JT

JT's Story

Known as a standout athlete in his community, JT’s life changed forever during a football game on Sept. 12, 2025. JT sustained a spinal cord injury while making a tackle and was rushed to University Hospital in Columbia, Mo.

Following his time in the hospital, JT came to Ranken Jordan in November 2025. JT currently has feeling in his torso but he cannot move his arms and hands or his legs and feet.

“It’s been a major change for me,” JT said. “I’ve always been an outdoorsman, running around and playing sports. Everything happens for a reason and I’m keeping the faith and hope strong. But it’s been a big change for the whole community I grew up with and all my friends and family.”

Finding Art At Ranken Jordan

JT has always loved art and his dad is an artist so trying art at Ranken Jordan was a natural fit.

We offer a robust therapeutic art program led by art teacher Julie Villhard. The program is an example of our Care Beyond the Bedside® model, which focuses on getting kids out of their hospital rooms and using the power of play and fun to help them heal.

When a therapist suggested JT try painting with his mouth, JT laughed at first but Julie encouraged him to try it.

“I figured trying something new doesn’t hurt anyone,” JT said.

How Painting Has Helped JT

Since then, JT has become a bit of a celebrity at Ranken Jordan for the incredible art he creates by holding the paint brush in his mouth. Painting has helped JT fill his time and it has been a welcome distraction. He sometimes paints for four hours at a time.

“It takes your head away from things,” JT said. “You’re more focused on the painting than what’s going on around you. Going through an injury at 17 years old is tough and depression is a real thing so painting gives me an outlet.”

Painting has also been a source of camaraderie for JT during his time at Ranken Jordan. His football teammates visit on the weekends and many have tried mouth painting.

JT’s paintings have gained him recognition beyond Ranken Jordan. He shares his art online on his Four JT’s Journey Facebook page which has more than 7,000 followers, and he sold some of his pieces to raise money for the Missouri nonprofit, Down Country.

His artwork has been accepted for display in the annual youth exhibition at the prestigious Saint Louis Art Museum, which will open with an event from 5-7 p.m. Friday, May 1, 2026.

JT’s mom, Luchea Thomas, added she believes painting at Ranken Jordan has helped her son keep the faith following that horrible night on the football field. “I tell Julie every day that that’s what keeps him going,” she said.

What’s Next

JT said he’s taking life day by day and he is focused on restoring his mobility through physical therapy and occupational therapy. He also plans to attend his high school graduation in May.

“It has been hard, it has been very stressful,” Luchea said. “But I tell him you just gotta stay strong. We’re going to get through this together. We’re not going to give up.”