“His accident taught us a lot. Every second has become a little more precious,” said Stephanie Hinojos as she reflected on her son’s accident. Only a year ago, Josh Ramirez was hit by a reckless driver as he was walking near his high school. The sophomore was left pinned between a car and a cinderblock fence. This resulted in the fracture of his pelvis, and multiple areas of his knee. After 7 surgeries to save his leg, the tragic accident resulted in amputation. Josh was fitted for a prosthetic at Scottish Rite hospital and began his therapy journey at MCRC only a month later in November of 2019.
With the assistance of therapy sessions, Josh has begun to navigate his new life. If you have a chance to visit with him, you might hear him say, “I have two perfectly good legs.” This positive outlook has allowed Josh to achieve goals that once seemed far out of reach.
Watching him now, you might never know the extent of his journey. After months of hard work in physical therapy, the young man that once used a walker or crutches to move around the building can now be seen running. COVID didn’t stop this journey, as Josh’s therapists worked diligently to create at-home exercise plans and activities to continue his progress and level of comfortability with his prosthetic. “We began working towards his goal of running during telehealth. I asked him to set up a pillow obstacle course in his living room. This activity ultimately led to him taking larger steps, then jumping, and now running. I am so proud of the progress he has made,” said his physical therapist Kelsey McDonald, DPT.
Josh has faced many obstacles since the accident. One of them being the initial loss of his extra-curriculars. Before beginning treatment, the once star athlete had come to terms with never playing basketball again; however, Kelsey pushed him to dream bigger. “MCRC has made a difference not only in his mobility, but also in his self-confidence,” said Stephanie.
Like any teen, Josh is sometimes reluctant to come to therapy. To motivate him, his therapists incorporated his driving passion of basketball. As Josh prepares to enter his senior year, he and Kelsey are working diligently to ensure that he is ready for next year’s basketball tryouts. This is just one of many goals that the self-motivated teen has set for himself. After graduation, Josh hopes to attend Texas Tech University where he plans to pursue a career as a physical therapist or to work at a children’s hospital as a prosthetist. Josh said he enjoys coming to MCRC, because it helps him make progress towards his dreams.
“Each week I have the privilege of watching him get better. As he masters a new skill, I see the confidence and light return to his eyes,” said Kelsey.
After just once glance, it is easy to see the bond between Josh and Kelsey. The two challenge each other on and off the court. Kelsey noted that Josh serves as a great reminder for why she became a physical therapist. Like Josh, she also suffered an injury that affected her high school athletic experience. The two are able to discuss not only the physical aspect of his journey, but also the emotional.
Josh also recently started therapeutic riding at the center. In his sessions, he is working on core strengthening and working through movement challenges. “Although initially reluctant, he has really enjoyed his sessions,” said Lead Equine Director Laura Buzbee.
“MCRC gives me hope. Without this service, I don’t know where we’d be. Coming here has helped him live differently every day and without MCRC, I wouldn’t be able to afford this kind of therapy,” said Stephanie.
