An Athletes vs. Epilepsy Story: "Men on a Mission" to Raise Awareness for Epilepsy

The Epilepsy Foundation’s Athletes vs. Epilepsy program embodies the message that people living with epilepsy dare to live their lives to their fullest potential. Through marathons, swim-a-thons, triathlons, and more, this nationwide program for athletes, coaches, volunteers, and fans raises funds, creates awareness, and builds participation to help accelerate the development of new therapies.

Now Athletes vs. Epilepsy is taking our mission to the basketball court with a team participating in the biggest 3-on-3 basketball tournament on Earth. On June 27th and 28th, DJ, Jimmy, JD, and Leonard will compete in Hoopfest. These “Men on a Mission” will join more than 7,000 teams and 225,000 fans on 450 courts spanning 42 city blocks in Spokane, Wash.

Read how these athletes came together through their love of basketball and sense of purpose. Then please consider making a donation to support their team, and send your message of support in the comments at the bottom of the page.

How We Came Together by DJ

JD and I met about 15 years ago and started playing in Hoopfest shortly after that. He is the best player I've ever played with, and he always makes me better. JD played at Boise State, not to mention overseas pro ball.

Not long after that we asked Leonard to join our team and help us go to the next level with his great outside shooting, passion to win, and fierce spirit to compete. His craft allowed him to play at the collegiate level at Whitman College. The ironic thing was that Leonard and I were enemies in high school because we played for long-time rival schools. After Leonard and I each had life-changing experiences with Jesus and swallowed a little humble pie, we reconciled shortly after graduation and became great friends.

Not long after that, we added Jimmy to our team. Jimmy is one of the few players I know that really doesn't have a weakness either on or off the court. Jimmy and I actually played against each other in college. He played for Northwest University in Kirkland, Wash., and I played for Corban University (formerly Western Baptist College) in Salem, Ore.

The four of us have become really great friends. We play and practice together every week. We believe God has put our team together for His glory and purposes.

This will be our eighth tournament together and we are excited to make a run at a championship. Equally, we are "men on a mission," so we play for a higher purpose too, and we are blessed to get the opportunity to raise awareness and support for Epilepsy Foundation!