Sara's Walk For Epilepsy
Submitted by Sara-Elizabeth on Mon, 01/04/2010 - 10:45.
Last updated on Thu, 01/07/2010 - 10:29.
Vital Stats
ongoing project
1000
5
Project Photos
Project Video
The Problem
Epilepsy is a Neurological condition that affects millions of Americans both physically and mentally. While the physical aspects are very important to understand and work for a cure it is also very important to understand that the mental stigmas must be addressed. For the past five years I have campaigned to break the stigmas that surround epilepsy for me and others. If we are ever to be 100% accepted as productive and meaningful members of society everyone with or with out epilepsy needs to understand what epilepsy is, what causes it, how it is treated and that epilepsy is NOT who we are, but what we have.
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 Can Others 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!
Project Updates
No updates found!
Location
Related Causes:
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Gardiner, NY, 12525See map: Google MapsWhat's the problem you are trying to solve?: Epilepsy is a Neurological condition that affects millions of Americans both physically and mentally. While the physical aspects are very important to understand and work for a cure it is also very important to understand that the mental stigmas must be addressed. For the past five years I have campaigned to break the stigmas that surround epilepsy for me and others. If we are ever to be 100% accepted as productive and meaningful members of society everyone with or with out epilepsy needs to understand what epilepsy is, what causes it, how it is treated and that epilepsy is NOT who we are, but what we have.Why is it important to you?: 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.What's your 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 Can Others Help?: 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!
Total hours volunteered (to date): 1000
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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.
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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!
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[#value] => What's the problem you are trying to solve?: Epilepsy is a Neurological condition that affects millions of Americans both physically and mentally. While the physical aspects are very important to understand and work for a cure it is also very important to understand that the mental stigmas must be addressed. For the past five years I have campaigned to break the stigmas that surround epilepsy for me and others. If we are ever to be 100% accepted as productive and meaningful members of society everyone with or with out epilepsy needs to understand what epilepsy is, what causes it, how it is treated and that epilepsy is NOT who we are, but what we have.
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[#value] => Why is it important to you?: 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.
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[#value] => What's your 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.
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[#value] => How Can Others Help?: 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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[#children] => What's the problem you are trying to solve?: Epilepsy is a Neurological condition that affects millions of Americans both physically and mentally. While the physical aspects are very important to understand and work for a cure it is also very important to understand that the mental stigmas must be addressed. For the past five years I have campaigned to break the stigmas that surround epilepsy for me and others. If we are ever to be 100% accepted as productive and meaningful members of society everyone with or with out epilepsy needs to understand what epilepsy is, what causes it, how it is treated and that epilepsy is NOT who we are, but what we have.Why is it important to you?: 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.What's your 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 Can Others Help?: 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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[#value] => Total hours volunteered (to date): 1000
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[#children] => Total hours volunteered (to date): 1000
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[#children] => Is this a...: ongoing projectWeb site link: www.itsnotwhoiam.comVideo (optional):
Current age (NOTE: this section is for people 25 and younger): 14Related Campaign or Program: GrantsHow many people are directly involved in your project? : 5How many people has your project helped? : 1000Location(s)
Gardiner, NY, 12525See map: Google MapsWhat's the problem you are trying to solve?: Epilepsy is a Neurological condition that affects millions of Americans both physically and mentally. While the physical aspects are very important to understand and work for a cure it is also very important to understand that the mental stigmas must be addressed. For the past five years I have campaigned to break the stigmas that surround epilepsy for me and others. If we are ever to be 100% accepted as productive and meaningful members of society everyone with or with out epilepsy needs to understand what epilepsy is, what causes it, how it is treated and that epilepsy is NOT who we are, but what we have.Why is it important to you?: 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.What's your 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 Can Others Help?: 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!
Total hours volunteered (to date): 1000
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Get some cash to get your project to the next level. Weekly grants are available.
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I was diagnosed with Epilepsy when I was 10. I am 18 now and I am trying to create my own program very similar to yours. I want to help your program any way I can. I would love to hear from you.
Thank you for clearing the path I wish to follow,
Jorey
Jorey,
Email me at Sara-Elizabeth@itsnotwhoiam.com. We can talk. Thank you,
Sara-Elizabeth