Help Silas Bike Across the United States for Epilepsy

Ride for Epilepsy: Biking Across the United States

An awareness and fundraising campaign

My name is Silas Schiera. I am a resident of South Carolina, and I recently graduated from Lander University with a degree in music performance. I enjoy theater, Dungeons and Dragons, playing musical instruments, and bike riding. One of the things I should tell you about myself, however, is that I have epilepsy.

I had my first definite seizure (with witnesses) in the summer of 2020 when I was seventeen years old and just about to start my senior year of high school. I had always made noises while I slept at night, but my parents always assumed they were nightmares and not full-blown seizures. My friend, who had EMT training, was able to stabilize me and keep me from hurting myself until I came to and went to the emergency room. A few weeks later, I went to the hospital and was officially diagnosed with epilepsy. I was prescribed Keppra, an anti-epileptic medication which has thankfully worked for me for the past five years.

Since my diagnosis, I have had two more seizures; one was in October of 2020, and my most recent one was in September of 2024. The biggest issues that I have had from both of those were sore muscles and a bitten tongue, both uncomfortable but not life-threatening. My condition has not kept me from living my life, and I am aware of how lucky I am that I've been able to continue doing the activities and hobbies that I love.

This fundraiser will go towards funding my bike trip across the United States. The money will help me buy food, reserve camping locations, and fund major repairs if they should arise. Once I reach my final destination in Yorktown, VA, I will donate all proceeds to the Epilepsy Foundation, an organization that improves the lives of people affected by epilepsy through education, advocacy, research, and connection.