In three weeks, I’m running the Chicago Marathon again for the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago. Please help by donating whatever you can today. 10 dollars makes a huge difference!
3.4 million people suffer from epilepsy in the U.S. alone, including a half million children, and the number is increasing. One third of those diagnosed, myself included, do not have a medication or treatment that works. We are forced to manage a life where consciousness is a gift. The Epilepsy Foundation steps in, every time, when that is lost.
Epilepsy impacts more people than autism spectrum disorder, Cerebral Palsy, MS and Parkinson’s Disease combined. It’s hard to understand because it is often invisible. I talk about epilepsy to make it more visible. And I run for the cause because I still can.
I also run for Madeleine who loves to run cross country for Sandburg Middle School.
And Ethan who only loves to run with a football. 
Epilepsy has been after me for 10 years. It manages to win a lot of battles but I will not let it win the war. Distance runners will often say “it’s all mental,” to get through 26.2 miles. I couldn’t agree more.
In order to train, running several times a week, I have friends who drive to my house at 5:30am. I can’t drive and I can’t run alone, so Nancy, Jen, and Rachael show up at my door. My parents and John also follow on a bike, sometimes even in a car, just in case my brain misfires and I need a few minutes to remember where I am. Who I am.
Then there are my friends with the Elmhurst Running Club. 
We follow a training routine that includes long runs on Saturday mornings. With three weeks to go, we are headed for another 20 miler tomorrow at 6am. The ERC allows me to feel like I am part of something I don’t have to be afraid of losing. This group has helped me through a few seizures, too. Never judging, though, and never leaving me behind.
I need and appreciate every prayer and every donation. Thank you and wish me luck on October 8th!
Seize the Day with Sarah 