Meet Penelope Zareski, one of EFNENY’s 2026 Winning Kids! Diagnosed at just six years old, Penelope has shown remarkable strength and determination. Now eleven and in sixth grade, Penelope pushes through every obstacle and continues to approach life with confidence and optimism.

Despite the challenges her epilepsy presents, Penelope continues to immerse herself in every part of her middle school experience, including attending school events, participating in productions like Disney’s Finding Nemo JR. coming up in the spring and preparing to graduate sixth grade. She also hopes to join her school’s softball or basketball team in the future.

“I have to do things differently, but I also know that I can still do what my friends do. I can still have fun and be just like any other kid,” Penelope shared.

Penelope is not yet seizure-free, but she recently celebrated an exciting milestone of twenty-eight consecutive days without experiencing a seizure. Her seizures are currently managed through a combination of medication and the Modified Atkins Diet (MAD), both of which have been helping to reduce her seizure activity.

Penelope and her family are passionate advocates for epilepsy awareness. Over the years, they have shared their journey to help others better understand epilepsy and its impact. This past September, they proudly attended their first Walk for Epilepsy in Saratoga Springs, joining the community in a day of support and solidarity.

EFNENY is proud to have selected Penelope as one of our 2026 Winning Kids! Penelope’s remarkable spirit and hard work both within and beyond EFNENY will be celebrated at our 38th Annual Confections in Chocolate Gala for Hope. Penelope will be recognized at the gala on March 21st at Franklin Plaza in Troy. Learn more about this event HERE!

What Penelope Wishes Others to Know About Epilepsy:

“Epilepsy doesn’t mean you aren’t brave or strong. It doesn’t make you weird or different. It just means you have to do some things different.”