SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – In life, some things are bigger than business.
The Empowering People’s Independence (EPI) agency is an organization that seeks to promote awareness for Epilepsy, a disorder that can cause unusual seizures. October is an extra special month for the company, as the second annual 1 in 26 Challenge started October 1 and runs through October 26.
The 1 in 26 Challenge is an event occurring across October that asks participants to walk, run, or bike a mile a day for 26 days. The reason for the event is because 1 in 26 people are diagnosed with Epilepsy every year, and the EPI wants people to know that the disease is a lot more common than they may believe.
Jeff Sinsebox, the CEO of the EPI, finds extra meaning in the Challenge. Sinsebox’s sister was diagnosed with Epilepsy, and her first seizure happened when she was in Jeff’s arms. For Sinsebox, this kickstarted his mission to make sure people with the disorder receive the care they deserve.
“All I could think of was she was gonna die,” Sinsebox said. “I think that was my beginning awareness and understanding of Epilepsy, and I watched how my sister struggled in school, I watched how she struggled with peers…So then you transform into my adult life, and I’m now running an agency that serves people with developmental disabilities…So it’s kind of a full circle kind of thing.”
Sinsebox believes the 1 in 26 Challenge is a great call to action and provides citizens an opportunity to connect with each other and help raise awareness for people they may know who have Epilepsy.
“It helps people for the entire month, really, think about what Epilepsy is and how it impacts people,” Sinsebox said.
This is the first year the Challenge is taking place in Syracuse. Last year, it was only in Rochester. Abbott Farms held a Special Community Mile Walk on October 1, where everyone participating walked the first mile together, adding even more of a sense of community and belonging.
Because Epilepsy is a disorder not often seen by people, it tends to not get the same attention other conditions have. Sinsebox hopes the EPI’s work can put that to rest.
“‘It’s nothing to be afraid of, it’s just one of those things people have in life,” Sinsebox said.
For Sinsebox, the ability to help those who usually don’t have enough help is by far the most fulfilling part of his job, and it carries much more weight than financial gains.
“I always grew up thinking that I didn’t wanna just work for the sake of making money, I wanted to contribute something to the world I live in,” Sinsebox said. “I get to spend every day, all day, helping solve problems for people, help people get greater connected to the communities they live in, save people’s lives on occasion, it’s very rewarding, very fulfilling…I wake up every day loving what I get to do.”
