The Mark Shaparin Foundation hosted an in-person event as part of its social media 'Escargot Challenge.'

It was founded in 2024 by Mark's parents, following his passing from S.U.D.E.P, or Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy, a complication which according to the Epilepsy Foundation effects 1 in 1,000 people with epilepsy each year.

The foundation has been hosting an online social media challenge to raise awareness of S.U.D.E.P.

Scarsdale resident Mark Shaparin passed away at the age of 10 on April 18, 2024 from a seizure.

It was the second-known seizure he had ever had.

This was only two weeks after his initial diagnosis of benign rolandic epilepsy, a common nighttime childhood seizure disorder.

That is when his parents were made aware of S.U.D.E.P.

Mark's parents, Naum Shaparin and Joanne Tzanos, say S.U.D.E.P. Is not talked about enough at all.

"I happen to be a physician, my wife's a medical assistant. None of our friends had every heard of this, lay people didn't know about this...and they should know because its a real risk for anybody with epilepsy or any sort of seizure disorder," said Naum Shaparin.

Not only does the foundation spread awareness to the general public, but it additionally assists in teaching those in the medical community about S.U.D.E.P.

Mark's mom, Joanne Tzanos, says she hopes the awareness extends deeper to medical education and medical practices, to ensure everyone diagnosed with epilepsy understands what S.U.D.E.P. is.

From Feb. 26 to March 26, social media users have been asked to participate in raising awareness by partaking in the 'escargot challenge' inspired by Mark Shaparin's fearlessness with trying new foods.

Users are asked to either try escargot and share a fact about S.U.D.E.P. or donate directly to the Mark Shaparin Foundation.

For those looking to attend, the event will take place in person from 3 to 7 p.m. on Saturday at Wayside Cottage in Scarsdale.

To learn more about the foundation and Mark's story, click here.