Emilia's Everest
Every year, 150,000 Americans are diagnosed with Epilepsy which is a seizure disorder. Presently more than 3.4 million people in the U.S. have epilepsy (1 in 26 people). 3,000 people will die from Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP). We need to stop this!
My daughter Emilia is the 1 in 26 who have developed epilepsy – uncontrolled seizures, and we are hoping for a cure. Emilia has been dealing with epilepsy since she was 8 years old. Now at the age of 21 years old and a junior at the University of Arizona, her journey to overcome epilepsy and live her life to the fullest has been 10 times harder than anything I have ever done. Think about if you couldn't drive, play on the monkey bars, ride a bike or it challenged the way you learn in life or school. That is what life has been like for Emilia.
In early 2020, we raised over $29,029 (the summit of Mt. EVEREST) to build awareness for the National Epilepsy Foundation so they can find cures to this disorder that for many, seem unsurmountable.
We are now partnering with Higher Ground and have raised over $71,000. Higher Ground uses the principles of therapeutic recreation in a completely inclusive way. HG has certified therapeutic recreation specialists on staff that have masses of specialized training and experience with a variety of conditions including epilepsy.
Please click this link to help Emilia overcome her EVEREST.
100% of the proceeds go to the Higher Ground.
Higher Ground's Mission
Using recreation, therapy, and continuing support to give people of all abilities a better life. Together, the bridge is narrowed between disability and belonging.
Higher Ground's Adaptive Training Foundation
Mark was involved with the Adaptive Training Foundation(ATF) event. Here's a 3 minute video of the event.
Special Thanks to the
NFL Foundation
We were so humbled by the outpouring of support for the Find Your Summit Challenge! We raised over our goal!! In part thanks to the $5,000 matching grant from the @NFLFoundation! The NFL's Player Matching Social Justice Grant is designed to provide nonprofit organizations with 1:1 match funding of up to $5,000 on behalf of a current or former NFL player in the arena of social justice. Thank You @NFL!
The Lhotse Challenge Videos
Waterboys
Waterboys.org is committed to giving back to the community through focused efforts around clean water, military appreciation, homelessness and youth in need.
Mark and his fellow Waterboys recently returned from climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro and raising over $133k and building clean water wells.