Defying a Diagnosis: Jason’s Story

At the Epilepsy Foundation Central & South Texas, we are constantly meeting extraordinary people. We love meeting people who defy other’s expectations of them. That was the case when our Assistant Director, Kimberly Martin, met Jason at the Bexar County Junior Livestock Show.

Jason was diagnosed with epilepsy when he was just three years old. “At around age 2, we started to notice that Jason would just space out,” his father said. “At first, we thought maybe he just wasn’t paying attention,” Jason father explains. But, they knew someone with epilepsy and worried that there might be something more going on. Jason was suffering from absence seizures – a type of seizure that cause lapses in awareness which can look like someone simply staring off.

Because of his diagnosis, Jason is unable to participate in a lot of activities, particularly sports. When he was younger though, he loved helping his brother care for his pig. Jason’s older brother was an FFA officer and let Jason help him feed, bathe, and walk his pig all the time. At the first show they went to as a family, they saw a boy with special needs showing pigs. Jason’s family immediately spoke with the FFA teacher and asked if Jason could be included. Of course, he said yes, and now, at age 13, Jason is a junior member of FFA and gets specialized one-on-one time.

“Jason loves every part of taking care of his pig,” Adriana, Jason’s mother, said, “even when he loses, he’s there cheering on everyone else. The other students love having him around because he’s so positive.”

Recently, at the Bexar County Junior Livestock Show, Jason won Reserve Grand Champion. “It was his first time winning at a show, and it was a huge confidence boost for him,” Adriana said. “He told his teacher, Mr. Sullaway, ‘I’m going to buy two pigs now, instead of one!’”

Being a part of FFA and being accepted by his classmates not only has boosted his confidence, but it’s also helped him understand responsibility. “He knows that he needs to take care of his pig. Every day he’s out there walking her, training her, feeding her. No matter what, Jason is always trying his hardest and pushing himself to do his best.”

In the future, Jason hopes to continue showing pigs and entering into even bigger shows. “Jason really wants to get into bigger shows, like the San Antonio Stock Show, and I know he can,” said Jason’s father.

“The most important thing is that what Jason’s doing is just proof that if you give children with disabilities the opportunity to succeed, they will,” said Jason’s father. His family believes that Jason’s success will show other kids’ with disabilities that not only can they achieve whatever they put their mind too, but that it’s okay to have a disability.

At EFCST, we look forward to seeing Jason succeed in the future, and we’re rooting for him as he continues on his journey! Jason and his family would like to thank Southwest ISD, his Ag teachers, especially Mr. Sullaway, FFA, and all those who support the FFA program.

For more information about the Epilepsy Foundation Central & South Texas or if you’d like to share your story with us, please contact us at Staff@EFCST.org or call us at (210) 653-5353. Thank you, Adriana Arguello and Jason, for sharing your story with us!