A DP for JP

We are getting really excited around here for our 2nd annual DP for JP event on April, 20th. For those of you that are new around here on April 20th, we honor Mark's brother, Joshua Paul (JP) by drinking a Dr. Pepper (DP) and snapping a photo for all to see. Joshua went to be with Jesus on September 3rd, 2001. April 20th, marks his birthday, and this is our way of celebrating his life here on earth.

Joshua struggled with seizures the majority of his life and I would like to use my blog this month to debunk myths about seizures, and overall, hope to inform people more about seizures.

There are MANY different types of seizures, here are a few of the more common ones.

Petit mal seizure, also known as absence spells. Most commonly found in children 6-12. This seizure sounds like it's name, someone appears to be absence minded, starring off and losing the ability to focus. Sounds like most 6-12 boys you know, right? :) This type of seizure isolated without any other symptoms is very difficult to diagnose.  Often times a child is labeled as distracted, oblivious, and ADD. Most of the time person doesn't even know that the seizures has happened, especially in young children. Any time a doctor suspects that seizures are occurring an EEG is done. This test measures the brain activity. Just because you have a normal EEG doesn't mean that you do not have abnormal brain activity. Depending on the type of seizures taking place, but for the most part the EEG is a pretty good standard to determine if something is not right.

Grand Mal seizures, also known as clonic-tonic seizures, are full body convulsions. Typically, followed by unconsciousness. This type of seizure is what people think about when they hear the word, "seizure". Grand mal seizures can be triggered by low blood sugar, stroke, high fever, or other health complications. Most people who have a grand mal seizure because of other complicating health issues, only have one. People who experience multiple grand mal seizures that are not related to other health issues, are typically labeled as having epilepsy. Grand mal seizures can be scary especially for those looking on. It is important to assist a person who is having a grand mal seizure to the ground gently and let the seizure take it's course. Do not ever restrain a person who is having a seizure and DO NOT put anything near their mouths. When someone is seizing they can not hear you, so do not try to speak to them. After they have the seizure they go unconscious, so it is pointless to try and awaken them.

The brain in amazing. Amazing and so, so, complex! Neurologists only know a tiny fraction of the, "why's, when's, and how's" of seizures. But they have come a looooonnnnnngggg way.

April is autism awareness month. I know scores of people, including my brother Zach, and life long friend Erin, who have given their lives to help children with special needs. One post I saw on facebook said, "She doesn't see autism. She sees possibilities (thanks, Mariah) The same can be said for people who struggle with seizures. See THEM, don't see the seizures. Don't shrink away from something you don't understand, EDUCATE YOURSELF! Don't see them as a seizure people, see them as PEOPLE first who happen to have seizures.

I hope you are scouting out just the right Dr. Pepper and just the right place to take the picture. This year the winner (determined solely by our preferences) will win a case of his/hers favorite drink :)!!

Happy Scouting!
~Sara

Enjoy last year's picture!