ANDERSON TOWNSHIP, Ohio — Landon Mohr’s life changed forever on Dec. 28, 2018.
“I used to hate that day,” Mohr said. “I remember just waking up on the side of the highway sitting next to our car’s tire, being exhausted and not really knowing who I was or where I was and being rushed to the hospital.”
At 15, Mohr suffered his first seizure. As a generally healthy young man, it was a terrifying moment, but also one that’s led him to this point.
Mohr is a 2022 kicker for Anderson High School, who also plays soccer.
“With epilepsy, being able to put on pads and a helmet every day is special because I really wasn’t even supposed to play soccer or football,” he said. “So being able to do both at the same time is really special to me and a lot of people who have seen my journey.”
But it’s what he’s doing off the field that’s making the most impact.
“I started the nonprofit because I really wanted to have an outreach,” Mohr said. “I wanted to do something with the pain I’ve gone through.”
Now on medication that helps keep his seizures under control, Mohr has started a nonprofit called Twelve 28 Gives that helps purchase potentially life-saving watches for people living with epilepsy.
“It helps detect seizures and notifies parents, authorities, to speed up the process of getting them back to normal after a seizure,” he said.
Anderson Head Coach Evan Dreyer is impressed that Mohr plays two varsity sports, but is extremely proud of what Mohr is doing outside of competition.
“I think to create a nonprofit as a teenager is unbelievable,” Dreyer said. “For him to step out of his comfort zone and want to help other people — that’s the difference in today’s world. Everybody is worried about themselves, and Landon takes it even a step further, not only what’s going on with him but takes care of others.”
Mohr said his mom was the driving force behind starting the nonprofit.
“Wouldn’t be able to do anything I do today without my parents, especially my mom,” Mohr said.
Twelve 28 Gives operates solely on donations which can be made through the website.
“We just started a new project with the epilepsy foundation where we’re giving rides to people who don’t have their license due to epilepsy and having a seizure,” he said. “So we have our story, our mission and our donation box on our website again, twelve28gives.com. That’s where you can find us and support us.”
Mohr is hopeful his seizures can stay under control and that he can continue to be an advocate for people with epilepsy.
Anderson High School hosts Clinton-Massie at 7 p.m. on Spectrum News 1 on Aug. 27.
