Seize the Day: The Armbruster Family’s Efforts to Shine a Light on Epilepsy

You might not know about our firm’s CEO, Mark Armbruster, but his leadership goes far beyond the workplace. Along with running Armbruster Capital Management, being a dad of three kids, and coaching high school Nordic skiing, he’s very involved in volunteering in the Greater Rochester community.  

For more than 20 years, Mark has given his time and financial expertise to nearly a dozen nonprofit organizations. One that holds a special place in his heart is Empowering People’s Independence (EPI). When his son, Amer, was diagnosed with epilepsy in 2019, Mark and his family took action, helping Amer create and organize “Seize the Day: Amer’s Epilepsy Trail Run.” The annual race raises crucial funds for EPI’s programs, helping thousands of people across Upstate New York who live with epilepsy and seizure disorders.

This year, as Amer completes his first year of college, his younger sister Nyla is stepping up to help lead the charge in organizing the race, which takes place on Sunday, July 13, in Mendon Ponds Park.

In this conversation, Mark shares how he got involved, the origins of the race, and why his commitment to EPI means so much.

How did you become involved with the organization Empowering People’s Independence?

It started as a way to help a small organization, then called People Rebuilding and Living in Dignity (PRALID), which was struggling at the time. But, as I learned more, I really connected with their story. Parents founded the organization because they couldn’t find the services for their children who suffered brain injuries. Years later PRALID merged with the Epilepsy Foundation of Western and Central New York, and expanded its scope and services, to become what is now EPI. So, what began as a nonprofit supporting individuals with traumatic brain injuries has become New York State’s first organization specializing in community-based services for individuals with neurological conditions, disabilities, and epilepsy.

EPI’s vision — creating a community where everyone is valued and has access to the support they need—is something that I truly respect. I started volunteering and later served as board president and treasurer. And then, when Amer was diagnosed with epilepsy, my connection became personal.

Amer has faced his own challenges, but he knows that there are other children with epilepsy with more severe symptoms and even fewer resources. Watching him step up and advocate for others, while organizing the race, has been incredible. I’m really proud of him and I love that this event is something we can do together while inspiring others to get involved.

How did Amer come up with the idea for Seize the Day?

When he was first diagnosed, he had to step back from many of the sports he loved, like running and cross-country skiing. But over time, he found ways to adjust and get back to doing when he enjoys.  

We had been involved in other charity races before, so creating a run felt like a natural fit for him.  Over the past four years, the 5k and 10k trail race has raised more than $200,000 for epilepsy services —including Camp EAGR, the only camp in New York that is designed specifically for kids with epilepsy and their siblings. Many kids with epilepsy struggle with feeling misunderstood and isolated, so providing a space where they can just be themselves and around people who know what it’s like to have this condition is very important.

What’s been your proudest achievement through your work with EPI?

Sharing this journey with my wife and children has been very meaningful. Through our work, they’ve experienced the importance of giving back, and they’ve seen firsthand how compassion and dedication can make a difference in people’s lives. Seeing Amer step into a leadership role has been incredible, and now his 15-year-old sister, Nyla, is getting more involved and making sure the race continues to grow. Watching my kids inspire their friends to join in is something that really fills me with pride.

What keeps you involved with EPI?

Integrity is at the core of everything that EPI does and is something I value. At Armbruster Capital, I work at building trust by always putting my clients first; it’s my job as a fiduciary, and I see EPI doing the same for the people and families that they support.

The team at EPI leads with respect and courage, always striving to do the right thing. That’s something I try to instill in my family, the children I coach, and the workplace.

Is there anything you would like to add?

If you’d like to be a part of this year’s race you can find more details and register on EPI’s website. We’re always looking for volunteers and for participants looking to have fun.

If you want to learn more about Amer’s journey and the history of Seize the Day, you can watch his story here or on Armbruster Capital’s YouTube Channel.