Foundation Impact
To increase awareness about Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), The Mark Shaparin Foundation will:
Attend medical conferences as exhibitors and speak directly with healthcare providers of all specialties including physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians.
Reach out to medical schools and conduct lectures to medical students about SUDEP.
Generate social media and other advertising campaigns about SUDEP risk factors and prevention strategies.
Hold events, in partnership with community organizations and companies, that educate the public about SUDEP and honor Mark’s life.
Impact Timeline
November 2024
The Mark Shaparin Foundation presented at The 13th Annual New York & New Jersey Pain Medicine Congress, where they spoke to over 200 attendees. Out of these 200+ healthcare providers, only 5 had prior knowledge about SUDEP.
Dr. Naum Shaparin, Mark’s dad, presenting at the 13th Annual New York & New Jersey Pain Medicine Congress in November 2024.
December 2024
The Mark Shaparin Foundation presented at the New York State Society of Anesthesiologists 78th PostGraduate Assembly in Anesthesiology, where they spoke to about 150 attendees. Out of these 150 healthcare providers, only 8 had prior knowledge about SUDEP.
The following weekend, The Mark Shaparin Foundation presented at The 2024 Joint Pediatric Section Annual Meeting of Congress of Neurological Surgeons and the American Association of Neurological Surgeons/CNS Section on Pediatric Neurological Surgery, where they spoke with over 75+ attendees. Almost all of the healthcare providers had previous knowledge about SUDEP, however most commented that they received very few referrals for surgical consultations despite there being many patients on multiple medications with refractory epilepsy.
The Mark Shaparin Foundation also presented at the Eastern Pain Association NYC 59th Annual Conference, where they spoke with about 50 attendees. Out of these 50, only 2 had prior knowledge about SUDEP.
The Mark Shaparin Foundation announced its first event. Mark's March for Lights: Holiday Walk-a-Thon on Sunday, December 29th 2024 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The walk-a-thon will kick off with hot chocolate and other holiday treats at 3 pm. Then at 4 pm, walk at your own pace to see the decorated houses. Your ticket also includes a Mark Shaparin Foundation scarf to keep you warm on the walk! Click here to register!
Mark and his brothers while seeing Christmas Lights in 2020.