Empower people with epilepsy to live fully. For the next 12 months, your gift to the Fuller Lives Challenge is doubled, thanks to a group of donors who have given $25,000 to match gifts up to that amount.
Our goal is $25,000 from 50 donors, and every one of them counts, whether you give $10 or $1,000. Your gift funds One More Step Grants, community events, and education that reduces stigma.
Why It Matters
Over 50 million people worldwide live with epilepsy, and many hold back from things they’d love to try out of fear or stigma. Since 2024, One More Step Grants have helped 25 people take a step toward a fuller life, from cooking classes to cycling challenges to violin lessons. A matched gift stretches that further. A $250 gift, doubled, covers a full $500 grant.
“I’ve had a lot of challenges physically and mentally because of the seizures. I became very socially isolated out of fear of having a seizure in public but also just very depressed about my health situation.
I want to learn the violin because it is something I’ve always wanted to do. Violin has always brought me joy and it is time I do things that bring me joy.
The thing about almost dying is it teaches you how to live and I’m really really really trying to live it to my full potential.” ” – Peyton, California, One More Step Grant Recipient 2026
Initiatives
Community
Grants
Inspiration
Education
Family-friendly nautical activities for all abilities.
- Partnerships with local epilepsy support organizations nationwide.
- Provide a free, inclusive activity-based afternoon focused on networking, empowerment, inspiration, and support.
- Sail For Epilepsy assumes most of the burden of cost and planning, to reduce the draw on the limited budgets and bandwidth of partner organizations.
Complete a progressive series of outdoor cycling challenges
Supporting those living a fuller life.
The One More Step Challenge invites participants to do something that improves their quality of life — big or small — with the right safety measures in place.
The One More Step Grant Program awards up to $500 to help offset costs that may be associated with a challenge the Shipmate is pursuing.
A total of 25 grants awarded since 2024.
- 2024: 5 grants awarded, totaling $2368
- 2025: 9 grants awarded, totaling $3680
- 2026: 11 grants awarded, totaling $4967
Complete a progressive series of outdoor cycling challenges
Inspiring people with epilepsy to live fully.
- One More Step Challenge participants decide to do something to live fuller lives
and become Virtual Shipmates. - Their names are added to the hull of the boat.
- Over 675 Virtual Shipmates in 40 states and 21 countries.
- The stories of our Virtual Shipmates are shared online to inspire others to choose live more fully.
Education reduces stigma.
- Basic information defining epilepsy, it’s causes, treatment options; dispelling destructive myths.
- Teach seizure first aid and provide take-home materials.
- Encourage audience engagement through question and answer sessions, providing an opportunity to share personal experiences with their community.
All gifts supports program initiatives. Sailing expenses are funded personally by Phil Haydon.
“Working with Sail for Epilepsy has been such a joy! They put so much thought and care into creating fun, welcoming experiences for our epilepsy community. Our kids, adults, and families leave with big smiles and wonderful memories, and that’s something you just can’t put a price on.” – Epilepsy Alliance Louisiana
Other Ways to Give
By Check
If you’d like to mail a donation, please send checks payable to Sail For Epilepsy to:
Sail For Epilepsy
c/o Phil Haydon
505 Tremont St, #202
Boston, MA 02116
United States
Donor Advised Fund (DAF)
Sail For Epilepsy welcomes gifts through Donor Advised Funds (DAF).
Legal Name: Sail For Epilepsy, Inc.
Legal Address: 505 Tremont St. #202, Boston, MA 02116
For our tax ID number or additional information to make a distribution request, please contact Sail For Epilepsy at: [email protected].
DAFDirect
Sail For Epilepsy is already recognized as a charitable recipient via Fidelity Charitable and the Boston Foundation. As such, should you have an account with one of these firms, you can simply ask them to direct your donation to Sail for Epilepsy with no further steps required.
Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)
A Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) lets you satisfy your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) while donating directly to a charity tax-free.
Direct Transfer Rule: The funds must transfer directly from your IRA custodian to the qualified 501(c)(3) charity. If the money touches your personal bank account first, it counts as a taxable distribution.
Age Requirement: You must be 70½ or older at the time of the distribution (even though RMDs generally start at age 73 or 75 depending on your birth year).
Annual Contribution Limit: You can donate up to $111,000 per individual in 2026. Married couples can each contribute up to $111,000 from their respective IRAs (totaling $222,000).
Eligible Accounts: Traditional IRAs, Rollover IRAs, Inherited IRAs, and inactive SEP or SIMPLE IRAs. (Note: You cannot make a QCD directly from an active workplace plan like a 401(k) or 403(b)—you must roll funds into an IRA first).
Sail For Epilepsy is an IRS 501(c)3 organization and has been granted Massachusetts tax exempt status.