Ramen Challenge (2026)
We are raising 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 in Orlando, FL:
When: Saturday, April 25th 1:45 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Where: Disney's Contemporary Resort (4600 World Drive, Lake Buena Vista Florida, 32830)
What: We will be in Orlando tabling at EPILEPSY AWARENESS DAY AT DISNEY WORLD. Saturday afternoon we will be hosting the 2026 Ramen Challenge with delicious bowls of ramen from the Chefs at Disney. Record your video for social media at the event and encourage others to join you in raising awareness about epilepsy and SUDEP.
***Registration for EPILEPSY AWARENESS DAY AT DISNEY WORLD is required to attend the Ramen Challenge in Orlando, FL***
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: Tell a personal story or why you are participating in the Ramen Challenge
Optional: Include a fact about Epilepsy or 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.”
“I want to bring awareness and support to the 3.4 million people in the US that have epilepsy.”
“I want to bring awareness and support to the 1 in 26 people that will be diagnosed with epilepsy over their lifetime.”
“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, #ramenchallenge, #EndTheSUDEPSecret, #SUDEPAwareness, 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!