Sara-Elizabeth, 16, USA

Basic need(s):

Education, Health

Project:

Sara's Walk for Epilepsy / Sara's 5K Sprint for Epilepsy

Sara-Elizabeth was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 16 months. When she was 10, her mother, an avid activist for various charities, returned home one day from a "Walk for Autism". Sara-Elizabeth asked her why there were no walks for epilepsy. Her mother suggested she do something about this. Sara-Elizabeth called the local chapter of the Epilepsy Foundation and asked if they'd like to organize such an event. The foundation agreed, and so "Sara's Walk for Epilepsy" was created. Through "Sara's Walk" and "Sara's 5K Sprint for Epilepsy," Sara-Elizabeth has raised over $60,000. The funds go to raise epilepsy awareness, in hopes to remove the stigma that surrounds the disorder. Sara-Elizabeth's cause has educated thousands of adults and children and she is currently working on a national outreach program. Her book, Being Sara conveys a message that "nothing is impossible." It currently sits on the Epilepsy Foundation's Best Seller list. To this date, Sara has raised over $70,000 for epilepsy funding and education. She has also participated in two five-ks for epilepsy, produced a PSA on television, and hosted an epilepsy breakfast to raise awareness for her cause. She is currently planning another fundraiser and bowling event called “Sara’s Strikes for Seizures” which will premiere on November 19, 2011. To learn more about Sara’s cause and to support her work, please visit: http://www.itsnotwhoiam.com.