FRESNO, Calif. – More than 300 Central Valley kids participated in youth football camps hosted by NFL wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, including patients from Valley Children’s Epilepsy Support Program.
Pearsall, a first-round draft pick by the San Francisco 49ers in 2024 and a projected starting wide receiver for the team in 2026, hosted camps at North High School in Bakersfield and San Joaquin Memorial High School in Fresno. In total, 223 children took part in the Fresno camp and 150 participated in Bakersfield.
Among the participants in Fresno was CJ, a Valley Children’s patient who was diagnosed with epilepsy nearly a decade ago.
“It’s been up and down, but I’m grateful for this program,” said Ruby Garcia, CJ’s mother. “Seeing him out here has been a dream.”
Three other Valley Children’s patients attended the camps: Skylar in Fresno and Ezekial and Joshua in Bakersfield. All are part of Valley Children’s Epilepsy Support Program, which helps patients and families access resources, education and support while navigating life with epilepsy.
“He really enjoys being out here and getting involved,” said Ashleigh Calderon, Skylar’s mother. “Valley Children’s has been really supportive and helpful.”
Valley Children’s hosted an educational booth at the event, where families learned about epilepsy, seizure first aid, seizure action plans and resources available through the hospital.
“Events like this remind children with epilepsy that their diagnosis does not define them,” said Madison Skillin, epilepsy program coordinator at Valley Children’s. “They get to participate alongside other kids, build confidence, meet positive role models and simply enjoy being children.”
Valley Children’s was a sponsor of the camps.
“The kids were excited to meet Ricky, play football and just feel included,” Skillin added. “Seeing their smiles and confidence throughout the day reminded us why opportunities like this are so important.”
To learn more about Valley Children’s Epilepsy Support Program, click here.
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