A MESSAGE FROM Lindsey's Fundraising Page for the Epilepsy Foundation of Metropolitan NY
This year, I am elated to be running the NYC United Airlines Half Marathon in partnership with the EFMNY. When I was 16 years old, my life changed overnight when I was diagnosed with epilepsy. The following 20 years were a long haul of many different treatments, medications, periods of remission and seizure relapses. I started running about 10 years ago as I continued to struggle with uncontrolled seizures--running made me feel empowered, and like my body was still my own.
In 2018, I had a Vagus Nerve Stimulator placed which has, so thankfully, made me seizure-free. It was the right course of treatment, but also a tough one: at the time, I was told I would not be able to run anymore because of how the device would affect my breathing. I am so grateful that with the loving support of my doctors, family, and dear friends (and a healthy dose of determination), running has remained a part of my life--6 years later, I am a two time marathoner, and will keep running as long as my body will let me!
I am honored to be a part of this team to raise money for an organization that has touched my life so personally. As a teenager trying to make sense of my new diagnosis, we turned to the Epilepsy Foundation for support, guidance, and resources that were invaluable to me and my family. Any donation you are able to make will be so appreciated not just by me, but the many people you will touch--like my own family was--by supporting the incredible work of this organization. The EFMNY is a 501 (c) (3) with EIN 13-2608325, and as the EFMNY did not provide any goods and/or services in exchange for this kind donation, its fair market value or full amount is legally tax deductible by law.
Check out this video for even more info: https://youtu.be/r6LJ79-qWOY?si=ierchtRFnAp3BjUK
