Miss Julia Jeffries’ Story
My Name is Geoff Lewis
I was Born in Belleville Ontario, my parents decided to move to Fredericton New Brunswick when i was a Month old also with my brother who was 5yrs older than me.
When i was about 1 or 2 my parents noticed i was acting strange, when they would call my name, i wouldn't respond so they made an appointment after seeing a doctor here in Fredericton, then made an appointment to see a specialist in Saint John, after some tests, my parents found out i have Epilepsy. ( Petit Mal ). Starting at the age of 6yr i was going through EEG's and other tests to see how the medication was doing in my body, controlling my seizures. Which looking back through the years when I was little. that medication didn't work very well. My Epilepsy would consist of Eye Rolling, staring into space, twitching .
This made it very difficult to learn, from grade 1-4 i went to a learning centre . Learning how to read, Math. which helped me greatly.
My education wasn't easy for me.
When i was 14yrs. I was coming home from babysitting. I said to my mom, I didn't feel very well. I have a sore throat, so she asked me to get some honey & lemon and mix it up. So I did , then I brought it back to my room. Of course I split it all over me. She told me to go and get cleaned up. and when i went to the bathroom. That's all I remember.
My father busted down the door, both my parents saw me right when I was having a seizure. At that point I didn't know what was happening to me. It all Felt like a crazy dream, but when i came too from what i remember, I was taken by the Paramedics and i was in the Hospital for a while.
That's when the Doctors found out that I went from Petit Mall to Grand Mal.
The rest of my school years were still difficult learning, also knowing I wasn't allowed to drive. I have always been teased about the fact I have epilepsy. Being called a Seizure boy.
After that I finished highschool. I continued to grow into an Artist. I went to Fredericton Dance School. studying Jazz, Auditioned for the Walt Disney company For the Disney Cruiseline. Passed my Audition. Stayed with the Walt disney company for about 2-3yrs. I also stayed in Toronto and learned New Art. The Art of Female Illusion ( Drag) .
I have now been a Drag Artist for over 25yrs now. I'm using my platform to create awareness for Epilepsy as a Survivor, as a person who has gone through struggles of so much hate, bullying, mental health.
I’m using my platform to tell my audience and fans, you can do anything, even if you have Epilepsy.
The courage of those living with epilepsy,
inspires us and fuels our journey.
Your gift will help us to continue on the road toward an epilepsy cure.