Thank you for visiting my fundraising page in support of the Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County—an organization that means so much to me.
For more than 22 years, I’ve fundraised in honor of my nephew Jake, who has lived his entire life with uncontrolled seizures. I met Jake when he was just 3 years old… and now he’s 30! This year, we’ll be celebrating our birthdays together at the RAD Barn Dance, which makes this fundraiser feel extra special.
Jake’s journey is the reason I came to understand the true impact of the Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County. This organization doesn’t just provide resources—they provide community, education, and hope. They’ve supported Jake and his family, and they’ve supported me too. I’ve seen firsthand how their work touches lives. That’s why I ask for donations every year.
Any donation—big or small—makes a real difference. It helps fund programs, services, and support for individuals and families navigating epilepsy every day.
For those who look forward to updates on Jake—here’s the good news:
He’s doing well. It’s been three years since his DBS surgery, and while they’re still fine-tuning stimulation cycles and medications, things are better than before the surgery.
He is wholeheartedly engaged with the Mesa College Choir, singing as a tenor. Through the choir, he has learned and performed so many beautiful songs and has become a huge fan of Adrian Dunn, a critically acclaimed singer, composer, and conductor in the Gospel music genre. In a great twist of fate, the Mesa Choir got to perform with Adrian Dunn and the Adrian Dunn Singers. One of Jake’s highlights of 2026 so far! I’m sure he will want me to share: www.adriandunn.com.
He is also dabbling in performance arts through Arms Wide Open (AWO). AWO is dedicated to providing inclusive arts education and performance opportunities for individuals with special needs. He has already completed two auditions. To prepare, we like to practice together and come up with subtle movements to enhance stage presence while singing. We’ve done this in person and on Zoom. It is a great time!
He continues to give back, volunteering at RAD, Birch Aquarium, and the San Diego Food Bank. As Jake says, “Do good, feel good.”
Jake continues to grow into a person full of compassion, curiosity, and heart. He inspires me so much every day, and I’m overwhelmingly grateful to walk through life having him as one of my true heart friends.
Thank you,
Gina
Welcome to My Sharon's Ride.Run.Walk. San Diego Fundraising Page!
Sharon's Ride.Run.Walk San Diego is a 15-mile Bike Ride or 5K Run/Walk that is very important to me. I am raising money to help The Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County so they can provide wraparound support services and programs at no cost to individuals and families affected by epilepsy. Please help me support this cause and spread awareness for epilepsy.
DID YOU KNOW?
- 1 in 10 people will have a seizure in their lifetime.
- 1 in 26 people will be diagnosed with epilepsy.
- 3.4 million people nationwide are affected by epilepsy.
- 50,000 San Diegans are living with epilepsy.
- Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder and affects people of all ages.
- Epilepsy means the same thing as "seizure disorders."
- Epilepsy is characterized by unpredictable seizures and can cause other health problems.
- Epilepsy is a spectrum condition with a wide range of seizure types and control varying from person-to-person.
- Public misunderstandings of epilepsy cause challenges that are often worse than the seizures.
Epilepsy is more than seizures. Every story matters in this fight. Here is my personal story of WHY this matters...
