In loving memory of Daniel A. Mark, March 15th, 1984 ~ August 19th, 2009
Most people don’t think of epilepsy as a potentially lethal disease, but it is. Daniel’s epilepsy was part of his life from an early age. In addition to epilepsy, Daniel was also born with mild cerebral palsy and an intellectual disability. From the age of 2 to 13, Daniel had many status epilepticus seizures that did not stop on their own but were stopped with difficulty with powerful emergency room medications. Lamictal, developed in the 90’s was a tremendous help towards preventing Daniel’s status seizures but he continued to have 8-12 grand mal seizures a year, and still had occasional status seizures. Thus, although his epilepsy was partially controlled with anti-seizure medications we always held out hope for better.
In spite of Daniel’s epilepsy and his other disabilities, his attitude about life was “I want it all.” From being unable to walk until almost three, he willed himself to his feet… and then over the years to running, swimming, bicycling, basketball with Special Olympics and karate. His goal was to live his life with as much independence and joy as possible. He was proud to be working five days a week, and proud to be able to move away from his parents and live in a supported-living house with friends. He was happy to meet every person he ever met. Please remember Daniel’s loving spirit.
Epilepsy affects one in a hundred people, impacting them and their families. The website http://www.cureepilepsy.org has excellent explanations about epilepsy. More than 90 percent of all dollars raised go directly to support CURE research programs. Since 1998 CURE has raised over $40 million.
We, Jean, David and Rachel, Daniel’s parents and sister, feel that no child or adult should continue to have their life compromised by epilepsy. It is our
fondest hope that a cure may be found so that other families will not experience the loss that we have sustained. We would be honored if you would help support epilepsy research. Any amount is welcome and all contributions are tax-deductible.
Join us in making a difference in other peoples’ lives, help us make this Daniel’s legacy.
Thank you in advance for your generosity,
- Jean D’Amico, David Mark, and Rachel D’Amico Mark
Most people don’t think of epilepsy as a potentially lethal disease, but it is. Daniel’s epilepsy was part of his life from an early age. In addition to epilepsy, Daniel was also born with mild cerebral palsy and an intellectual disability. From the age of 2 to 13, Daniel had many status epilepticus seizures that did not stop on their own but were stopped with difficulty with powerful emergency room medications. Lamictal, developed in the 90’s was a tremendous help towards preventing Daniel’s status seizures but he continued to have 8-12 grand mal seizures a year, and still had occasional status seizures. Thus, although his epilepsy was partially controlled with anti-seizure medications we always held out hope for better.
In spite of Daniel’s epilepsy and his other disabilities, his attitude about life was “I want it all.” From being unable to walk until almost three, he willed himself to his feet… and then over the years to running, swimming, bicycling, basketball with Special Olympics and karate. His goal was to live his life with as much independence and joy as possible. He was proud to be working five days a week, and proud to be able to move away from his parents and live in a supported-living house with friends. He was happy to meet every person he ever met. Please remember Daniel’s loving spirit.
Epilepsy affects one in a hundred people, impacting them and their families. The website http://www.cureepilepsy.org has excellent explanations about epilepsy. More than 90 percent of all dollars raised go directly to support CURE research programs. Since 1998 CURE has raised over $40 million.
We, Jean, David and Rachel, Daniel’s parents and sister, feel that no child or adult should continue to have their life compromised by epilepsy. It is our
fondest hope that a cure may be found so that other families will not experience the loss that we have sustained. We would be honored if you would help support epilepsy research. Any amount is welcome and all contributions are tax-deductible.
Join us in making a difference in other peoples’ lives, help us make this Daniel’s legacy.
Thank you in advance for your generosity,
- Jean D’Amico, David Mark, and Rachel D’Amico Mark
