Josie was born with a disability and by six months of age, she had a trach and was staying at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh—but her family wanted her at home. In 1984, she was admitted into home healthcare and she has been on it ever since. Josie’s nurses help with her ventilator and trach, along with other types of complex medical care and everyday needs. Growing up, her nurses went with her to school, on camping trips and to college where she lived in the dorms. Josie was Valedictorian of her high school and went on to college where she earned a Bachelor’s in Disability Law and Advocacy, a Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling, and a Doctorate in Healthcare Ethics. In 2012, Josie was named Ms. Wheelchair America, focusing her efforts on engaging youth across the nation. Today, Josie has a consulting business and helps advocate for others with disabilities. Home healthcare has made all the difference for Josie, allowing her to grow up in a loving home environment, achieve her goals and dreams, and thrive in life.
