Five young adults pose playfully against a blue backdrop, smiling and holding their hands up in a fun gesture. Two are seated on stools while three stand behind them, all appearing cheerful and energetic.

Josh Dowd

Graduate, Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program

  • Connection

About the portrait

Self-Titled

Josh’s Journey

Photographer

Rowin Hernandez

About Josh

Josh Dowd offers a joyful and hopeful outlook on life after sustaining a traumatic brain injury during an attack in 2021 that left him in a coma for nearly three weeks. Given the severity of his injury and his remarkable progress, those around him regard Josh as a true medical miracle.

Originally from North Carolina and now living in Georgia, Josh is a licensed massage therapist who enjoys jogging and deeply values the close friendships that he credits with saving his life during difficult times.

His recovery has been a steady journey, from relying on a wheelchair to using walking aids, with the ultimate goal of walking independently again. Embracing resilience and humor, Josh proudly titled his portrait “Josh’s Journey” to reflect his personal growth and determination.

He finds joy in simple everyday moments like doing laundry or going to the gym, and loves making others laugh. For Josh, hope means living positively in the present and doing what brings happiness. The care he received at Shepherd Center has been instrumental in rebuilding his confidence and independence, helping him overcome challenges with both vision and mobility.

Josh encourages others facing similar obstacles to keep moving forward, take rest when needed, and then return to pursuing their goals. His plan for this year is simple: to get back to being Josh (but a little bit better).

In his portrait

  • Jacquline Wabler (paramedic): She first found Josh after his injury. Her quick response and care were critical in those early moments, helping stabilize him and get him the urgent medical attention he needed.
  • Jena Kelly (occupational therapist): She has helped Josh regain and adapt everyday skills necessary for greater independence and improved quality of life throughout his rehabilitation journey.
  • Maddie Early-Pizarek (speech-language pathologist): She has been vital not only in aiding his communication recovery but also as a trusted friend who has provided encouragement and support during challenging times.
  • Ryan Cedermark, D.C. (chiropractor at the Neurosolution Center of Atlanta): He has played an important role in Josh’s recovery by working to restore energy flow within his nervous system and brain.
Two young adults, one woman and one man, stand against a blue background. The man has his arm around the woman’s shoulders, and both are smiling at the camera. They appear relaxed and friendly.
A man with glasses, wearing a dark t-shirt and beige shorts, sits on a wooden box and smiles in front of a blue mottled background.
Three people stand together smiling in front of a blue background. The woman on the left wears a white shirt and jeans, the man in the middle wears glasses and holds a cane, and the man on the right wears a gray polo shirt.
Left image: Jena and Josh; Top right image: Josh; Bottom right image: Jena, Josh, and Dr. Cedermark