Max’s Story
Max Ranes was a spontaneous, dedicated, and amazingly intelligent individual. He was always reading the latest sci-fi novels or his favorite comic books, enjoying classic rock, and joking around with his family.
In Max’s senior year of high school, he had his first seizure. With no history of any medical issues, this came as a clear shock to him and his family. After many tests, Max’s life was changed, and he was diagnosed with epilepsy. Max went on to have one more seizure in college, and a small handful more once he had finished school and started at his job. However, doctors explained that he just needed to be diligent with his medications and keep his stress levels down, and he would most likely grow out of it.
Convinced that if he abided by the instructions on his medications and did what doctors told him to do, Max had accepted his epilepsy was just a part of him and nothing to truly fear, especially with a chance to grow out of it. He even started the keto diet to help with his seizures and would incorporate epilepsy articles into his sci-fi novel lineup.
However, on May 20th, 2021, Max’s family would find that the worst possible scenario related to epilepsy had happened- he had passed away from SUDEP (sudden unexpected death in epilepsy). Max’s family then turned to the people they knew would help the most- Chris and Barb Casey, whom they had moved across the street from less than a year ago.
“Through the Jackson Casey SUDEP Awareness Foundation, I have learned more about SUDEP after Max’s passing than I ever did when he was alive- I had no idea somebody’s life could be taken from epilepsy. It is an eerie feeling when someone asks me what SUDEP is every time I tell them that is what caused Max’s passing- I have never come across anyone who has understood what it stood for that was not part of the foundation. This is why I encourage everyone I know to do what they can to raise awareness. I want to do everything I can to spread the word on SUDEP. I want people to know Max’s story, I want them to know how quickly this can change your life. I want to bring awareness in any way I can, and if it can help another family from suffering through that loss, that is the best possible outcome.” - Bella Ranes, sister of Max Ranes.
