Freehold Man, 29, Lost His Life Suddenly and His Family Wants You To Know Why

Patrick Ring's life wasn't supposed to be in danger. He was happily engaged, had a great career, a loving family, and so much to look forward to. And then he was found on the floor of the conference room at work unresponsive. His fiance won't get to see her wedding day, which would have been next month. His family wants you to know Patrick's story, how he died, and, most importantly, HOW YOU CAN HELP.

Before we get to the event happening this weekend to help others in need (see below), please take a moment to honor Patrick by reading his story, in the words of the Ring Family and the Lange Family:

"Pat was diagnosed with epilepsy and having partial complex seizures at the age of 11. Most people throughout his high school, college, and later years probably did not know he had epilepsy as it was not something he often talked about. Even though the heavy doses of medication made him lethargic and he required a lot of sleep, he did not let his seizures stop him from leading a full and normal life.
He was an avid Bruce Springsteen and Phillies fan and loved fishing with his brother, bowling and spending time with his friends and family. He had worked at W. B. Mason for the past 6 years and had recently been promoted to Customer Service Training Supervisor. He proposed to the love of his life, Tara, right before Christmas. They had booked their wedding for November of 2014, for which he was very involved in the planning of. He and Tara lived together, worked together and were even on the same bowling team. Their kind of love and bond is rare to find.

Pat was on top of the world – happier than he had ever been with a world of possibilities and a bright future ahead of him, until epilepsy took his life away so suddenly at the age of 29 on Thursday, February 6th, 2014.   No doctor over the course of 16 years EVER mentioned that he could die from a seizure.

He was found unresponsive and alone on the floor in a conference room at his work, where he had just finished conducting a training webinar. His coworkers immediately called 911 and began CPR but the attempts were not successful. We believe he died prior to getting in the ambulance.  Upon his parents’ arrival at the hospital, his mother asked the ER doctor if he had a seizure and the doctor replied “no, you don’t die from epilepsy.”   His family left the hospital not having any idea how he had died.  The following day, the coroner informed his family that she believes it may be a case of SUDEP.  SUDEP? What is SUDEP?!

The barrage of online searches for information about SUDEP opened up a world we previously knew nothing about and blew our minds away.  Many young people were losing their lives to Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy and the majority of their loved ones had never heard of it prior to their death.  The anger and frustration that followed this earth shattering news fueled the creation of The Patrick Ring Foundation – something positive had to come out of something so senseless. Pat was always helping others with his kind and caring nature and always thought of others before himself.  We hope to follow in his footsteps and help those who are affected by epilepsy.

The Patrick Ring Foundation’s mission is to raise awareness about epilepsy (a condition that 1 in 26 people will suffer from in their lifetime), and the impact seizures can have on the individual and his/her family.  More specifically, The Patrick Ring Foundation strives to raise awareness of SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy).

Following Patrick's unexpected death on February 6, 2014, The Patrick Ring Foundation was founded by Patrick's twin brother Christopher ring, his sister Jennifer Murphy, and his fiance, Tara Lange. The Foundation was founded in honor of the most caring and loving fiance, son, brother, uncle, nephew, grandson and friend anyone could ask for.

The Foundation's mission is to raise awareness about epilepsy and the impact seizures can have on the individual and his/her family. More specifically, The Patrick Ring Foundation strives to raise awareness of SUDEP. Recent studies estimate the rate of SUDEP among adults and children is at about one death per 1,000 people with epilepsy per year. Due to misdiagnosis and lack of awareness, some estimate the rate to be as high as 1 in 100.

The Patrick Ring Foundation is a non-profit organization. They are holding their 1st Annual March on Epilepsy this Saturday, Nov. 1st, 2014, at Bucks Mill Park in Colts Neck. It's a 5K Run and a 1 mile Fun Run/Walk. Check-in is at 7:30 am, the 5K is at 9 am, and the 1 mile walk starts at 10 am (medals go to all participants 12 and under).

The funds raised will help support Epilepsy Service Dog Programs and organizations that provide assistance to people with epilepsy, while giving SUDEP the attention it deserves.