Frequently asked questions.

The foundation honors J.C. Ragsdale by advancing awareness, education, advocacy, and research for Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, epilepsy, and SUDEP while offering hope and support to affected individuals and families.

Johnny “J.C.” Calvin Ragsdale was a joyful young man from Yukon, Oklahoma. He loved music, sports, trucks, daily walks, his dog Buddy, and making people laugh. His life and determination inspired the foundation.

Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, or LGS, is a severe form of epilepsy that usually begins in childhood. It can involve several seizure types, a characteristic EEG pattern, and developmental or learning challenges.

SUDEP means Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy. It describes the sudden death of a person with epilepsy when no other cause is found. Individual risk should be discussed with a qualified clinician.

Stay calm, remain with the person, clear hazards, turn them gently onto their side when possible, cushion their head, time the seizure, and follow their seizure action plan. Do not restrain them or put anything in their mouth.

Seek emergency help when a seizure lasts five minutes or longer, repeats without recovery, occurs in water, causes injury or breathing difficulty, happens during pregnancy, or is the person’s first known seizure.

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You can express interest in volunteering, partnerships, future events, advocacy, or sharing your family’s story through the contact page.