JJ Hutson Updates

03/01/2026

It’s official! JJ has conquered the task of learning how to drive with hand controls! If you see him around town, feel free to wave, however, he has a hard time waving back. Both hands are occupied most of the time; with one used for steering and the other for the brake and gas. He has worked really hard to get to this point and we are all very proud of him. 

29/11/2025

The laughter is the best!

29/11/2025

JJ driving in Springfield

29/11/2025

JJ has had a good Thanksgiving break! He did some drivers training in Springfield and it went so great! This is a huge answer to prayer!
Went for a dental check up and the team at Advanced Dental took good care of him.
Then had a little fun with family! He had his brother, Brandon and cousin, Dathan get him out of his chair so he could sit on the floor and play catch. The laughter in the process was priceless! So thankful we can have good times together despite the circumstances. Happy Thanksgiving!

21/10/2025

JJ is still working hard and having a great time at PT/OT! Driving solo is still a goal for JJ. He is just taking it a little slower than he originally thought he would.  It’s a little scary to learn how to drive with hand controls. JJ went back to drivers training last week and the instructor was very pleased with the progress he’s made in strengthening his arms and upper body. JJ will go back again, the end of November to touch base with the instructor and drive on the main roads. 
School is going well and JJ is enjoying being on the football field with his friends.
He still loves to talk with people about his recovery and the words of encouragement mean so much to him! Thank you all for your support & prayers in this journey! 

18/09/2025

Great video of JJ that Missouri KIDS put together!

17/09/2025

Today it has been 2 years since JJs accident, the day we were told he’d never move again from his neck down. God had different plans! JJ has come so far and we are so thankful for God’s hand in every moment. We have been surrounded by great people who love and support JJ and we couldn’t have made it this far without them. If you see JJ today give him and big hug! And he can hug you back!

14/08/2025

JJ is getting so close to driving solo! After a few trips to Springfield this week all of his controls have been installed. He still has some training left to do before he’s able to drive alone but things are going well. Prayers for strength and endurance are greatly appreciated!

12/08/2025

Another person who was blessed by Missouri KIDS! Such an amazing organization! 

🚗💙 FREEDOM & INDEPENDENCE FOR KALEB! 💙🚗

We are thrilled to share that Kaleb, one of our amazing Missouri KIDS recipients, has his new accessible vehicle—and it’s already changing his life!

This was truly a team effort:

✅ Thank you to Napleton Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram and United Access Springfield who worked with us to find and customize the perfect vehicle.
✅ Thank you to Cox Health Driving Rehabilitation Program -- they were phenomenal to work with, ensuring Kaleb is set up for success and safety on the road.

At Missouri KIDS, we provide lifelong support to permanently disabled student-athletes—helping with vehicles, adaptive equipment, tuition assistance, and more. Kaleb’s new ride means more than just transportation—it means freedom, independence, and opportunity.

💛 To continue making stories like this possible, we need YOU! Our 50th Anniversary Benefit Auction is coming up on September 25, 2025. Join us as a sponsor, donor, or guest—and help us create more life-changing moments for Missouri KIDS! 💛

📅 Event Info & Tickets: https://one.bidpal.net/mokids50th/welcome

03/08/2025

JJ is 18 today!!! 🎉🥳🎈He was able to celebrate yesterday with some friends and family Freedom Park in Rogersville. Thanks to JP Sell and his team of awesome people, JJ now has a custom fishing pole and already has plans to fish with friends on Friday. 

Update on JJ driving… his hand controls are getting installed next week! He will still have a little training left, but before long he will be driving on his own!

JJ returned to Craig hospital in July for an outpatient evaluation. The team at Craig was very impressed with his progress. They even let him leave a day early because he didn’t have anything else he needed to work on. 

JJ completed his sleep study last week and everything looks good although we haven’t received the official report yet. 

JJ continues to have an amazing attitude about his situation. He knows that God has a plan and he’s looking forward to living that out. He’s already making plans to attend college and would love to be part of a nonprofit organization to help other people out in similar situations.
Our family is truly grateful for all of the support and prayers that we have received throughout this process. Thank you all! Stay faithful! God is good!

Check out Freedom Park at
https://freedomparkmo.com/

13/06/2025

Drivers training is going well! JJ is still trying controls out in the training car but should have things narrowed down to get controls in his van soon.
When training started the instructor was worried that JJ would need a lot of extra technology, but he has gained a lot of strength, working with OT and PT and it appears he will not need much. This is a huge improvement and we are so proud of all his hard work!

27/05/2025

Big day for JJ! We picked up his 2023 Chrysler van today! He no longer has to duck or tilt his chair to get in or out and this van has some really nice features to accommodate his needs. Next week he will start his summer drivers training and before we know it he’ll be driving himself around!
We could not have gotten here without the help of Missouri KIDS and United Access of Springfield. So thankful for everyone’s hard work to make this happen!
Remember to be patient and faithful! God always provides!