Jes and Jori Smith - Super Powers, Purple Day, and Living with Epilepsy

Did you know what 1 in 26 people will develop a form of epilepsy in their lifetime? Epilepsy is a disease that affects all genders, all ages, all socioeconomic and racial groups. With multiple forms and severity levels, chances are you know someone who struggles with epileptic seizures. This disease is hard on individuals and families. We believe a tremendous good can come from sharing how people who live with epilepsy are living with extraordinary strength.  

Our special guest today, Jori Smith, is a fiery six year old with an incredibly rare form of epilepsy. She is one of only 28 known cases in the United States and 200 in the world. But you wouldn’t know it from speaking with her. 

In this episode you’ll hear the strength of her mom, Jes, how she and the family manage Jori’s epilepsy, and how she has personally leaned on faith to stay string for Jori. Jes also shares about her struggle with alcoholism and her faith and tribe have helped her overcome coping mechanisms that ultimately didn’t help.

Listen to the entire episode - you don't want to miss Jori sing a special song at the end!

If you’re struggling with an addiction or unhealthy stress-coping mechanisms please reach out to us for resources and encouragement! [email protected] 

Discover more about our guests:

Jori’s Sunshine Bands

We fight for Jori page

Favorite quotes from the episode:

With epilepsy the more the brain grows the more you can see.

I had to learn I couldn’t do it for her or Justin. I had to do it for myself. I had to want it.

I had to do this for myself because I wanted to be better for them.

I would’t be able to do this without my tribe.

Jori: “Jesus helps me be brave.”

Fun things from the episode:

Jes shared 5 acts of kindness you can do to help a family in need:

Ask a specific question: “For what can I specifically pray?”Bring a mealJoy them with random acts of kindness. A quick text, encouraging email or FaceTime call can bring joy!Stop by their house. Just say “hi” or drop off something fun.Send or drop off a hand written card

Falcons/Squirt Level Hockey

Epilepsy Foundation and general info

Mercy Specialists in Kansas City

Celebrate Recovery

Fall walk event to end Epilepsy

Jes’s Seint Makeup

View this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dpCROJtM9I 

Now That's Something Good Podcast by Sarah Good is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

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