Awareness
Bring LGS, epilepsy, and SUDEP into clearer public view.
The J.C. Ragsdale Foundation
Make Every
Moment Count.
Carrying J.C.’s joy forward through awareness, education, advocacy, research, hope, and support.
A good truck and a great day.
Our mission
His life still moves us.
The J.C. Ragsdale Foundation exists to honor J.C.'s life by advancing awareness, education, advocacy, and research for Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, epilepsy, and SUDEP while providing hope and support to individuals and families affected by these conditions.
A signature awareness experience
Follow the light toward understanding.
Explore nine connected points of awareness, education, safety, support, advocacy, research, faith, family, and hope.
Explore the SUDEP Awareness ConstellationWhat drives us
Action with heart.
J.C. met every challenge with a smile. We bring that same determined, joyful spirit to work that helps families feel informed, supported, and less alone.
Education
Connect families with understandable, trustworthy information.
Advocacy
Help amplify the needs and voices of affected families.
Hope & Support
Build community so no family has to face the journey alone.
Disability Pride Month · July
Every person belongs in the celebration.
Disability Pride celebrates identity, community, advocacy, dignity, and the natural diversity of the human experience.
J.C. lived with determination, humor, music, movement, and joy. We honor that spirit by helping build communities where disabled people are welcomed, valued, heard, and celebrated all year long.
Read the infographic text
- Disability Pride Month is celebrated internationally every July.
- It celebrates disability identity, community, and advocacy.
- It recognizes disability as a natural part of human diversity.
- It fosters a culture where disabled people are welcomed.
- It acknowledges the dignity and worth of all human beings.
- It strives to educate and empower disabled and non-disabled people.
- The first Disability Pride Day was held in Boston in 1990.
The joy behind the mission
J.C. made people feel special.
He loved music loud, football Saturdays, every kind of truck, daily walks in any weather, and making people laugh. His carefree spirit could light up a room—and his determination inspired a community.
From the Yukon Spirit League to the Daily Living Center, J.C. made friendships, made memories, and made every moment count.
Read J.C.’s storyLearn and prepare
Clear information.
Compassionate support.
Understanding can replace isolation with confidence. Start with trusted, plain-language information for families and caregivers.
Understanding LGS
Learn about Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome and questions families can bring to their care team.
Explore this topic →Epilepsy & seizure safety
Find clear seizure first-aid steps and trusted epilepsy information.
Explore this topic →SUDEP Awareness
Explore awareness, safety, support, research, faith, family, and hope through an interactive constellation.
Explore this topic →New · My Toolkit
A private check-in for epilepsy caregivers.
Pause, reflect on signs of caregiver stress, and create a printable summary you can choose to share with a healthcare professional.
Community in motion
Events are on the way.
We’re preparing meaningful ways to gather, learn, move, make music, and celebrate J.C.’s spirit together.
Stay connected
Help hope travel farther.
Be among the first to hear about resources, events, advocacy, and ways to get involved.