Ramen Challenge (2026)
In just a few weeks we’re getting ready to raise awareness about Epilepsy and SUDEP in our own way through a new social media challenge – The 2026 Ramen Challenge!
Last year, we completed our first challenge — The Escargot Challenge — with the help of so many of you who participated by trying one of Mark’s favorite French dishes. This year, we’re once again honoring Mark’s love of delicious flavors and pivoting to the beloved Japanese staple.
The Ramen Challenge will officially start on March 22nd and will continue for 100 days until June 30th.
Save the date and register for our in-person Ramen Challenge Kick-Off Event:
When: Sunday, March 22nd from 12:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Where: Scarsdale Congregational Church (1 Heathcote Rd, Scarsdale, NY 10583)
What: We’ll kick off the 2026 Ramen Challenge with delicious bowls of ramen from local restaurants. Record your video for social media at the event and encourage others to join you in raising awareness about epilepsy and SUDEP
Interested in helping out, sponsoring the challenge or hosting your own in-person event for The Ramen Challenge? Reach out to us! We’d love to hear your ideas and collaborate.
Ramen Challenge
Goal: To increase awareness about epilepsy and Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP).
Challenge: Participants can either partake in the challenge to eat ramen or make a donation to The Mark Shaparin Foundation. (Similar in model to the ice bucket challenge.)
Location of Participation: A restaurant or at home. Ramen is available at most supermarkets or online.
How to Participate: The participant will record a video of themselves eating ramen and saying the following suggested script:
“Hi, my name is [name] and I accept The Mark Shaparin Foundation Ramen Challenge to increase awareness about Epilepsy and Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy, also known as SUDEP.”
Optional: Include a fact about SUDEP to increase awareness such as:
“SUDEP is the leading cause of death in epilepsy. However, most people — including medical providers — have never heard of SUDEP.”
“More than 3,000 people die each year from SUDEP. However, most people — including medical providers — have never heard of SUDEP.”
“Eight people die each day from SUDEP. However, most people — including medical providers — have never heard of SUDEP.”
“This is why I accept the challenge.”
The participant then eats the Ramen and says:
“Follow The Mark Shaparin Foundation or go to markshaparinfoundation.org to learn more about SUDEP risk factors and prevention. Who is next to accept the Ramen Challenge?” [Or, they can directly challenge someone.]
Completion of Challenge: The participant will post the video on social media and tag/collaborate with @markshaparinfdn and the restaurant, if applicable, with the hashtags: #SlurpforSeizureSafety, #EndTheSUDEPSecret, #SUDEPAwareness, #SUDEP, and #EpilepsyAwareness. (If using instagram, please post as a reel and add to your story). When posting please encourage your followers to share and repost with at least 5 people.
Making a Donation without Accepting the Challenge: The participant will record a video of themselves saying the following suggested script:
“Hi, my name is [name]. In honor of The Mark Shaparin Foundation’s Ramen Challenge, I made a donation to help increase awareness about epilepsy and Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy, also known as SUDEP. Though I’m not eating ramen, I want everyone to learn about SUDEP risk factors and prevention to save lives. Go to markshaparinfoundation.org to learn more. Who is next to accept the Ramen Challenge?”
Thank you for considering being a part of The Mark Shaparin Foundation Ramen Challenge!