Jonathan B Dodson

I was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 4, when I began having so many tiny seizures (pediatric absence) that the world around me didn't make sense. I had my first grand mal (tonic-clonic) seizure in high school while playing hockey. Being "outed" publicly caused me to have to confront my epilepsy head-on. It influenced many of my life choices, including my education and my career.

I was raised in the suburbs of Boston, but I am a descendent of Oregon Trail pioneers. My Pacific Northwest DNA pulled me to the University of Oregon where I earned a BA in Sociology and met my beautiful wife. Today we live in Oregon with our tiny son. I work as a case worker for Child Protective Services.

Writing Speedbumps: Living Life with Epilepsy was a labor of love. As I grew older, I came to realize that while thousands of people with epilepsy walk among us, they are largely overlooked, isolated, and invisible. I wanted to share my own journey of awakening and acceptance in the hopes that it will help other young men and women who are challenged--medically or physically--to seek their best life.

I owe a special debt of thanks to my personal superhero, Terry Dodson, who in his real life brings classic superheroes to life. His wonderful illustrations and cover art helped to made Speedbumps: Living Life with Epilepsy complete. And to my mother, who added her voice to this book, I thank you for pushing me to tell my tales.