June 2023 Special Needs Living Akron/Canton

It’s a Bird… It’s a Plane… No, It’s Super Joe!

Joseph David Towell

By Melissa Klat with Photos By Julian Curet

You’d never guess that lively, twelveyear-old Bath resident, Joseph David Towell (aka Joey or Super Joe), had a rough go of things, especially in his early years. Through an incredible amount of support from mom and dad (Jennifer and Thomas), caring specialists, and lots of hard work put in via various therapies, you’ll find Joey is one of the most active kids you’ll ever meet!

JOEY’S DIFFICULT START: THE EARLY YEARS

Joey’s first few years were extremely difficult. He was born with a large atrial septal defect in his heart and underwent open heart surgery at the University of Michigan Heart Center while a mere nine months old. He also had three eye surgeries, tubes put in his ears, his tonsils and adenoids removed, and wore a helmet as an infant.

“He now follows up with Akron Children’s Heart Center every year and will have to have another surgery to fix his mitral valve at some point,” says mom, Jennifer.

With his parent’s love, some aid from leg braces and Kinesio tape, and lots of therapy, Joey was able to learn how to walk around age four. Today, you’ll catch Joey running!

SUCCESSES TODAY CAME FROM OVERCOMING HIS STRUGGLES YESTERDAY

Though Joey went through major trials and tribulations in his earlier years, the love from his parents, wonderful medical teams, and therapy (physical, music, occupational, and speech) have paid off today. Joey can enjoy playing all of his favorite sports:

• Tennis

• Football

• Basketball

• Horseback Riding

“I started the Akron Buddy Up Tennis chapter in 2014. It is an adaptive tennis program for individuals with Down syndrome of all ages,” says Jennifer. “Joey participates in Buddy Up Tennis, rides horses at Victory Gallop (since he was two years old), and plays CYO basketball and football.

He also participates in Empower Sports program including basketball and flag football.”

Joey has come a long way but faces a challenge every day when navigating social relationships, accepting himself as a student with worth and value, and not allowing others to put limitations on what he can or cannot do. His current elementary school is inclusive and supportive of him as a student; however, Jennifer and Thomas’ next challenge will be finding a high school that can match those same expectations!

Another source of inspiration comes from the P.J. O’Neil family and the Todd Eisinger family. They have all been supportive and always encouraged us to push Joey to be his best. They are both older than Joey but also have Down syndrome. Their families paved the way for Joey and other kids to be included. We hope that we can do the same for future families who have a family member with a disability.”

Joey’s long-term dreams include going to college, getting married, and moving away to Utah. Though mom and dad hope he stays closer to home, they’re so excited to help support all of Joey’s dreams!

INSPIRATION COMES FROM UNIQUE PLACES!

Mom, Jennifer, shares her inspiration for being such a pillar in Joey’s life: “You are your child’s number one advocate. You know your child better than anyone else and make sure to always trust your instinct. If something feels off, it probably is. We always create a resume to give all of Joey’s new teachers each year to highlight his strengths and also provide some options for challenges. Be willing to talk with coaches, teachers, and administrators and help support them to include your child. Your child has a right to be on any team, join any class, and participate in any school that they want to be in. Just because Joey may learn differently does not mean he is any less of a student or a person. Your child has a right to education, employment, and most importantly, happiness!