortable doing the lifts. Make sure I get a good night sleep every night
Keep hydrated. Make sure I stretch out before each class.
Progress Report
July 2025: Thanks for the opportunity because we want to encourage others that no matter what, you can overcome and succeed. Jordan has two disabilities [epilepsy and autism] and has accomplished a lot. Jordan won Best of the Best out of 8 couples and now qualifies for the Ohio Star Ball to perform in November! – Colleen, Jordan’s caregiver
Bryley, Oregon
One More Step
Ride a horse.
Assist my daughter, Bryley, 13 years old, with attending a therapeutic horse riding program.
Safety Measures
Have a written safety protocol to ensure there are enough walk along support people to safely dismount Bryley in case of a seizure while riding.
Progress Report
July 2025: Bryley has been able to ride horses through a nearby therapeutic horse-riding program, thanks to the generous gift of her Sail For Epilepsy Grant. Thank you for giving her this opportunity. – Angie, Bryley’s mother
Bryanna, Florida
One More Step
Performing a dance solo.
I would like to take dance lessons during June & July. I will set a date with my dance teacher to perform my solo.
Safety Measures
Since I fall from my seizures, I will take time to share my emergency protocol with my teacher. My mom always carries my emergency medications and is trained to use them.
Progress Report
June 2025: I am excited to share that I danced my solo dance to “Time of My Life” by David Cook. It has not always been smooth sailing for me. I have had many seizures, fallen, ended up in the hospital, but it’s not about how you fall down. It is about how you get back up and persevere and know that each day is a blessing. It is how you deal with the challenges of life and turn those challenges into learning experiences and the ability to move forward and enjoy your life to the fullest.
Sara, Massachusetts
One More Step
Participate in a new Dance Class.
I have done Adaptive Dance Class for children. But, my Studio, Boston Ballet has a new Class for kids who are too old for the Child Adaptive Dance Classes.
Safety Measures
My Mom comes with me and is in the Lobby if I need her. The Teachers take good care of me! I take my medicine every day in the morning and before I go to bed. I drink a lot and I stay hydrated!
Cindy, Vancouver, Canada
One More Step
Complete a progressive series of outdoor cycling challenges.
Culminating in long-distance rides to Stanley Park and along the UBC Seawall, using the scenic and historic Arbutus Greenway and Vancouver’s bike-friendly routes.
Safety Measures
Carefully managed with medical supervision, seizure awareness ID,
mobile phone, and always riding with a companion
Progress Report
July 2025: Getting ready to bike out to the Greenway with my son’s support.
Camille, Florida
One More Step
Continuing swim lessons!
We’d like her to continue with the course to make sure she is comfortable in the water and has the necessary skills for survival
Safety Measures
She was approved by her neurologist for one on one swim lessons.
2024
Jake, Massachusetts
One More Step
Learning to Ski!
I would like to join my schools ski club which goes to Wachusett mountain every Tuesday for 6 weeks. During this time I will take weekly lessons.
Safety Measures
We have consulted with Jake’s doctor and he will be wearing a helmet, medical band and skiing with a buddy.
Progress Report
March 2025: Thanks to the generous grant provided by this incredible organization, my son has had the opportunity to pursue a goal that once seemed out of reach for him—learning to ski. This experience has been truly transformative, and I cannot fully express how much it means to our family. Read the full blog by Sarah, Jake mother.
Maddie, Massachusetts
One More Step
Train my dog to alert me when I’m about to have a seizure.
We will take dog classes specialized for obedience and scent training in order for her to accomplish becoming a certified service dog.
Safety Measures
Have people around me support me when I have a seizure and use my dog to continue her training to alert me and keep me safe and less stressed.
Progress Report
February 2025: We were in 2 classes over the fall into winter. One was obedience and the other was a distraction based class which we were unfortunately unable to make it to a few classes due to my seizures. We had winter break but we were training almost every day. One of her commands is called “cover” where she lays on top of me to reduce stress. She had a hard time with it for so long but has finally gotten it down!! Classes should start up again later this month
John, Wisconsin
One More Step
Climbing Mt. Washington (or another mountain) for Epilepsy Awareness
I would raise funding for New England Epilepsy Foundation by using the highest wind-speed at the top of Washington for donors to use those digits with their donation.
Safety Measures
Using a climbing guide.
Bryanna, New Hampshire
One More Step
Join the dance team at my school and inform my professors about what epilepsy really is.
I will get more involved with my school first by working in the admissions office and joining clubs and the dance team. I will then make informative pamphlets all about epilepsy and hand them out at fairs and/or to my professors to inform them about seizure first aid and what the different types of seizures look like and mean.
Safety Measures
I will make sure all of the information is correct and that there is no false information to lead people astray.
Progress Report
February 2025: I have joined the dance team in college! It is going great so far and I have enjoyed making new friends and getting out around campus. I have also made pamphlets, I made seizure first aid cards and I got pins to hand out. I handed both out during November for National Epilepsy Awareness month!
Heather, Connecticut
One More Step
I want to grow my business because anyone can heal through the art of connection. Nobody deserves to feel alone and my vision is to help people know for a fact that no one is every truly alone.
I currently have an Etsy shop, Healing Connection Art, which I have my self published books and painting for sale on. I have started making jewelry and greeting cards as well that I want to sell. I have signed up for a craft fair in November.
Safety Measures
I will make sure I have someone with me who can be at the fair in case I have a seizure.
Progress Report
November 2024: Today I took a step in my journey. I participated in my first craft fair for my business Healing Connection Art. I sold items to over 10 different people and many bought more than one thing. My mom and a couple family friends were taking turns sitting with me at my booth to assure I remained medically safe as well. I am so excited for this opportunity to help my business flourish.
May 2025: Yesterday I took another step in my journey. I did my second craft fair at a family fest at a local elementary school in town. I did great. I stayed safe medically, my mom was there in case of anything. This fair I did something different than my fair in November. I made awareness bracelets for epilepsy, autism and mental health awareness.
