A couple years back I wrote a big post for Epilepsy Awareness Month (November) where I talked a little bit about my story with epilepsy as well as some general information what epilepsy is and some of the different types of seizures that are known.
One of the biggest inspirations I had to write that post was and continues to be my friend Jenny LaBaw. Jenny like me, is not only a Coloradoan originally, but also has suffered from epilepsy since she was 8. Her journey has been trying and in many ways reminds me of some of the struggles I’ve endured. From medication side effects to breakout seizures and so forth. And, like me, she didn’t really talk about her condition publicly until a few years ago.
Jenny is also an elite athlete (something admittedly, I am not). She’s competed, and placed in the CrossFit Games. As a fellow Epilepsy Warrior, Jenny does all she can to bring about awareness for the disorder.
Later this week, Jenny will be embarking on quite the trek all in the name of raising epilepsy awareness. Starting Saturday Sept 19th, Jenny will run 500 miles through the Colorado Rockies from South to North. It will be tough and trying but I know that she can do it. Jenny has also decided that she will dedicate each day of her run to a different fellow epilepsy fighter as well. When she asked me if she could use my name for a day, I was beyond honored and I wished that I could be there to run a portion with her.
Since I’m up here in Vancouver and literally JUST left Colorado last week, I don’t see that happening but I DO know how important this event is to not only Jenny but all the epilepsy fighters out there. She’s made a great promotional video describing the even in further detail. Check it out below:
In her own words Jenny talks about the significance of Move Mountains: A Run for Epilepsy
“In my case it’s only 500 miles for Move Mountains: A Run for Epilepsy, but in reality it’s been journey of thousands and thousands of miles. Since I was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 8 there have been physical, mental and emotional battles I have fought through. None of these battles would have been won without taking that first single step forward with loved ones by my side, people that believed in me more than I believed in myself. Now it’s my turn to give back. I am going to be running 500 miles, one step at a time, for each person out there that needs someone to take that first single step with them. Someone that can inspire them to keep going. Someone that can give them the courage to stand up and rise above. Someone that will be there for them to cry on, relate to and grow with.
I ask that you join me in my upcoming run across the state of Colorado, starting September 19th. Join me by running any part of the route you wish (Move Mountains Schedule). Join me by donating to the cause. Join me by attending any of the PR events along the way. Join me by following the event on this site and through my social media channels.
Together, we can Move Mountains.”