There are a lot of things Jackson Foskett isn’t able to do due to his epilepsy but a Telethon-funded program has made his dream of working for a football club come true.
The 19-year-old was diagnosed with epilepsy at a young age and in time he has developed a mild intellectual disability from the condition.
His mum Natalie Foskett said the diagnosis has been extremely challenging.
“Our lives were turned upside down. Witnessing his journey from before the seizures to now has been tough,” she said.
“It is a challenging condition and we are constantly on edge.”
The disease means he will never be able to get a driver’s licence or stay overnight with friends but he has been able to play football like other boys his age through the Swan Districts Football Club.
The club’s Elevate program, funded by Telethon donations, means he has not only been given a chance to play footy but has also become a mentor for other young people with a disability.
He has been given a traineeship to help deliver the Swan’s program including mentoring younger students and contributing to wheelchair sports initiatives in schools and the community.
“The opportunities given to Jackson have been life-changing. He has made lifelong friends and brought our family closer,” his mum Natalie said.
“He loves helping others and feels like he is making a real difference in people’s lives and the community.”
For Jackson, the football club is more than just a playing field; it is a place where he feels valued and at home.
“I was not really sure what to do for a job but I love sport and wanted to be involved in a sporting club for work but was always told there were no opportunities for me to do that,” he said.
“I grew up barracking for Swans and always dreamed of playing for Swans, now I am doing that and also doing some work for Swans and I am really happy about that.”