1st Ironman to fight Epilepsy

lang · Jul 21, 2016

I am sharing this to hopefully help anyone out there whose family is struggling with epilepsy. I am competing in my first Ironman in a month in honor of my son Conner that passed away 5 years ago from SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy Patients). We found out several weeks later that there are seizure monitors available that alert caretakers when a seizure occurs. I don't know if a monitor would have saved Conner, but I know it would have given us a chance. I am racing to raise money for the Danny Did Foundation that is working to mainstream these monitors, because for what ever reason a lot of Dr.'s aren't talking to their patients about them. Please share if you know anyone battling Epilepsy-it can literally make the difference between life and death.
https://www.crowdrise.com/bryanlangford
dannydid.org

Zeke · Jul 21, 2016

Lang,

Wow! Even though it was 5 years ago, I'm sure the pain is still very real for you. Sorry for your loss and good luck with the Ironman event.

I'm curious, is it a full or a half (they're both kick-azz)
Zeke

lang · Jul 22, 2016

Ya the pain is still crazy. My wife feels like this has been the hardest year. You start to feel like you don't remember much, almost like it was a different lifetime ago. The PTSD still sneaks up all the time.
I'm doing the CDA full. With my kids not too into sports at this point and working 3 12's I figured I may not have another schedule like this so if I want to do a full I better jump in. I also turned 40 this year and don't think I'm getting any younger.

fireball77 · Jul 22, 2016

Wow !!!Good luck

And thanks for the info !!

lang · Aug 13, 2016

Ironman just contacted me and want to share my story during the opening ceremony as a featured athlete. I'm not 100% just what it entails. If it is what I have seen online they put together some amazingly powerful stories. Hopefully it reaches lots of people that need it.

lang · Aug 25, 2016

Well I did it! What an amazing day. It went as good as a first Ironman could go. I beat every goal I had and could even walk the next day. There was some serious wind during the bike and the last 20 miles resembled a battle ground with bikers all off bikes with medical staff attempting to get to all of them. The run is of course the brutal end and I was able to run most of it. It was amazing to be a part of. Here's the link to some of the videos.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jPInScvT5Pk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/d5LeVng2bPU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>