STOMP! Out Epilepsy and SUDEP Holds First Walk in Hebron

STOMP! Out Epilepsy and SUDEP is a fundraising walk to raise funds for the Chelsea Hutchison Foundation. The Chelsea Hutchison Foundation (CHF) is a Colorado non-profit corporation formed by Julie and Doug Hutchison to provide help and support to individuals, particularly children and young adults, who have epilepsy.

When you support CHF, you make a big difference in the lives of those who struggle with seizures and epilepsy.

The Chelsea Hutchison Foundation is named for Julie and Doug’s beloved daughter, Chelsea, who died in her sleep during a seizure in April of 2009, at the age of 16.
SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy) was the cause of her death. During the 6 years that Chelsea had seizures, no one ever told the Hutchisons a seizure could take her life, other than through an accidental fall or drowning. As a result of that omission, the Chelsea Hutchison Foundation informs those living with epilepsy of the risks and raises awareness of SUDEP so that no other families are blind-sided.

We are a very grass roots, volunteer-based Foundation that is committed to getting relief right into the hands of those who need it. We aren’t big, but we are mighty and determined.

Sunday September 20th was the first time STOMP!  has been hosted in Hebron.

STOMP! Out Epilepsy and SUDEP is hosted in 9 other states across the nation.

STOMP! In Hebron was hosted by Quenton and Shelly Pulliam of Hebron. The Pulliam family has been blessed to be on the receiving end of the foundations generosity for their daughter, and has found much needed comfort and support that is provided by the foundation.

Hosting the walk in their hometown not only raises funds, but educates the community on a disorder so few people understand.

There were over 120 participants in this year’s walk in Hebron, with 42 local business and family sponsors.

With the amazing generosity of the community and outpouring of support, we raised over $4000 for the foundation.

The funds that were raised not only go to provide education about SUDEP and epilepsy, but The Chelsea Hutchison Foundation also provides Emfit, SmartWatch and SAMiAlert movement monitors to help protect against SUDEP.

We also raise funds to provide grants for seizure-response dogs. These trained companion dogs may be able to detect an oncoming seizure and provide warnings and/or respond after the onset of a seizure.

Domesti-PUPS is one of the organizations that works with CHF to provide and train service dogs. Domesti-PUPS brought 8 service dogs in training with their handlers to walk with us at STOMP in Hebron.

The Domesti-PUPS Service-PUPS program helps individuals gain the independence they so greatly deserve. These special canines are taught anywhere from 30-90 commands over a two-year period before being placed with their future life partner.

To date, CHF has provided grants for 77 seizure response dogs, and over 300 lifesaving monitors across the United States.

Chelsea Hutchison Foundation respects the value and quality of life of every person living with epilepsy. We are dedicated to providing opportunities that allow individuals and families greater independence, increased confidence and community understanding.

Thank you so much to all of our sponsors, supporters and donors for STOMP 2015.  For more information please visit our website: www.chelseahutchisonfoundation.com  www.domestipups.org or follow us on Facebook.

Be ready for STOMP 2016! We will be back next year!