Josh Gray

Today was Media Day for Josh to tell his story. It started as a regular day for Josh,an early rise for a day at school except he had an appointment with the media. From 7:30 am until 10:30, Josh attended class as usual, sharing with his friends a TV reporter would be coming to school for an interview. Dad, Mom, brother Nathan, and sister Taylor were all on hand for the big day. The first of three interviews started with a videographer from the Press-Enterprise newspaper. The reporter asked Josh a number of questions on camera regarding his story and he described his personal experience of the past year. To say the least, Josh said he was a bundle of nerves on camera, though you could not tell from an outside view. He seemed relaxed and cool under fire as the journalist ran through a list of questions. Josh answered each one clearly and as always gave a bit of humor along the way. Soon after the interview, Reporter Mary Parks of NBC news arrived at the school with a camera crew in the NBC 4 news van, which brought a lot of attention to the surrounding students. The buzz began to pick up among the other students asking, “why are they here and who are they here for?” As Mary Parks and the camera operator began to set up their equipment, Mom and Dad assisted Josh with his cap and gown for graduation. Each interviewer wanted pictures with Josh in his traditional graduation wear. The family then situated themselves on a wall in front of the school as onlookers began to gather around. Among the crowd were Valley View High School Principal Kristen Hunter and Dean of Students Robert Brough. School was still in session as the interview began, so we had to work around the  hustle and bustle of the other students. During the interview, school buses would pull up and create unanticipated noise and distractions all of which became very humorous. The reporter attached a lapel microphone to each of us one at a time. First, it was Mom with a few questions on camera, then Dad’s turn. Josh was mic’d next and told his story. It was amazing to see the reporter with tears in her eyes as Josh spoke. Mary Parks mentioned, “we’re not supposed to make the reporter cry.” It was truly a special moment for us. Next, it was back home to meet with Laurie Lucus from the Press-Enterprise newspaper for a follow-up to the story printed in February 2010. She brought along with her a camera man for another photo opportunity of Josh and the family. It was great to hear Laurie comment on how much Josh had improved since she last met with us four months ago. The interview lasted about an hour and covered the happenings of the past few months.

The NBC news story aired Monday June 7, as a portion of the 6 pm newscast on channel 4. The Press-Enterprise story is online already along with additional pictures and the videography. Here is the LINK to the Press-Enterprise news story. We are very grateful to have the opportunity to share Josh’s story in the media. A special Thank you goes out to everyone at Casa Colina Rehabilitation Hospital. Dr. Patterson and several of Joshua’s therapists were on hand to give a testimony of his rehabilitation efforts, and how much of an inspiration he has been.