Why we do this

& a little about Evan

Evan’s Epilepsy Event - Cornhole for a Cause started in November 2017 to spread awareness about epilepsy, breakdown the stigma, and raise money for medication, research and so much more.

Evan was two and a half when he had a generalized seizure, was rushed to the emergency room, and our journey with epilepsy began. After trying a few medicines, we were able to gain control of Evan’s seizures. Unfortunately, two years later, the seizures came back with a vengeance. Evan was admitted to the hospital for a video EEG and an MRI. The MRI revealed cortical dysplasia- a small portion of his brain that didn’t fully form while he was in utero. This small section didn’t allow the neurons to fully connect and were creating absolute havoc. Evan was having upwards of 30 complex partial seizures every day. We scheduled a visit with an epileptologist in Concord, tried a few more meds, and realized brain surgery may be our only option. We were referred to Duke Children’s and started the evaluation process for brain surgery in January 2017. In March 2017, Evan had a resection to remove the cortical dysplasia in his left frontal lobe. I am very happy to say that Evan has been seizure free ever since.

While we have been very fortunate to be able to afford Evan’s hospital visits, doctor appointments, and medications- not everyone is so lucky.

All of our proceeds benefit Epilepsy Alliance NC. We have raised nearly $100,000 since the start of Evan’s Epilepsy Event- half of which went directly to the Alliance’s medication fund. Anti-epileptic drugs can cost thousands each month without insurance and there is no choice in taking them. Missing one dose can cause seizures. The other half of what we raised has gone to something different each year. We have opted for additional research, helping with travel funds, and encouraging students of neurology to focus on epilepsy.

Together we will fight epilepsy.