03/26/2026
In honor of Epilepsy Awareness Day, we are excited to share a recent conversation we had with Jason, to share his experiences about life with epilepsy. 🎗️💜 Check it out below!
1. "Could you tell me a bit about yourself?
I'm outgoing, friendly, and a giving person. I care for others and have a good sense of humor. I like to play cards and watch sports--any kind, but mostly football. I like to travel, go to car shows, and get out of town for a day or two to places like casinos, the coin show in Dickinson, or watching my nephews in Wilton play basketball.
2. Many people have different paths to a diagnosis. Are you comfortable sharing what those early days or your first experiences with epilepsy were like?
I got my first seizure in phy-ed class when I was 18 or 19. They put me in the superintendent's office to lay down. It was scary. I woke up laying down in the office. I was running when it happened. They put me on my side with a pillow. I got quite a few gran mals in school…so my parents pulled me out, and I went home for a while until I was about 21. I was on Dilantin and Depakote. My system got immune, then in my 20's more controlled. I had to wear a helmet for a while.
Now I know when something's coming on. My fingers tense up and my eyes stare at the ceiling. I take out breaths, deep-breathing, slowly.
3. If you could clear up one major myth about epilepsy that you encounter frequently, what would it be? Or what do you wish people knew about epilepsy?
I wish people knew when I had gran mal not to put your finger in my mouth, as I could bite it right off. Just lay me on my side and make sure there is nothing in the way to hurt myself. Keep on talking to me. I can hear you, but I can't spit [the words] out. This helps calm me. But call the ambulance if it has been 5 minutes.
4. What is something you are most proud of in your life?
I was most proud when I worked at different jobs. I was working at Menards and on the strip at the lumber yard. They enjoyed me. I also won awards at Special Olympics. I didn’t think I would accomplish all the awards and ribbons that I got, but I did a pretty good job!
I did a lot of traveling over the years. I went to New Mexico twice to see the Balloon Festival and again for [girlfriend] Theresa’s folk's anniversary. I went to Belize with my brother Ross, my uncle, and his friend that he went to school with who was a scuba diver. I went to Reno quite a bit to see my aunt and uncle. I traveled to California when I was a teenager, and saw the San Diego Zoo, San Francisco, Knot’s Berry Farm, and Disneyland. I’ve gone to the Black Hills a couple times, went to Deadwood with Theresa a couple times on the bus, and when I was a teenager, I went on a family trip to Arizona to visit my uncle's brother. I also went to Ohio by myself on a plane to see my Aunt and Uncle. But I don't get to travel anymore, so that's why I like to go to the casinos and get out of town for a while!
5. Lastly, what is one most important life lesson you've learned that you'd like to share with others?
Enjoy life, and take one day at a time--life goes way too fast!"
Thank you, Jason, for sharing your story!!
