19-Year-Old UMAP Client an Inspiration

Josh Hodgson and his mother, Kori

Former UMAP client Josh Hodgson was only 13 years old when his life changed forever.

In 2005, on an ordinary day in Blair, Nebraska, Josh and his family were busy working in the garage. Suddenly, Josh’s brother, Tom, noticed Josh was not responding when he spoke to him. Josh’s family took him to the hospital, where it was discovered that he had just suffered a massive stroke.

After spending ten days in the hospital, he was admitted to Madonna Rehab Hospital, where he stayed for one month. During his stay at Madonna, Josh went to the Therapeutic Learning Center (TLC) as part of his therapy, where he was both treated and tutored so as to not fall too behind in his schooling. Josh continued to go to Madonna for 14 months for therapy.

Today, Josh is 19 and has just completed his third UMAP session. He first came after his senior year of high school in 2010, having discovered UMAP online. Josh was able to graduate high school with the rest of his class, due to his intelligence and strong motivation to keep up.

UMAP’s group therapy has been enjoyable for Josh, particularly the golf outing he went on during his second session. He has also participated in the Cooking Group and the Writing Group, the latter having been most enjoyable. His mom tells us that his daily journaling habit he has developed while at UMAP has helped improve his speech-language skills immensely. Josh also enjoys the Wednesday dinner gatherings, and has enjoyed exploring Ann Arbor with his mom.

Josh is the youngest of three, and has been an inspiration to his family. He is extremely close with his siblings, and his sister is currently studying to be an Occupational Therapist because of his story. His mother, Kori, could not be prouder of her son:

“Josh is very passionate and very determined to succeed. I used to look back at who he was, and what he used to be able to do. Now, I do not look back as much. Instead, I’m looking forward, to see what he’ll become.”

Josh, you are truly an inspiration to all of us here at UMAP!