Sara's Walk For Epilepsy

why it's important:

At the age of 10 I started educating others. I told them that just because I have epilepsy I am no different then they are. I told everyone that I had epilepsy and if they had questions I would answered them. If they did not have questions I offered information. Most people were receptive, some people were not.

Around the same time I decided to put together what has become “Sara’s Annual Walk for Epilepsy” in my hometown of New Paltz, New York. I worked with local agencies that served individuals with epilepsy and the State University of New York at New Paltz (SUNY) to organize and promote my walks. To date, I have held four walks and collectively they have raised over $50,000.00. All monies raised went to support those with epilepsy and for my last two walks, 100% of the monies raised (approximately $25,000.00) went to the Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern New York.It is important to me that all money goes to education and they have agreed that all monies raised by Sara’s Walks will be used to directly support consumers within the 22 counties they serve here in New York State. My next walk will be Spring 2010!

Sara’s Walk for Epilepsy also does many other things besides raising funds for better services and support. It also promoted general awareness, educated people, and per my personal mission, it helps break the stigma that surrounds epilepsy. My website www.itsnotwhoiam.com promotes the idea and belief that I will not let my epilepsy define me as a person. I ask that no one judge a person wrongly because they have epilepsy or anything else that makes them different. What a boring world it would be if we were all the same!

In addition to my walks I have participated in regional print and television ads (You can see the TV commercial on my website), held a breakfast, held a race, been on local and national radio programs, visited Washington D.C. on two occasions to meet with my representatives, and spoke to children from all around the country, all of this was to encourage others to talk about epilepsy, raise awareness and break the stigmas that surround it. (My community Service resume is also available from my website).

Because of my hard work, I was contacted by a local author, Chris Passudetti, who was working with a publisher, Scobre Press. Together they wanted to write my story. I was more then excited to work with them on this project. It took two years and lots of work but the story “Being Sara” is now available! It is my hopes that my story will inspire others to talk about epilepsy and how it affects their life and inspire others to reach out and make a difference in their own communities. The Author of “Being Sara”, Chris Passudetti once told me that, “growing up is difficult but if you see your difficulties as opportunities rather than burdens, there is no limit to the positive impact you can have on your community, no matter how old you are”. It is my hopes that everyone that reads “Being Sara” come away with this message.

the plan of action:

It is my plan to continue my outreach with my walks and other community and national events. I am currently planning my 5th Walk to be held in June 2010 and I am talking with the National Epilepsy Foundation to take my walk National at the same time! This is very exciting and I hope this will inspire other children to get involved and talk about epilepsy.

how you can get involved:

Others can help by organizing other events about epilepsy and by talking about it with others. Donations and sponsorships are being sought out at this time. To support Sara’s Walk Please visit https://www.firstgiving.com/saraelizabethclark. Thank you!

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