Your support and contributions will enable KRPMF to provide college scholarships; to raise awareness about Epilepsy & SUDEP; to promote/support creative arts events that provide healing; and to provide resources for those living with Epilepsy.
For those who prefer donating on Facebook, please go to the foundation's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/kaylastrong2017), to make your secure donation. Thank you!
Check out this video produced by the Epilepsy Foundation to talk about Epilepsy and SUDEP. Co-Founders Bernard and Edana Perry share their personal experience of losing their daughter Kayla to SUDEP and encouraging families to become health advocates. For more information from the Epilepsy Foundation click on the link Epilepsy Foundation - YouTube
KAYDAY2022- VIDEO- Annual Health and Wellness Event - Epilepsy Awareness
Friday, May 10, 2024
Due Date. 2024 High School College grads in the D/M/V area who are living with Epilepsy or pursuing Creative Arts and are upcoming college freshman are encouraged to apply today. Share with family/friends. Click on the link below . Minimum award $1000
Kayla Ross Perry Memorial Foundation (KRPMF) conceived in 2017 and was incorporated in the State of Maryland and approved as 501C3 non profit organization in July 2019 to raise awareness on Epilepsy, provide scholarships and sponsor events that highlight the creative arts for healing.
The mission of KRPMF is to provide scholarships for young adults aspiring to attend college; to raise awareness about Epilepsy and Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy(SUDEP); to provide information on the availability of community resources for those living with Epilepsy and to sponsor activities that highlight the creative arts for healing.
With your financial support or by volunteering your time, the KRPMF will care and connect with our community to support youth , young adults and their families. #kaylastrong #karingkonnectingkommunity #KRPMF #NEAM2021 #RemoveTheFilter #NationalEpilepsyAwarenessMonth #EpilepsyAwarenessMonth #NEAM #Epilepsy #EpilepsyAwareness #SUDEP #sudepawareness
Clifton or CJ as he is affectionately known by family and friends graduated from James Madison High School with a 3.81 GPA. One of his high school outside activities included French Painting. CJ will be attending "The University of the Arts" in Philadelphia majoring in Video. CJ has shared that during the shutdown from COVID impacted his both his body and his mind. As a result he is determined to protect his physical and mental health . One of his quotes, " Health is wealth and healthy living is his number one priority. : CJ is also an ally for those who live with Epilepsy and promises to share his knowledge of Epilepsy and SUDEP with his college classmates. The future is bright and we are in good hands with young men like CJ. In August 2022, Cj was awarded a $1500 scholarship.
The KRPMF salutes you and look forward to collaborating with you. We can't wait to see your first film...
Christian is the first recipent of the scholarship from the KRPMF for members of Children of the Gospel (COTG) Choir. He is also a 2022 Senior who graduated from Bishop McNamara High School with a 3.812 GPA. He has been accepted and will be attending Berklee College of Music ,Boston Campus majoring in Music,
In addition to being a academic achiever, Christian's high school activities included being in the Black Cultural Aliiance Club, Social Activism Society and being inducted into the Thespian Honor Society. His acting and vocal talents awarded him the opportunity to be a cast member of The Enchanted, Supporting Lead, Papa Tellier, Spring Musical and of the Sankofa Production - as a Vocalist.
As a member of the COTG, Christian's melodious tenor voice has also given him the opportunity to serve as a lead soloist, click on the link Performances & Music w/ Hyperlinks: Children of the Gospel Performance at the Sixth & I Synagogue w/ Matthew Whittaker, February 2020:
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CDcRR5bHa95/
According to Christian, how can he help spreading awareness about Epilepsy by, " Simply talking about it with people around me. Many people underestimate the power of communication and simply speaking to someone about something. One does not have to have millions of followers on social media, or have the most money on the planet to enact positive change in their community. " Additionally, Christian stated he could, " listen to those with Epilepsy, hear what they have to say and uplift their voices and support them during times like Epilepsy Awareness Month in November. " In August, 2022, Christian was awarded a $1500 scholarship.
As Christian transitions to Berklee to pursue his vocal dreams, we look forward to attending his next show!
Janay is a 2022 Senior who graduated from Washington Leadership High School in June. She is pursuing her college education at the University of the District of Columbia.
The following is an excerpt from Janay's winning essay on " What Epilepsy Means to Me".
"To be very honest, I had never heard of Epilepsy until Kayla Ross Perry’s passing.
On July 6, 2017 one of our close family friends passed away from this terrible disease.
We were devastated and heart broken to say the least, in particular, my siblings and I because we
had no idea.
During my time of reflection, it has increased my awareness of this illness. I believe and think
wholeheartedly schools in particular, middle and high schools, should hold some type of class discussion on this topic, and so many others, like mental illnesses, just to insure everyone’s awareness is on the same page.
We should all know what to do and whom to call, if ever at anytime we come across someone who’s having an episode. You could be the right person at the right time to possibly save someone’s life. The more you know and the more educated you are, the less scary it is and you’re better mentally to help. A lot of people are not aware of this disease, as I wasn’t until it happened to our friend Kayla Ross Perry.
What I would do to educate my classmates and friends, would be to invite them to the
Kayla Ross Perry Foundation’s website to get even more informed about this terrible disease. Next, I would invite them to the annual KRPMF to see all of her loved ones"
Janay, with your insight, compassion and determination we know you are gonna be successful in your pursuits and in spreading the news about Epilepsy
LaShaun is a 2021 Senior who graduated from Dunbar Senior High School in June with a 3.64 GPA. This creative, talented and intelligent young lady is attending University of District of Columbia pursing Fashion Merchandising.
She was the founder of the modeling team Crimson Models. She was also a Majorette and served as an Ambassador for SNEAKERS,Inc. In her own words, "Having a passion for fashion places me in direct contact with my creativity. The same holds for those who have been diagnosed with epilepsy. No one living with this disease should have to feel alone, like an outsider, nor be viewed as someone walking with an inside ticking bomb ready to blow at any time. Just as fashion evolves throughout the years, trends and styles venture out more to support and advocate for those living with physical and emotional challenges, the local community, international and global regions must be provided with opportunities to be educated and aware of thee importance of unity without judgment."
The Kayla Ross Perry Memorial Scholarship is important to me because the financial assistance will help me further my education, my career, and also help me maintain the legacy of Kayla whose goal and mission was to not be afraid of who you are, what you are facing but live in the moment. KRPMF looks forward to partnering with you LaShaun!
At the end of August, two KRPMF board Members Bernard and Edana Perry, delivered the $1000 scholarship check to LaShaun and her family.
Continue to influence your world and make it happen. Shout out to LaShaun's family and village for being her foundation and cheer leading squad.
Christen is a 2020 Senior who graduated from Academy of Health Sciences at Prince George's Community College. this past June. Congratulations to Christen and her family on this great accomplishment. After being accepted to several universities and colleges, Christen has decided to attend Stevensenville University in Maryland in the Fall. She will be studying to obtain a Bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science and working towards a career as a Medical Laboratory Scientist.”
Christen shares her plans on how she can educate her classmates on Epilepsy, " My plan is to use my tenure as a Service Scholar and cheerleader to educate my classmates and the Stevenson community by making Epilepsy education my platform. I can do this by keeping up with activities, walks and other activities posted by the Epilepsy Foundation and other organizations such as the Kayla Ross Perry Memorial Foundation. When these organizations post activities, my goal is to inform my Service Scholar group and cheerleading squad so that we can possibly participate in the posted activities. This in turn will serve as an opportunity to educate and reduce their fears and prejudices about Epilepsy ." We look forward to partnering with you Christen.
On Saturday, August 15, 2020, two KRPMF board Members Bernard and Edana Perry, delivered the $1000 scholarship check to Christen and her mom.
We are so excited for you and all that you will accomplish. Go Christen!
Kayla Ross is the youngest of three children born to the union of Bernard and Edana Perry, Her two siblings are Taelor Necolle and Christian Bernard. At the age of eleven Kayla was diagnosed with Juvenile-Myoclonic Epilepsy(JME), triggered by lack of sleep. Kayla and her family were set on ensuring that her life was not defined by the disease. Her story is far more than that of a fight against epilepsy. Kayla’s story, her song, is about love, faith, immeasurable strength, resilience, and defiance. Kayla’s song is a song of “in spite of” and no!
Growing up, Kayla sang in the children’s choir, she danced, tumbled, and played soccer. Kayla was an active member of the youth and young adult ministry at her church, there she also soared with the dance ministry, was a member of the Impact Teen Praise Team and sang in the Jr. Voices of Calvary youth choir. Kayla sang in the Washington Performing Arts - Children of the Gospel choir where she had the opportunity to sing with the choir for President Obama in 2009. Kayla was a singer, her whole life was a song.
Kayla’s love for music and her beautiful voice was one of the divine seeds planted within her being. Her voice was inspired by the music she loved; jazz, r&b, neo-soul, and gospel. She saw the world through music, from the melodies of soul to the rhythm of gogo, top 40, dance and trap music.
As a young woman, Kayla graduated from Montgomery College with her Associate's Degree. In March of 2017, she landed a position with HCD International as a Community Outreach Representative. She soon emerged as a leader among her colleagues, all while pursuing a certification in project management.
Kayla was stubborn, she was committed to living life on her terms, even if that meant bumping heads with the people she loved the most, her family. Kayla loved her family with everything in her.
We are committed to continuing Kayla’s legacy of strength, resilience, defiance, and deep love. On July 6, 2017, at the vibrant age of 26 years old, Kayla passed away suddenly from complications associated with Epilepsy- SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death from Epilepsy).
Her transition has been difficult for her family, friends and village. Kayla touched many lives and her family has decided to celebrate her life, pay it forward and give back to the community. Her family wants to encourage others to never give up despite life's challenges!
The KRP Memorial Scholarship was established at Greater MT.Calvary Holy Church in 2017 to honor the life and legacy of Kayla Ross Perry and to provide funding for college student(s) who pursue the creative arts. In August 2018, the first scholarship was awarded to Darin Bess. In July 2019, the next scholarship was awarded to Joelle Green. #kaylastrong
One of Kayla's graduation pictures from Montgomery College - May 2016. We were/are so proud of her.
What is Epilepsy?
Statistics on Epilepsy
What is SUDEP?
SUDEP is the sudden, unexpected death of someone with epilepsy, who was otherwise healthy. In SUDEP cases, no other cause of death is found when an autopsy is done. Each year, about 1 in 1,000 people with epilepsy die from SUDEP. This is the leading cause of death in people with uncontrolled seizures. For more information click on the links below.
https://www.epilepsy.com/learn
https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/healthy-living
https://www.epilepsy.com/sites/core/files/atoms/files/SUDEP_knowledgeispower_8.5x11_v4%204-2019.pdf
Get help with managing your epilepsy, click on this link https://www.epilepsy.com/node/2000168
24/7 support from the Epilepsy Foundation
https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/247-helpline
Epilepsy Foundation provides support for Families. Click on the link below for more information:
https://www.epilepsy.com/complications-risks/early-death-sudep/support-bereaved
One of Kayla's Instagram Selfies
KRPMF mission is to promote healing thru creative arts. Join us for the Artist Showcase
It's free! Click on the link to register https://bit.ly/34VczE7
Visit us on FB
https://www.facebook.com/kaylastrong2017 or the Kayla Ross Perry Memorial Foundation FB Page.
See below for more info on the event!
In honor of our daughter Kayla's life and legacy, join our watch Party for Inspirational Songs, Zumba Sessions and Epilepsy Education . Go to
https://www.facebook.com/kaylastrong2017 or the Kayla Ross Perry Memorial Foundation FB Page.
Saturday, May 4th we enjoyed a free community event that included Health Tips, Spoken Word, Music, Zumba Sessions and Kids activities.
Kommunity Konnects Thru Musik - Relax with your favorite beverage from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm Listen to the sounds of Trey Austin, Brandon Seron Franklin and P. Anthony Morton.
Vote for your favorite T-shirt for Kayla Ross Perry Memorial Foundation 2021 during the showcase !
Click on the link https://bit.ly/34VczE7 to register by November 4th.
Join us on FB live and Youtube
View the Video Here
To view on YouTube Click on the link
or press the video below
2020 Virtual Edition - View the Video Here
To view on YouTube Click on the link
Congratulations! Christen is a 2020 graduating senior at the Academy of Health Sciences at Prince George's Community College. She plans to attend a 4 year university in the fall. When Christen was diagnosed with Epilepsy in 2019, she began sharing her story on her Instagram account to advocate and spread awareness about epilepsy, seizures, SUDEP and Seizure First Aid.. We salute Christen and agree with her slogan, " I refuse to allow Epilepsy to keep me from reaching my goal of obtaining my degree in Medical Laboratory Science and working towards a career as a Medical Laboratory Scientist.” . Follow Christen on her Instagram page @4ever_dcu.. We will be following Christen as she pursues her goal. Go Christen!
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