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In a world filled with challenges, there are individuals who inspire us with their resilience and determination. Jonny Garcia, a member of the United Cerebral Palsy Central California community, is one such individual. Johnny's unstoppable spirit, which has been nurtured and fueled by the love of his family and UCPCC, has enabled him to overcome numerous obstacles in his life. Let's take a closer look at
Jonny's remarkable journey.
A Purpose-Driven Journey
Jonny has been a part of the UCPCC family for seven years, and as he approaches his 30th birthday, he continues to be an embodiment of unwavering determination. Before discovering UCPCC, Jonny and his family had explored various programs but they found them lacking. These programs often felt like mere babysitting services,
lacking the purpose and positive interactions that Jonny needed. UCPCC became the light in Jonny's life, where he found not only a program but an extended family. Every day, when Jonny returns home from UCPCC, he radiates happiness and contentment, as his family knows he is in good hands and that
his life has purpose.
Overcoming the Dark Cloud of COVID
The global pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to all of us, and Jonny was no exception. During the COVID-19 lockdown, Jonny's health took a severe hit. He slept for 18 hours a day, and his once-vibrant personality seemed to disappear entirely. In a heartbreaking turn of events, Jonny didn't even want to see the UCPCC staff when they delivered supplies to his home. It took Jonny several months to regain his voice and reconnect with those he cared about, including specific UCPCC staff members.
The Journey from Birth
Jonny's life has been a testament to an unstoppable spirit. His struggles began at just two weeks old when he was diagnosed with a cataract. At nine months, Jonny was diagnosed with Dandy-Walker malformation, a condition affecting the development of the brain's midline, leading to delayed reactions to pain and hypotonia,
a decreased muscle tone. Despite these challenges, Jonny achieved remarkable milestones. He walked independently at the age of six and began speaking at five. His journey wasn't without its share of setbacks, including long seizures that almost claimed his life. His battle with seizures continued, but at the age of 14, the introduction of a Vagal Nerve Stimulator (VNS) significantly improved his condition.
A Vibrant High School Life
At age 18 Jonny was actively involved in school and even attended his high school prom. He was also able to attend school field trips to the beach and his family has videos of him running up and down the beaches. But towards the end of senior year at age 18 he could not even sit up in a wheel chair on his own also he wasn’t talking and he lost his ability to use restrooms on his own. His mother took him into school senior year for a few hours a day and went with him because the school wouldn’t let him be there on his own.
A mild seizure sent him back to the hospital, leading to the discovery of thalamic storms, which had never happened in Jonny's case.
A Lifesaving Diagnosis
A critical turning point in Jonny's life occurred when doctors at Stanford discovered dangerously high intracranial pressure that was causing his sudden aggressive behavior. Once relieved, Johnny's aggression ceased, and he returned to a more stable state. Despite the trauma of that episode, Johnny's spirit endured. His medical journey continued to be a rollercoaster. Jonny faced multiple hospitalizations and close encounters with death, but he always managed to bounce back. His incredible story includes moments when he was in a coma, and even on the brink of life support withdrawal, a Parkinson's medication gave him a glimmer of hope, leading to a remarkable recovery.
Life's Ups and Downs
Jonny's story is filled with ups and downs, but he and his family have faced each challenge head-on. He now uses a shunt to regulate the pressure in his brain and has two separate neurologists to address his seizures and parkinsonism. Jonny's resilience is best exemplified by his nickname, "Lazarus," given to him by his father. Despite facing countless medical issues and being near death,
he always manages to bounce back.
UCPCC A Lifeline for Jonny
In the past seven years, UCPCC has played a crucial role in Jonny's life. It has provided a sense of purpose and belonging that has kept him going even in the darkest times.
After an extended absence due to the pandemic, Johnny's
return to UCPCC brought a renewed sense of life and enthusiasm. He has recently faced new challenges, including auditory-based seizures triggered by loud noises, but his determination remains unbroken.
Jonny Garcia's story is one of relentless determination and an unbreakable spirit. Despite the many trials he has faced throughout his life, he continues to find strength in the support of his family and the UCPCC community. His journey serves as a reminder that the human spirit can endure even the most daunting of challenges. Jonny is a shining example of the power of resilience and the boundless potential within each of us.
Now, you might be wondering how you can be a part of this heartwarming journey and contribute to the cause. By purchasing the UCPCC Ethiopian Roast Reserve from
Rare Earth Coffee, you can support UCPCC, an organization that continues to transform the lives of countless people like Dillon, empowering them to reach for their dreams and passions.
Order your bag of Rare Earth Ethiopian Reserve Roast today online to support Unstoppable Spirits like Jonny Garcia.