Become a Virtual Shipmate
Join our crew as a Virtual Shipmate by participating in our One More Step Challenge! To recognize your courage, we’ll add your first name to our boat so that you can come along for this exciting voyage. Click the button below sign up and we’ll add your story (and photo, if you send us one) to the map above after we review your submission.
Can you take one extra step to do something you haven’t done before, with the necessary safety measures in place?
Not only will your name be added to the boat, but several times during our voyages, we will pick one Virtual Shipmate to feature. By sharing your inspirational stories, we will raise awareness not only about epilepsy but about ways that people with epilepsy aren’t letting this disorder prevent them from living their fullest life possible. Featured Virtual Shipmates will receive a Sail For Epilepsy flag that was flown on the day they were highlighted, with the noon position and their name written on the flag.
I’m taking One More Step by…
Image | Title | Content | Tags |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Eryn |
Aiming to get my dinghy instructor to help other children learn to sail. Bexley Kent (United Kingdom) | new skill |
![]() | Celine-Eva |
Keep breathing despite being really scared about my epilepsy. Freshwater NSW (Australia) | positive attitude |
![]() | Laura |
Educate my patients. St. Cloud, Florida (United States) | education |
![]() | Lynn |
I want to be a speaker in a large groups such as Expos and Conferences about Epilepsy Awareness, and Epilepsy and Suicide, as I am the survivor of a suicide attempt due to my Epilepsy and depression. I want people to know it’s okay to not be okay, and to let others know they need help. Ball Ground, Georgia (United States) | awareness, positive attitude, support |
![]() | Taryn |
Remember. Davenport, FL (United States) | memoriam |
![]() | Cassidy |
Go for more hikes / walks. Halifax, Nova Scotia (Canada) | health & fitness, walk / run |
![]() | Malea |
Horseback riding off the lead. Saint Cloud, FL (United States) | adventure |
![]() | Holly |
Travel in an RV across the U.S. Monson, MA / Port Orange, FL (United States) | adventure |
![]() | Angela |
Not overdoing and keeping rested. Apopka, FL (United States) | health & fitness |
![]() | Jenn |
Doing yoga and guided meditations at least 3 times per week and stay on my diet, Optavia. Mandeville, Louisiana (United States) | health & fitness |
![]() | Karla |
Continue to take my medicine and keep it in my mind that this can happen at anytime with no notice. Willimantic, Connecticut (United States) | health & fitness |
![]() | Carol |
Sailing each week that weather permits and timing off work. My daughter was diagnosed with epilepsy a little over a year ago. (United States) | |
![]() | Sue |
Sharing my lifetime experience with Epilepsy and encouraging others. Berlin, Massachusetts (United States) | awareness |
![]() | Newman |
Sharing my story. Pottstown, PA (United States) | awareness |
![]() | Alina |
Helping those that need it but first to help myself. Reno, Nevada (United States) | support |
![]() | Renata |
Take a boat trip one day. And learn how to sail. Lisbon (Portugal) | adventure, new skill |
![]() | Pedro |
To support my 16y son Afonso in his challenge to live with epilepsy. Cichoeiras (Portugal) | support |
![]() | Isa |
Demystifying epilepsy. Portugal | awareness |
![]() | Gabrial |
Study to be a scientist. Lisbon (Portugal) | education |
![]() | Grisham |
I want everyone to understand epilepsy and for my brother not to have any more seizures. Portugal | awareness |
![]() | Teresa |
To become a neuro-pediatrician. Almada (Portugal) | education |
![]() | Luisa |
Accept my condition and that of my partner. Find a way to work through the motor difficulties of everyday life. Almada (Portugal) | positive attitude |
![]() | Nuno |
Talking to more people about epilepsy. Portugal | awareness |
![]() | Maria |
Learning to play basketball. Portugal | health & fitness, new skill |
![]() | Rute |
Helping my daughter to be proud of herself and to continue to believe that anything is possible. Portugal | support |
![]() | Aurora |
I hope my brother doesn’t have any more seizures. Sines (Portugal) | support |
![]() | Tânia |
Talking more about epilepsy with everyone! Sines (Portugal) | awareness |
![]() | Jorge and Mileida |
To our daughter: “You can do it! Go!” We are here for you. Almada (Portugal) | support |
![]() | Huga |
Getting a driver’s license and taking Henrique to the stadium. Amora (Portugal) | new skill |
![]() | Elsa |
Doing yoga to be more resilient. Amora (Portugal) | health & fitness |
![]() | Henrique |
Learning to swim. Amora (Portugal) | health & fitness, new skill |
![]() | Pedro |
Slimming the belly. Aroeira (Portugal) | health & fitness |
![]() | Maria |
Continuing epilepsy awareness for my patients and the community. Help them take one more step. Almada (Portugal) | awareness |
![]() | Margarida |
Organizing an awareness session on Epilepsy at my nephew Samuel’s school later this year. Setúbal, Portugal | awareness |
![]() | Samuel |
Having a party and swimming with the dolphins. Portugal | adventure |
![]() | Dina |
Finding a weekly time for exercise. Aveiro (Portugal) | health & fitness |
![]() | Wojtaszek |
Better healing. Lisbon (Portugal) | health & fitness |
![]() | Alix |
Travel around the world see other cultures and learn about them. Agueda (Portugal) | adventure |
![]() | Puolo |
Helping my son to learn how to swim. Amora (Portugal) | new skill, support |
![]() | Bitocas |
Make more travels with creativity. Agueda (Portugal) | adventure |
![]() | Ana |
Educate people about epilepsy. Lisbon (Portugal) | education |
![]() | Pedro |
Learn to ride a bicycle. Lisbon (Portugal) | new skill |
![]() | Francisco |
Be able to drive a car. Lisbon (Portugal) | new skill |
![]() | Carla |
Helping epilepsy patients. Portugal | support |
![]() | Afonso |
Eventually be a doctor when I get older so I can get to know more about epilepsy and help the people with it. Lisbon (Portugal) | education |
![]() | Miguel |
Keep opening my kids minds to such important initiatives as Sail 4 Epilepsy. Lisbon (Portugal) | education |
![]() | Joana |
Doing my best to enroll in medical school. Then I can be an investigator in the neuroscience (or psychiatry) field. Lisbon (Portugal) | education |
![]() | Francisco |
Keep on pursuing my dreams & never giving up. I’ll do my best to fulfill my dream of being able to speak the most languages possible. Lisbon (Portugal) | new skill |
![]() | Filipa |
To share my knowledge and daily experiences that are related to epilepsy. To allow my children to have new experiences. Portugal | awareness |
![]() | Jorge |
I will practice more soccer. Portugal | health & fitness |
Mariana |
I will start dancing again. Portugal | health & fitness | |
![]() | Salomé |
I wish my brother didn’t have epilepsy anymore. Sines (Portugal) | support |
![]() | Daniel |
I will help my girlfriend who has epilepsy to finish the course she is taking. Aveiro (Portugal) | education |
![]() | Maria |
By supporting / encouraging people with epilepsy. Marrakech (Morocco) | support |
![]() | Soumia |
Helping people in need. Marrakech (Morocco) | support |
![]() | Fatima |
To spread awareness and educate people I know. Marrakech (Morocco) | awareness |
![]() | Aicha |
Talking / sharing about the charity through social media. Marrakech (Morocco) | awareness |
![]() | Imad |
For people with epilepsy. Marrakech (Morocco) | support |
![]() | Chama |
Diet and nutrition. Marrakech (Morocco) | health & fitness |
![]() | Abderrazzak |
Going on a long trip by boat in order to help people with epilepsy. Marrakech (Morocco) | awareness |
![]() | Malak |
I would like to help people as much as I can. Marrakech (Morocco) | support |
![]() | Lamya |
Help patients struggling with chronic diseases. Marrakech (Morocco) | support |
![]() | Iourdane |
Open a center for cooperation with people in need of medical help. Marrakech (Morocco) | support |
![]() | Radia |
I would like to be more outgoing. Marrakech (Morocco) | health & fitness |
![]() | Nacertazi |
I would like to work out more and be in my best shape ever. Marrakech (Morocco) | health & fitness |
![]() | Chaimaa |
Learn surfing and manage my stress. Marrakech (Morocco) | new skill |
![]() | Maarouf |
I wish for all epileptic people to be happy, fearless, and find the support they need! Marrakech (Morocco) | support |
![]() | Katelyn |
Building a successful career. Castro Valley, CA (United States) | career |
![]() | Julie |
In memory of my brother Danny Tromberg who lost his life to epilepsy-related complications at the young age of 45. He was a warrior who didn’t want to let epilepsy define him. All he wanted was a cure. Princeton, NJ (United States) | memoriam |
![]() | Diane |
Never giving up and always keep learning. Continue to help others in extraordinary ways. Childhood epilepsy did not define me ~ it inspired me. I hiked, went whitewater rafting, volunteered, made bread, created memorable community events, gardened, skated, danced & had fun! Nearly 50 years later, I continue to create, inspire & explore. | positive attitude |
![]() | Audrey |
Start lean to sail in this year. Brazil | new skill |
![]() | Juliana |
1 more step to the infinite. The will to reach my goal which is to drive and stop being anxious. Manage to contain the sensation of heat rising up my body and absorb my emotion as I reach the relief of tension. I need to divert my thoughts when I feel like I’m going to have an episode of epilepsy. Porto, Portugal | positive attitude |
![]() | João |
Professional success in the work that I always aspired to have. Porto, Portugal | |
![]() | Maria |
Walk to Santiago de Compostela. Porto, Portugal | new experience |
![]() | Catarina |
Swim at the beach. Porto, Portugal | new experience |
![]() | Carlos |
Live life. Porto, Portugal | positive attitude |
![]() | Rosa |
Ride in a big boat. Porto, Portugal | new skill |
![]() | Maria |
Accept epilepsy to better deal with it. Vila do Conde, Portugal | positive attitude |
![]() | Cristina |
Practice more exercise. Porto, Portugal | health & fitness |
![]() | Nelson |
Swim in the ocean. Porto, Portugal | new skill |
![]() | Joaquim |
I would like to work and be able to do training in the area of electricity. Porto, Portugal | new skill |
![]() | Tomás |
Study more. Porto, Portugal | education |
![]() | Ana |
Teach people about epilepsy. Póvoa de Varzim, Portugal | education |
![]() | Joana |
It was to have more knowledge regarding my illness and spread the word. Because epilepsy is not a monster, we can have some capabilities and accomplish important things. Porto, Portugal | awareness |
![]() | Alfredo |
I would like to be self-employed. Porto, Portugal | new skill |
![]() | José |
Participate in Sail For Epilepsy. Guimarães, Portugal | awareness |
![]() | Paulo |
If I can stay a year without seizures, I’ll get my driver’s license and I’ll do something that is my childhood dream, skydiving jump. Porto, Portugal | new skill |
![]() | Salomé |
Personal and growth development. Porto, Portugal | positive attitude |
![]() | Cláudia |
Join as a volunteer in the Portuguese League Against Epilepsy (LPCE). Lisbon, Portugal | support |
![]() | Elisabete |
Helping inform others here on the island of Pico, Azores. Pico, Azores (Portugal) | awareness |
![]() | Rita |
Marry! Portimão, Portugal | |
![]() | Samantha |
Going for (at least) a 30 minute walk every day. Plano, Texas (United States) | health & fitness |
![]() | David |
Never letting my epilepsy from stopping me from what I love to do. Parma, Ohio (United States) | positive attitude |
![]() | Sawyer |
Publish a comic book. Falmouth, ME | new skill |
![]() | Scott |
Serving on the Epilepsy Foundation DC advisory board as well as facilitate epilepsy support group meetings. Columbia, MD | advocacy |
![]() | Seamus |
I will continue to educate and raise awareness. Philadelphia, PA | awareness |
![]() | Shay |
Continuing to support families and find creative ways to help. Annapolis, MD | advocacy |
![]() | Stacey |
I would like my child to not have a nurse follow her around when she goes to middle school next year. | support |
![]() | Tara |
Family and friends to be more patient with me. | positive attitude |
![]() | Thomas |
Supporting my brother through his epilepsy. Barrington, RI | support |
![]() | Tim |
Hike the Appalachian Trail. Gorham, ME | health & fitness |
![]() | Tom |
Supporting our grandson’s effort to overcome his issues with epilepsy. | |
![]() | Waylon |
Teaching my classmates and friends about epilepsy. Pittsfield, MA | awareness |
![]() | Zackary |
Keeping my room clean. Billerica, MA (United States) | |
![]() | Aria |
Living every day to the fullest to the best of my ability with my family and friends. Every day Aria has approximately 5 to 10 seizures daily with her syndrome (Aicardi). She is 1 in 4000 and a ray of sunshine to all who meets her. She is a blessing to all of us! Croydon, IN (United States) | positive attitude |
![]() | Natalie |
Continuing to show that despite having epilepsy you can have a successful career and a good life. I will as an entrepreneur continue to work to create resources for people with epilepsy, with the goal of helping them improve their quality of life. I will continue to work on myself by expanding my education and live my life to the fullest. Epilepsy will not stop me, I will defeat epilepsy. Rancho Cucamonga, CA (United States) | advocacy |
![]() | Cella |
We are the Scroggs Family, and we would like the opportunity to have our beautiful princess Cella remembered by adding her name on this journey. She gained her Angel wings in October 2020 due to complications of Aicardi syndrome. Thank you. Clayton, GA (United States) | memoriam |
![]() | Abigail |
Trying to walk on my own. I have a severe form of epilepsy caused by my DeNovo mutation on my SCN8A gene. Hope Valley, RI (United States) | new skill |
![]() | Caroline |
Continuing to blog more openly about my epilepsy paired with the necessity of building and maintaining solid health and well-being habits to other women with epilepsy. Grand Rapids, MI (United States) | awareness |
![]() | Kieron |
Success in the fight against epilepsy. Plymouth, Devon (United Kingdom) | awareness |
![]() | Jennifer |
Raising money for Epilepsy Foundation of South Florida. Fort Lauderdale, FL (United States) | awareness |
![]() | Jocelyn |
Learning to operate a motor racing simulator. Gloucestershire (United Kingdom) | new skill |
![]() | Teresa |
Leading a healthy lifestyle with diet, exercise, and respect for myself with what I accomplish daily. Coral Springs, FL (United States) | positive attitude |
![]() | Lisa |
Volunteering at Brainy Camp, an overnight camp for kids with epilepsy. I’ve not been away from my husband for more than six days since diagnosis so 10 days will be a bit stressful, despite neuro docs & nurses on staff. I want to show kids that a 57 y/o woman w/ epilepsy can do ropes courses, sports, etc—while providing parents some respite. Silver Spring, MD (United States) | positive attitude |
![]() | Billie Jo |
Continuing to focus on my emotional, spiritual, mental & physical health and improving myself in well many ways and remaining seizure free. I am taking classes again to up-skill and try to help with the memories that seem to evade me or seem lost at times. Continuing on and not giving up on life. Inyokern, CA (United States) | positive attitude |
![]() | Jared |
Never letting my epilepsy define me. I’ve gone 6 months seizure-free. Only the 2nd time in 22 years I have gone so long without one. I will continue to share Seizure 1st aide with those around me and to break the stigma of what epilepsy looks or doesn’t look like! North Charleston, SC (United States) | awareness |
![]() | Lauro |
Navegar sem limites. Paranagua, PR (Brazil) | new skill |
![]() | Phil |
Sail the oceans of the world, to inspire people with epilepsy, raise awareness, and educate the general public. Boston, MA (United States) | awareness |
![]() | Zsatara |
Keeping Zsatara’s memory not just alive….but thrive. Milton, MA (United States) | memoriam |
![]() | West |
West will try to eat and work on her vocalizing. North Windham, CT (United States) | new skill |
![]() | Tyler |
Learning to play the drums. Midrand, Gauteng (South Africa) | new skill |
![]() | Todd |
Making awareness and control of epilepsy. Sudbury, Suffolk (United Kingdom) | awareness |
![]() | Tatyanna |
I’m going to take One More Step by always helping others, and spreading the importance of Epilepsy support. Southbury, CT (United States) | awareness |
![]() | Sonny |
Continuing to raise awareness in our community by starting with my school, so the coaches know what to do if I have a seizure, as well as my teachers knowing how to respond without the assistance of my brothers. Clarksville, TX (United States) | awareness |
![]() | Sean |
Switch over medication to improve my mental health while better controlling my seizures as they progress. Bruce Mines, Ontario (Canada) | health & fitness |
![]() | Sean |
I have recently signed up and been accepted in the Clipper Round the World yacht race taking part in 2023. It was tough getting through the medical but I had the support of my doctor. I have never sailed before so have a lot to learn and they do provided excellent training. I will be raising sponsorship money for an Epilepsy charity hopefully a local one to me who supports people to enjoy life to the full despite the challenges of the illness. Yorkshire (United Kingdom) | awareness |
![]() | Sarah |
I’m a psychotherapist in Washington, DC. I grew up in Plymouth, MA and am a lifelong sailor & equestrian. After years of controlled seizures, I had one in Oct 2021, right after resuming jumping lessons for the first time in almost 20 years. With the help of a nicer helmet, a kind trainer, some intuitive horses, a fabulous Neuro, & my wonderful cousin, Lilly, I’m back in the saddle & looking forward to our first show! Washington, DC (United States) | health & fitness |
![]() | Roberto |
By being brave and courageous , I have epilepsy and am battling stage 4 cancer.. I would be honored to represent the strength of others who have had epilepsy in their lives. Bartow, FL (United States) | positive attitude |
![]() | Ricardo |
Entro com o objetivo de combater ao máximo este preconceito para com a doença e convida-lo a vir visitar o meu Salão de Cabeleireiro que em breve vou inaugurar na cidade do Porto. Matosinhos (Portugal) | awareness |
![]() | Paul |
Creating an event for children with epilepsy this summer. Maple Shade, NJ (United States) | awareness |
![]() | Nolan |
My seizures come in many forms and for 3 years my tonic clonics took away a lot from me life as they happened frequently. By some miracle it’s been 15 weeks since my last tonic clonic and finally have hope I can do more things I miss and love. My One More Step is I’m going to start roller blading again (with safety gear on). Hopefully if I continue to not experience tonic clonics, I can finally go snow boarding again as well. I’m just looking forward to being or active in general. Fall River, MA (United States) | health & fitness |
![]() | Michael |
Walking with grandma and the dogs. I have a wheelchair I use if I walk too far because of my spina bifida, but I will try my best to at least walk 5 minutes everyday. Beaverton, OR (United States) | walk / run |
![]() | Matthew |
Keep smiling. Devon (United Kingdom) | positive attitude |
![]() | Matilda |
Matilda (age10) made the decision herself to take on any new challenge. She has already climbed an over hang, learnt to paddle board and hiked. Her biggest challenge is admitting her Epilepsy to her friends. She will learn to sail a keel boat, but at the same time will have to admit her Epilepsy. Epsom, Surrey (United Kingdom) | health & fitness |
![]() | Madeline |
Continuing to raise awareness about Epilepsy in school, my community and social media. I will also continue to show my peers and myself that Epilepsy doesn’t define me nor will it stop me from living my life on my terms. Marietta, GA (United States) | awareness |
![]() | Loretta |
I’m going to start taking my dogs to the park on as many days as the weather allows. There are registered support animals. Cincinnati, OH (United States) | health & fitness |
![]() | Lyndsey |
Enlisting my 19 year old daughter Lyndsey as a Virtual Shipmate!! She is my hero and inspiration to do more, to educate everyone about Epilepsy, especially Seizure First Aid. She changed the status quo in KY as the first state to pass Seizure Safe School legislation, The Lyndsey Crunk Act. Her willingness to share her story inspires so many. Although she’s seizure free now for over 5.5 years, (with medication) she battles the remnants of epilepsy every day. She is my Hero!!! Georgetown, KY (United States) | advocacy |
![]() | Lee |
Try to ride a bike, again. When I switched to an adult bike I had grown 12 inches. I’m very afraid of falling now. I will probably get a new bike that I can sit up straight on. | biking |
![]() | Laura |
I wear purple for awareness for epilepsy. It’s small but I believe every little thing matters. I have had epilepsy for 40 years. Westfield, MA (United States) | awareness |
![]() | Kiana |
I am going to continue to overcome and not let epilepsy bring me down. Never give up! Scotia, NY (United States) | positive attitude |
![]() | Julia |
I am 11 years old. I would like to be a trauma surgeon one day and I would like to support the people who are going through this sickness. Garfield, NJ (United States) | education |
![]() | Joannie |
I am going to do NIA a Body Mind Soul non impact aerobics. Port Jefferson, NY (United States) |