I’m giving up my cup for my son, Noah.

Before Noah, a cup of chai tea was just a comfort. A small moment of calm to start the day. Now, every day starts with something much heavier, medications, monitoring, appointments, and the constant awareness that seizures can come at any moment.

Noah is only two years old and lives with Dravet syndrome, a rare and severe form of epilepsy. Our journey began when he was just six months old, during what should have been an ordinary nap. Instead, I watched my baby seize in my arms, unresponsive, while time felt frozen. That moment changed everything.

Dravet syndrome doesn’t clock out. It affects every part of Noah’s life, his development, his sleep, his safety, and our family’s sense of normalcy. Simple things other families take for granted require planning, vigilance, and courage for us. We live in a world of “what ifs,” emergency plans, and constant advocacy.

So when I give up my cup, I’m giving up something small to support something enormous.

I’m giving it up to help fund research that could lead to better treatments, better seizure control, and hopefully one day, a cure. I’m giving it up to stand with other families who live this life quietly, bravely, and relentlessly. I’m giving it up to raise awareness so rare doesn’t mean forgotten.

Every sip I skip is a reminder that Noah doesn’t get to skip a day of Dravet syndrome.

This is my why.

For Noah.

For research.

For hope.