October 21st: SUDEP Action Day - The Danny Did Foundation
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October 21st: SUDEP Action Day

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Wednesday, October 21, 2026

All Day Event

Virtual

October 21st  is a day of international action, when families and advocates advance action to figure out the “why” of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy. The goals for this day are to encourage people with epilepsy to learn about SUDEP and their individual risk, motivate research, and to honor the lives lost to the most common form of death in epilepsy. This day emphasizes the community’s right to access vital, lifesaving information – empowering individuals and families by encouraging critical conversations about the risks we face and the rights we have to be informed. This day also gives bereaved families a platform to have their loved one’s death acknowledged. 

Created by the UK-based nonprofit SUDEP Action in 2014, SUDEP Action day is now an annual and international campaign devoted to raising awareness about Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy around the world and inspiring action to help save lives. As our partners at SUDEP Action write, “The bereaved also have a right to have their questions answered and cause of their loved one’s death recognized, so lessons are learnt and future lives can be saved. Many who have lost loved ones to epilepsy wish that they were told about the risks.”

In memory of Danny Stanton and all the lives to SUDEP, Danny Did Foundation is proud to join the American Epilepsy Society, CURE Epilepsy, the Epilepsy Foundation and Partners Against Mortality in Epilepsy (PAME) as U.S.-based contributors to this campaign of action.

SUDEP Action Day is also a time when epilepsy organizations across the world come together with one voice and one united aim. We must encourage every person with epilepsy, their families and health professionals to be more aware of risks and to take an active role in discussing, reviewing and reducing them.

 

What is the Goal of SUDEP 

 Action Day?

    • Encourage people with epilepsy to learn about SUDEP and their individual risk

    • Show what is currently being done to address SUDEP

    • Promote ways people can manage their epilepsy to reduce their risk

    • Highlight the need for more research into SUDEP to help save lives

    • Raise awareness of SUDEP amongst the general public

    • Honor the lives of all those who have died from the condition

Let’s #StopSUDEP together

Our theme for this year for SUDEP Action Day 2026 is #StopSUDEP. By sparking open conversations around seizure safety and risk management, lives can be saved. Every shared story or expert insight helps build a stronger, better-informed community dedicated to preventing future tragedies.

Together, we can turn awareness into meaningful impact and ensure that everyone affected by epilepsy gets the guidance and resources they deserve. Whether you are managing your own epilepsy, supporting a patient, or remembering someone lost, your voice plays a crucial role in creating lasting change. Let’s #StopSUDEP together.

How Can I Participate in SUDEP Action Day?

    • Join the epilepsy community to:

        • Share pictures of your involvement in SUDEP Action Day.

        • Use the campaign hashtags #SUDEPActionDay2026, #stopSUDEP.

    • Spot opportunities to raise local awareness and take action to prompt change:

    • Contribute to an epilepsy death registry if you have lost someone to SUDEP or an epilepsy-related death. You can also commemorate your loved one by sharing their photo and name on Facebook and Twitter with the hashtag #SUDEPActionDay2026.

    • Tell someone why they should know about SUDEP and support SUDEP Action Day. Share your story. Tell them why knowing about SUDEP and epilepsy is important for raising awareness and encourage others to take action.

Things You Can Do to Reduce Your SUDEP Risk

Action Day Infographic

    • Take your medication regularly and reliably to get better seizure control. 

    • Speak to your doctor before making any changes to your medication.

    • The risk of SUDEP varies from person to person. It is important you discuss your risk with your health professionals. Make sure you see your doctor regularly.  Find tips for talking about SUDEP. 
    • Avoid excess alcohol consumption and using recreational drugs for better seizure control. Learn about preventing SUDEP.
    • Tell your doctor if your seizures have changed.
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    • If your medication isn’t working, don’t settle for continued seizures. Ask your doctor what other options there might be. Learn about epilepsy treatments. 

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