In Support of Josie's Journey to Aquatic Therapy
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Hello family and friends,
We are coming together for Josie’s Journey to Aquatic Therapy.
Josie has a chromosome deletion (7q22.1–q31.2), which brings many challenges to her daily life. Among others, Josie lacks the FOXP2 gene. FOXP2 is linked to human speech and language development. She is non-verbal and relies on intensive physical therapy to help her build strength and work toward walking.
Over the past several years, Josie has suffered three serious falls—breaking her arm twice and her hip once. Her body needs a safer, more supportive way to strengthen and heal.
Recently, Josie began aquatic therapy with a trained and licensed physical therapist, and the benefits have been life-changing. In the water, Josie has experienced:
- Improved balance and core strength without the fear of falling
- Increased flexibility and less pain in her muscles and joints
- More endurance during therapy because her body feels lighter in the pool
- Confidence and joy as she moves freely in ways she cannot on land
Her family has seen firsthand that this therapy works—but access and availability is limited throughout the year and the only way to remove those barriers is to bring this therapy home where Josie can continue year-round.
The need is great:
- $40,000–$60,000 for a specialized therapy pool
- $10,000 for the purchase and installation of a pool heater to keep it usable for much of the year
- Plus the ongoing cost of a licensed aquatic physical therapist to guide her sessions
This is not an expense any family could plan for—but it’s what Josie needs to thrive. Together, we can make it possible.
Let’s surround Josie and her family with love and support. If everyone gives a little, together we can create a life-changing gift that will help Josie move, grow, and dream big.
✨ For updates, follow here as her parents, Joe and Melissa, will post and share Josie’s progress and milestones.
You can support Josie in several important ways. Every bit helps, and we're grateful for all your support. Please:
- Choose from Support Registry options
- 'Share' to Spread the Word to family and friends
- 'Follow' Updates to stay informed
Updates
Keep up to date as needs change.
Dec 02, 2025
Permit Being Issued!
Exciting news! After months of waiting, I received an email from Pr...
Nov 02, 2025
Here's to Hope!
I know it has been quite some time since I've updated everyone so h...
Sep 15, 2025
Click "interviewed" in the update. It'll be the best thing you see all day!
For this update, let's journey back to where it all began. It was t...
- Created Aug 21, 2025
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