The Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern New York team will introduce and honor the 2026 Winning Kids, Ada Yesupriya of Albany County, and Penelope Zareski of Rensselaer County at the 38th Annual Confections in Chocolate Gala for Hope to be held on March 21st at Franklin Plaza in Troy. Winning Kids are chosen each year to help raise awareness of epilepsy and to let other kids and individuals living with epilepsy know they are not alone.

Ada and Penelope were selected as EFNENY’s 2026 Winning Kids for their resilience, leadership, and dedication to raising awareness about epilepsy. Rather than allowing their diagnoses to define them, these inspiring young advocates continue to make a meaningful impact across the Northeastern New York epilepsy community.

Ada, an eight-year-old from Albany, was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of five and is now proudly two and a half years seizure-free. She has not let epilepsy slow her down. A bright and enthusiastic second grader, Ada loves school and learning and recently reached a personal milestone by performing a solo at her winter concert. Her strength and optimism shine through in her message to children newly diagnosed with epilepsy: “It can be hard sometimes, but you will be OK!” Beyond the classroom, Ada is also an active member of the local epilepsy community through her involvement in Kids Crew, demonstrating a strong commitment to connection, confidence, and advocacy.

Penelope, an eleven-year-old from East Nassau, was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of six. Penelope is not yet seizure-free, but she recently celebrated an exciting milestone of twenty-eight consecutive days without experiencing a seizure. 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 this spring’s Disney’s Finding Nemo JR., and preparing to graduate sixth grade. “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.

Registration will close on March 10th, 2026. Attendees can register HERE!

Top sponsors for this event include SK Life Science and Neurelis.

Interested in sponsoring this event? Learn more HERE!

All proceeds benefit the Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern New York.