ATHOL, Mass. – Many of us do it every day without thinking. Going for a walk is almost second nature, something many of us may even take for granted.

But for Josh Hunt, who was born with cerebral palsy, which impacts his ability to move and posture, walking was a difficult thing to do for most of his life.

"I've had partial paralysis since birth due to the lack of oxygen in my brain," said Hunt. "So, nothing fully developed."

 

What You Need To Know

• Josh Hunt was born with cerebral palsy, which severely impacted his development as a child

• Hunt didn't walk until he was 3, and once he took those steps, they were very painful

• Hunt is now using electronic stimulation as a way to help him move around more normally and without pain

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Hunt didn't start walking until he was 3 years old. When he did walk, he wouldn't do much, as the pain was unbearable. His condition made him a target for bullying at school, and the struggle led him down a long and dark path.

"At some point, was in a depressive state, negative thoughts," Hunt said. "Just wanted to end it all because of all the pain."

Hunt scoured the internet in hopes of a miracle. It was then he came across electrical stimulation. He found a device which would send electrical waves to his nerves, allowing them to function closer to normal. 

However, he couldn't afford the device.

"I just thought I was never going to walk anymore," he said.

Hunt's wish for a miracle came true. 

Funding from nonprofits In My Running Shoes and the Ethan Henry Lecours Foundation allowed him to get the device.

After 42 years, he was then able to walk more normally this past October, steps he'll never forget.

"Nerve-wracking," Hunt said, when asked about his first steps with the device. "The emotion I felt at that time was so overwhelming. My wife and I were in tears because after so long, I could finally walk normal."

The device sits just below Hunt's knee. He controls it through an app on his phone.

We went for a walk with Josh around a local park, something that would have caused him significant pain a few months ago.

"I'm not stopping as often," said Hunt. "I can hold my wife's hand and walk long distances."

Heading into his first summer with the device, Hunt plans on taking long walks on the beach with his wife. He wants to make up for all the summers he lost.

He has a message to others in a similar situation.

"There are resources out there that you can take advantage of," Hunt said. "You don't have to struggle, be alone. Just have to get motivated to do it."