"Winning Kids"
Chosen to Represent all
Idaho Children With Epilepsy

Austin Schmitt, "Winning Kid" for 2001-2002

It hasn’t been an easy road since epilepsy was diagnosed when Austin Schmitt was in kindergarten. As Mom, Jan, stated when she and husband, Ryan, nominated nine-year-old Austin as the Epilepsy Foundation of Idaho’s “Winning Kid”, “Even though Austin is treated with medication morning and night, his seizures are still not controlled.” She added, “Not all of our trials come from the seizures; many come from the side effects of the medication.” Just getting out of bed in the morning, eating, dressing, and catching the school bus sometimes proved to be very difficult. At school, the staff and teachers did not always understand the challenges that faced Austin. Even though Jan and Ryan had explained on numerous occasions the adverse effects of seizures and medications, teachers continued to assign a lot of nightly homework, leaving Austin frustrated and very unhappy.

As Jan explained, “It is during these times that Ryan and I have especially appreciated the Foundation for stepping in the middle of difficult situations...” To find a solution to the many issues facing their son, the Schmitts turned to the Epilepsy Foundation of Idaho and Loralee Anderson in Idaho Falls. To assure Austin’s safety, Loralee taught the school personnel seizure recognition and first aid. In her presentation, she included information on medication and side effects. Then, to address the fears and misunderstandings of Austin’s fellow students, the Kids on the Block puppets, Brian and Joann, visited school. The children learned what to do for Austin and how to be the best friend possible.

In the meantime, Austin, with pluck and steadfast determination, continued his participation in sports including baseball and basketball. But his favorite, BMX racing, is where he has excelled, with or without epilepsy. In summer 2000 with the help of an EFI “campership”, Austin was able to participate in BMX events all through the season.

This past summer, doctors at Harborview Hospital in Seattle determined that Austin was a candidate for surgery, which he had in mid-July. Since then, Austin’s seizure activity has dropped by 95%. If things continue to go well, some of the medications will be eliminated. Mom reports that just getting to school is so much easier. Loralee Anderson at the EFI office in Idaho Falls, explained that within a week of being home Austin was out in the community busy representing EFI at a number of activities. During Mud Volleyball, he worked in the Coke booth and helped judge the Miss and Mr. Piggy contests. At the Apple Athletic Club Golf Scramble, the proceeds of which benefited EFI, Austin participated in the kick off activities.

When the Epilepsy Foundation of Idaho’s client services committee members read these accounts of one struggle after another, and then the accomplishments in spite of the challenges, it was easy to see that here was a child who could represent, by extraordinary example, all Idaho children who live with seizure disorders. Austin, along with family, will participate in a number of events in Boise, Idaho Falls, and Shelley. In November, the Schmitt family will attend the Epilepsy Month proclamation signing at Governor Dirk Kempthorne’s office and then the EFI annual meeting and 30 year anniversary. In February, Mom and Dad will speak at the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. Idaho Falls mayor, Linda Millan, and Mayor Heber Hansen of Shelley (Austin’s hometown) will sign proclamations recognizing this remarkable young man. Austin will help kickoff the annual Shelley Spud Day Festival.

It will be a busy year for EFI’s 2001-2002 “Winning Kid”. Go for it, Austin. Everyone is cheering for you. You set an example for all to follow. Congratulations! We salute you!