Team Silas - Running CAN Make A Difference

One of the integral members of the Dinsmore Team is Pam Wright.   In addition to being a member of the Dinsmore Team, Pam is also my friend.  I wanted to share an article she has written explaining Team Silas, and why it is so important to her.    I will be there, running beside her.  I hope you will join us.

Team Silas – Running CAN Make A Difference

When my grandson Silas was diagnosed with Epilepsy a few years ago, our entire family was devastated.   Instead of feeling sorry for ourselves, we decided to research the disorder and soon realized that a significant number of people suffer from epilepsy.  In fact, the CDC estimates that around 2.3 million adults and almost 500,000 children under the age of 17 years have epilepsy.

Epilepsy, sometimes referred to as seizure disorder, is a general term that refers to a tendency to have recurrent seizures. A seizure is a temporary disturbance in brain function in which groups of nerve cells in the brain signal abnormally and excessively. Seizures may produce changes in awareness or sensation, involuntary movements, or other changes in behavior. Usually, a seizure lasts from a few seconds to a few minutes.  While some causes for this condition can be identified, in nearly two-thirds of the cases a specific underlying cause cannot be identified.

While we continue to work to control Silas’ disorder, we found a great way to make a difference.   We found The Magnolia Run.   The Magnolia Run is the Epilepsy Foundation of Georgia’s (EFGA) longest running event, and is now in its 29th year. The 2012 Run was its most successful one to date, raising over $102,000 and attracting nearly 1,500 participants.  Funds raised by the event go to support the critical programs and services offered by the EFGA.

Last year we founded our own running team, “Team Silas”.    We run to make a difference not only in our grandson’s life, but also the lives of others afflicted with this disorder.  We run to show our support.  We run, hoping somehow that they will find a cure or a new medication that will help control the symptoms.  We run because we don’t know what else to do.

We would love for you to join Team Silas on Saturday, August 24th, for the 5k 2013 Magnolia Run.  If you don’t run, you can always walk to show your support.  Registration for the event will be at 6:40am at Perimeter Mall, and the cost to preregister is only $25.  You can find more details here.

Whatever is close to your heart, pick a run event, and run to make a difference.  If you don’t, who will?