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Virginia dad shares his personal reason for fighting epilepsy

Posted at 1:34 PM, Oct 04, 2021
and last updated 2021-10-05 07:39:02-04

RICHMOND, Va. -- Dennis Terry's work with the Epilepsy Foundation of Virginia is personal.

Ten years ago, his college-age daughter was diagnosed with epilepsy. Ever since that diagnosis, he has been on a mission to promote awareness about the neurological disorder that often causes seizures.

Thus began a journey that took Terry’s family from Williamsburg to Richmond. The Army veteran began working on fundraising for the Epilepsy Foundation of Virginia (EPVA), which makes sure affected families have the information and resources that they need.

As part of the CBS 6 Gives program, Bill Fitzgerald recognized Terry for his contribution to the community.

"You have done such amazing work promoting epilepsy awareness in Virginia. And obviously, it's a very personal mission for you, that CBS 6 wanted to do our part," Fitzgerald said to Terry. "We have made a donation to the Epilepsy Foundation of Virginia, because of the amazing work that you do."

One of the events Terry helped organize is the Tour de Midnight, a bike ride that raises funds and awareness. The event starts and ends at Goochland's Midnight Brewery each October.

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"It has really grown in the last five years," Terry said about the cycling event. "But just taking that to the next level and really getting people to come and tell their stories at the event. We have a mission in Epilepsy Foundation of Virginia, and that mission is to help those that need help the most, right? Advanced the cures. Stop seizures. Save lives."

Terry says after a pandemic-depressed edition last year, this year’s race has already drawn more rider registrations than ever.

The October 16 event has a 100k ride, which is actually 70-miles this year, that starts at 8:30 a.m., a 50k ride that starts at 8:50 a.m. and a family-friendly 30k ride that starts at 9:30 a.m.

There will be bands, games, food trucks and children’s activities in the Fun Zone all day, and of course, great beer from Midnight Brewery.

CBS 6 Gives is made possible by Virginia Credit Union. Have an idea about who we should surprise next, click here to email our team.