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"Winning Kids"
Two
Boys Represent
Idaho Kids with Epilepsy
Jakob Sears and
Tiger Mingo are
EFI’s “Winning Kids”
2004-2005
Every year the Epilepsy Foundation
of Idaho looks for a child with epilepsy who can represent all Idaho children
with seizure disorders. This year the Foundation found not one, but two
“Winning Kids” who, through their struggles and triumphs,
exemplify what so many face. From Post Falls in north
Idaho comes eight-year-old Jakob Sears, and from Boise,
comes Tiger Mingo, six years old.
In nominating Tiger for Idaho’s “Winning
Kid”, Mom, Billie, wrote, “Tiger was born with cerebral palsy
and a seizure disorder. He blows kisses to me and his teachers all day
long. He can’t walk and he can’t talk, but he is the brightest
part of my day.” When Tiger was two a vagus nerve stimulator was
implanted to help reduce the numbers of seizures he had everyday. But
even with this and multiple medications daily, this brave six-year old
continues with seizures. As Mom reports, “His seizures control his
body, but not his life. Tiger doesn’t let his physical limitations
interfere with his ability to have fun. He is a fighter and the sweetest
boy around.”
Jakob’s seizures began when he was two years old after a
fall in a bathtub. Like Tiger, Jakob has faced multiple visits to hospitals
and tried many medications. Jakob too has had the VNS implant. His seizures
have been reduced, and now he wants the VNS to work so well, that he will
be able to go off medicine and “just be a normal kid”. In the
meantime, he brings his family, Mom, Dad, and little brother, Dylan, great
joy and a realization that “every day is a precious gift”.
Earlier this fall Jakob
and Tiger were recognized at their schools with Kids on the Block
puppet shows. They received bright red “Winning Kid” T-shirts
and baseball caps. Jakob and his Mom attended the “Winning Kid”
luncheon in November. Tiger and Mom, Billie, were not able to attend.
In February, Tonya and Shane Sears and Billie Mingo will be invited to
attend the annual St. Valentine’ Day Massacre and share their sons’
stories.
These two boys, who hale from
opposite ends of our state, demonstrate for all Idaho children with epilepsy
how to meet their struggles straight on with courage and perseverance
and always with a smile. We are with you Tiger and Jakob!
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