Name: Diamanta

Year: Senior

Major/Minor: Psychology/Global Health

CFS Concentration: Field Studies in Public Health

This quarter, I am interning with the Danny Did Foundation (DDF). The DDF is focused on bringing awareness about epilepsy and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). The foundation was founded after Danny, a young boy of just 4 years old, passed away after a seizure in his sleep. His parents found him the next day and felt blindsided that they had not been given enough information about his condition and the risks. They began the foundation as a means to educate families, doctors, and whoever else about epilepsy and SUDEP. The DDF also funds devices that help to monitor seizures and can even alert parents for families that are unable to afford them.

I chose to accept the offer with the DDF because I thought their cause and their work was especially inspiring. I also had the chance to talk with previous interns, and they described the internship in an extremely positive light. With my interests rooted in public health AND the non-profit realm, the DDF seemed like the perfect for me.

My role with the DDF is probably a lot different than other CFS interns. Since the DDF is not an office-based workplace, much of my work is done from home and/or meeting with my supervisors in different locations. I am also able to help out with any events. For example, during my first week, I went to Springfield for Epilepsy Advocacy Day with the team to speak with state representatives and state senators. The following week, I helped out with a trivia night fundraiser event. Two weeks in, I am really happy with my internship at DDF. I feel as though I am being given the chance to really find out what the organization is all about. My supervisors are extremely inclusive and encourage me to take part in all aspects of the foundation. I am so glad that I chose to participate in the Chicago Field Studies program this quarter because I believe this opportunity will be very influential for my future career.