On Saturday, October 11, more than 315 members of the EFMN community, including 72 Shining Stars and their families, traveled across the state for a special gathering at the Mall of America.
Hosted annually at Nickelodeon Universe, the Shining Stars Celebration invites youth living with epilepsy and their families to come together for a day of connection, celebration, and community
“It’s a day to lift up all of our youth who face an epilepsy diagnosis every day, and to celebrate the families who walk alongside them,” shared Amy Haugen, Associate Executive Director, Mission and Outreach
Epilepsy can sometimes make kids feel different or isolated. The Shining Stars program exists to remind them they’re not alone and that they’re more than enough, just as they are.
Through inclusive programming, peer connection, and joyful activities, the Shining Stars Celebration honors youth with epilepsy for exactly who they are, helping them build confidence, connect with peers, and feel seen in a community that understands. It also offers families a chance to connect with others who share similar experiences.
Lighting Up the Day with Joy
As families arrived and were greeted by EFMN staff and volunteers, Shining Stars were eager to grab their activity cards and explore the space.
Their mission? Try fun activities, collect stamps, and earn a prize. But the best part was seeing families connect and simply enjoying time together.
One of the first stops for many families was the photo booth. With star-themed props, purple superhero capes, and plenty of room for silly poses, it quickly became a spot to capture fun moments and lasting memories.
Inside the event space, families discovered a variety of hands-on activities to enjoy together. They launched mini catapults in a STEM challenge, built tin foil sculptures, and played giant games like Connect Four and Tetris. Tables filled with fall-themed temporary tattoos, and coloring pages gave kids even more ways to express themselves and get creative.
One of this year’s highlights was the Unicorn Station, where Shining Stars got creative by decorating tiny unicorn t-shirts with paint and markers, each showing off their unique style and personality.
Throughout the event, the balloon artist and surprise Nickelodeon character visits brought even more joy.
A place where every star belongs
Throughout the day, families shared stories, made new connections, and found comfort in knowing they weren’t alone—and neither are their children.
That feeling of connection was also reflected in the stories we heard from featured families throughout the day.
The Indrebo family has been part of the EFMN community since their son, Isaac, was diagnosed with epilepsy at age five. Over the years, they’ve found support, resources, and a sense of belonging through programs like Shining Stars and Camp Oz. Reflecting on their journey, Isaac’s parents shared how powerful it’s been to see him thrive in environments where he feels safe and understood.
“He just does normal things with normal kids, whether that’s riding the Pepsi roller coaster at Mall of America or horseback riding at Camp Oz. He feels comfortable there, and we feel comfortable being around those families because we’re in the same boat.”
Families like the Henry family spoke about their journey navigating epilepsy with their daughter, Zoey. Zoey, a young Shining Star, was diagnosed with idiopathic focal epilepsy at age six. Despite the challenges, Zoey continues to thrive, attending walks, day camps, and even Camp Oz.
Her mom, Kelsey, shared how the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota and the Shining Stars program have provided not only resources and education, but also a sense of community and hope.
“Not only has Zoey been able to take advantage of all these wonderful events, but our entire family has taken advantage of the endless resources and educational information provided from EFMN.”
Making magic happen – together
This special day wouldn’t have been possible without the thoughtful coordination of EFMN Outreach Manager Lisa Necastro, whose planning brought every detail to life.
“Planning the annual Shining Stars event at the Mall of America is one of the most meaningful parts of my work. It’s amazing to see youth living with epilepsy and their families come together to connect, celebrate, and just have fun surrounded by people who truly understand. Seeing all the smiles and the sense of belonging makes all the hard work worth it and I look forward to it every year,” says Lisa.
It also wouldn’t have happened without the incredible support of EFMN staff and volunteers. From leading activities to welcoming families with warmth and care, their efforts helped create a day full of laughter, joy, and meaningful moments for every Shining Star and their loved ones.
We’re also deeply grateful to the Minnesota Epilepsy Group, Mayo Clinic, and Upsher-Smith for their generous support that helped make this day possible.
Shine with us
Become a Shining Star! Sign up today.
This year, we welcomed 50 new Shining Stars into the program, bringing our total to 420 youth across Minnesota. If your child isn’t yet part of the Shining Stars program, joining is easy and free. Sign up here to receive invitations to future events, connect with other families, and be part of a community that celebrates every child for exactly who they are.
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Find more pictures from the 2025 Shining Stars Celebration on our Flickr Page.