After 17-year-old Jatayvion “JT” Thomas suffered a football-related spinal cord injury that resulted in quadriplegia, the senior found an inspiring-to-all, different form of expression.
With the assistance of therapeutic art via Ranken Jordan's Care Beyond the Bedside program, JT is painting by using tools in his mouth to produce incredible works of art.
Kristin LaRose, MSN, RN, CRRN, NE-BC, ACHE, Ranken Jordan's chief nursing officer, says the therapeutic art program is made possible by the Arthur and Helen Baer Foundation as an example of Ranken Jordan’s initiatives focused on getting youths out of their hospital rooms and using the power of play to help them heal.
"One of our main goals at Ranken Jordan is to find something that our patients connect with during their time here, whether it’s golf, music or spending time outside. Finding that connection point can often be the key to their recovery and provide much needed joy for children going through so much," explains Kristin.
For JT, a resident of Palmyra, Missouri, art became a lifeline.
“It’s been a major change for me,” he says. “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.”
JT's interest in art somewhat stems from his father being an artist. Ranken Jordan's art teacher Julie Villhard thought art might be a natural fit for him.
"When Julie suggested that I try painting with my mouth, at first I laughed, but with her encouragement, I figured trying something new doesn’t hurt anyone,” JT recalls.
Painting takes your head away from things, JT shares. “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 also is a source of camaraderie for JT during his time at Ranken Jordan, with his football teammates visit on the weekends and many have tried mouth painting.
JT’s paintings also are shared online on his "Four JT’s Journey" Facebook page, which has more than 8,200 followers. He sold some of his pieces to raise money for the Missouri nonprofit, Down Country, too.
Notably, his artwork was accepted for display in the annual "Teen Takeover—Young Artists Exhibition" at the Saint Louis Art Museum starting on May 1.
JT’s mother, Luchea Thomas, says she believes painting at Ranken Jordan has helped her son keep the faith following that horrible night on the football field. “It's been hard and very stressful. But I tell him you just gotta' stay strong. We’re going to get through this together. We’re not going to give up. I tell Julie every day that painting is what keeps him going,” she adds.
While focusing on restoring his mobility through physical therapy and occupational therapy, JT says he’s taking life day by day.
One recent, positive spotlight is JT, now 18 years old, proudly attended his high school graduation in May and was voted prom king. While he's a big fan of steak and potatoes, he loves cookies and cream ice cream. And he's motivated by the following mantra: "You can rise up from anything. You can completely recreate yourself and your future. Nothing is permanent. You're not stuck. You can learn something new. You can create new habits. All that matters is that you decide today and never look back."
"JT's injury changed the path he was on, but it hasn't changed who he is. A strong, kind, resilient young man with character and so much life ahead of him."