OBJ supports Epilepsy Awareness Month

November 19, 2025

In recognition of Epilepsy Awareness Month, the Ohio Blue Jackets are proud to unite behind one of our own. Last season, the Fotheringham family faced an unexpected and frightening challenge when their son, Mason, suffered a sudden seizure at home. The event held the 2012-born defenseman out of competition for a tournament as the family began a series of tests and evaluations to understand what had happened.

Mason was ultimately diagnosed with Tonic–Clonic Epilepsy, a condition characterized by abrupt electrical disturbances in the brain that can lead to loss of consciousness and full-body convulsions. For Mason, the cause of his epilepsy remains unknown. He now takes daily medication to help reduce the likelihood of seizures and maintain neurological stability. While he continues adjusting to this new reality, he navigates the common challenges associated with epilepsy—fatigue, medication side effects, and the anxiety that comes with uncertainty. Through it all, Mason remains determined, resilient, and deeply committed to the sport he loves and the teammates who support him.

“This journey started with a diagnosis we never expected and so many unknowns. It has taught us to slow down, be more present, and take things one day at a time. Watching Mason face all of this has shown us a quiet strength that truly amazes us,” explained Mason’s parents, Sade and Stew. “Hockey is his safe place, where he feels confident, strong, and like himself. The way his coaches, teammates, and our hockey family have embraced him has helped him keep playing the sport he loves and helped us feel less alone. We’re so thankful he has this kind of support around him.”

This past weekend, the 13U (2012) Blue Jackets came together to show their love and support for Mason while raising awareness for Epilepsy Awareness Month. During Saturday’s game against Belle Tire, the team used purple hockey tape—the official color of epilepsy awareness—to demonstrate their solidarity. Every player wrote Mason’s name and number (78) on their stick blades as a tribute to their teammate.

“It really meant a lot to see the boys tape their sticks with purple tape and write my name and number on them,” said Fotheringham. “It helped me feel strong and supported, and I know that the boys have my back.”

Inspired by their teammate’s bravery and courage, the 13U Blue Jackets earned a 4–2 victory over Belle Tire. The moment of the day came in the final minute, when Fotheringham blocked a shot and sent the puck down the ice into an empty net for his first goal of the season, sealing the OBJ win and capping off an emotional, unforgettable day for the team.

“Saturday was a very special day for Mason, our team, and the Fotheringham family,” said 13U head coach Nick Petraglia. “We are always talking about what it means to be a great teammate and how impactful it is to be a part of something bigger than yourself. It was priceless to see our boys embrace the situation and genuinely rally around their teammate.”

Epilepsy affects more than 3.4 million people in the United States, including approximately 470,000 children and teens. It is one of the most common neurological conditions in the world, yet it remains widely misunderstood. Epilepsy can look different from person to person, and seizures can vary significantly in type, severity, and frequency.

Epilepsy Awareness Month, observed every November, aims to increase understanding, reduce stigma, and support the millions of individuals and families impacted by the condition. Awareness efforts emphasize the importance of recognizing seizure signs, knowing how to respond safely, and supporting those living with epilepsy in schools, communities, and athletic environments. The color purple represents hope, strength, and solidarity among the epilepsy community.

The Ohio Blue Jackets encourage all families, athletes, and supporters to take time this month to learn more about epilepsy, seizure first aid, and the experiences of those who live with this condition every day. By fostering awareness and compassion, the organization hopes to help build a more informed and supportive community for athletes like Mason and for families across the country.

With an every day mission to develop our student-athletes to reach their potential on and off of the ice, the program aims to provide a healthy and safe environment for the elite player to grow as a player, person and teammate through the great game of hockey.