Mission: Founded by Chicago parents Mike and Mariann Stanton in 2010 after the sudden death of their four-year-old son Danny, the Danny Did Foundation’s primary mission is to prevent deaths caused by seizures. The Foundation advances public awareness of epilepsy and Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), strives to improve communication about SUDEP between medical professionals and families affected by seizures, and advocates for the mainstream acceptance and use of seizure detection and prediction devices that may assist in preventing seizure-related deaths. Epilepsy affects nearly 3 million people in the United States and 65 million people worldwide. One in 26 Americans will develop epilepsy during their lifetime. But what few people understand, including many people with the disorder, is that seizures can be fatal. More people die as a result of seizures than from fires and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) combined. The causes of death can vary and include drowning, other accidents and status epilepticus (prolonged seizures). In addition, thousands of deaths occur annually from SUDEP, a fact that is little known and too rarely addressed in public and in medical circles. The name of the Danny Did Foundation originates from the last line of Danny Stanton’s obituary, written by his dad: “Please go and enjoy your life. Danny did.”
Results: The Danny Did Foundation has provided support to families in all 50 states and eight countries. In Danny Stanton's name, we continue to be a source of practical support for patients and parents who are coping with the challenges of epilepsy.
The Danny Did Foundation is aggressively spreading knowledge about SUDEP. Even within the Epilepsy community, too few people knew that epilepsy could kill. I have donated personally, referred people, and now am spearheading a fundraiser - I have increased my level of involvement because their mission is clear, their goals and activities are transparent, and they already have a track record of success. This is how a grass roots non-profit should work - making a big difference in a very tangible way right from the start.
The Danny Did Foundation is an outstanding organization comprised of caring, thoughtful, forward-looking, and motivated folks that work tirelessly towards their goals:
(1) advancing awareness of Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) and enhancing the SUDEP communication model between medical professionals and those afflicted by seizures, and (2) the mainstreaming of seizure detection and prediction devices as well as other technologies that may assist in preventing deaths caused by seizures)
Every decision they make, every interaction they have, every dollar they spend goes towards achieving their goals. Every time I talk to those associated with Danny Did or attend one of their events I feel compelled, motivated, and inspired to help in anyway possible. The DannyDid foundation does everything right and is making a significant positive impact.
