The Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County’s 27th Annual Sharon’s Ride.Run.Walk this spring was more than a successful community event, it was a powerful reflection of the growing momentum surrounding epilepsy awareness, support, and connection throughout San Diego County.
Held along the shores of Mission Bay, Sharon’s Ride welcomed hundreds of individuals and families impacted by epilepsy, alongside healthcare professionals, advocates, sponsors, volunteers, and community leaders. As the organization’s signature annual community event, the day highlighted the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that no one facing epilepsy feels alone.
This year’s event marked the most successful Sharon’s Ride since 2019, reaching the highest participation and fundraising totals in six years! Throughout the morning, families gathered in support of loved ones, teams honored personal epilepsy journeys, and supporters from across the region came together around a shared mission of awareness, education, and hope.
Epilepsy, the 4th most common neurological disorder affecting more than 3.4 million Americans and over 50,000 people in San Diego County, remains one of the most misunderstood neurological conditions. Events like Sharon’s Ride help bring epilepsy into the public conversation while creating meaningful opportunities for education, advocacy, and community building.
The event also reflected a year of organizational growth and renewed community engagement for the Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County under the leadership of CEO Rick Burritt, who recently completed his first full year in the role. “When I stepped into this position, our goal was simple, to make each thing we do incrementally better,” Rick shared with GB Magazine. “From our events and outreach efforts to programs and services, we wanted to thoughtfully rebuild community connection and strengthen the experience for every individual and family we serve. Sharon’s Ride was a beautiful reflection of that progress.”
That progress has been made possible through the support of donors, sponsors, volunteers, healthcare partners, and philanthropic leaders throughout the region. Their investment helps fund programs and services including support groups, seizure recognition training, case management, advocacy initiatives, youth programming, educational resources, camps for kids, teens and families, and community outreach efforts serving thousands of individuals and families each year.
The momentum generated by Sharon’s Ride continues as the organization looks ahead to two major upcoming initiatives: the Annual Epilepsy Education Conference on July 11, focused on innovations, advances, and the future of epilepsy care, and the beloved Gingerbread City Gala on November 19, one of San Diego’s most recognized holiday philanthropic traditions.
Together, these events represent more than fundraising milestones, they reflect a growing movement to increase awareness, improve access to resources, and build a stronger, more connected epilepsy community throughout San Diego County. As community support continues to grow, the Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County remains focused on expanding impact, strengthening partnerships, and improving quality of life for those living with epilepsy and seizure disorders.
“We are deeply grateful for the community that continues to stand beside us,” Rick added. “This work only happens because people choose to care, engage, and invest in making a difference.”
To learn more about the Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County, upcoming events, or ways to support the mission, visit www.epilepsysandiego.org.
