Ironman to fight Epilepsy

[lang]

I sadly lost my 8 year old son 5 years ago to SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy Patients). A couple years later I started running for therapy and a grief camp we went to had a 10k to raise funds. Within a couple years I did my first marathon and was selected to be a sponsored athlete for a local tri club. That started me on a wild journey the last 18 months. I was pretty active before, and stayed in good enough shape to pack my own elk out. In a week I will be doing my first Ironman on August 21st. I will be racing for the Danny Did Foundation that working to mainstream seizure detection monitors. Sadly most people that are battling Epilepsy aren't being told about SUDEP from the medical community. So without even knowing about SUDEP, there isn't even a thought about needing a monitor.
I am doing everything I can to help get the word out to help families struggling with this very prevalent disease. We found out shortly after Conner's passing about a watch that would alert a caretaker if a seizure surfaced. If any of you know anyone struggling with Epilepsy please share this information. It can literally make the difference between life and death.
dannydid.org
https://www.crowdrise.com/bryanlangford

 

[hoshour]

I'm sorry to hear about losing your son. That's got to be a hard thing, but it sounds like you're making the best of it and helping others. Way to go!

 

[kidoggy]

I'm sorry for your loss. no parent should have to outlive their child.

I cannot explain why these things happen but what you are doing is proof that great things come out of bad situations. keep up the good fight, you're making a difference.

 

[Horsenhike]

My youngest son struggled with seizures when he was young. His mothers family has a history of them.
Medication and time fixed it, and he has been seizure free for years now. So scary. My sister in law has a beautiful young girl who is struggling with them now. She is not responding to treatment.

I have never heard of SUDEP. Even with all my experience with seizures. What you are doing is a good thing, and I will share the information with those in need. So sorry for your loss.

 

[ivorytip]

Good for you! its a sad world we live in at times and my heart goes out, its what we make of it that forms who we are. thank you for the post.

 

[6mm Remington]

Thank you for what you are doing! I am sure it will make a difference in someones life. My son who is 20 years old now had a couple seizures when he was little and was diagnosed with Epilepsy. He was put on medication for a couple years and was then taken off after having no more seizures. We were very lucky and blessed.

Good luck on your event!

 

[lang]

Done! What an amazing experience. It actually went better than I could imagine for my first. I hit every goal I had and actually was pretty mobile after. Ironman actually featured my story so here are a couple videos they shot. One was prerace on my story and the other is the wrap up video of the whole race. Their stuff is always moving.

https://youtu.be/d5LeVng2bPUhttps
https://youtu.be/jPInScvT5Pk

 

[SunnyInCO]

Congrats on the race. I am "retired" from tri's but know it is an incredible accomplishment.

I watch your story. Unbelievable. As the father of two adopted children I cannot imagine the pain that your family has endured.

I went to your fundraising link and donated. Thanks for telling your story.

 

[lang]

Thanks Sunny. We've found that finding ways to help others is about the only thing that can help the hurt. It doesn't make it go away, but it helps for sure.