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Compiled by "Smart Mouth" columnist Amelia Robinson, Seen and Overheard is fueled by juicy tidbits, oddball tales and strange sightings.
Home > Blogs > Seen and Overheard > Archives > 2010 > May > 06 > Entry
Kettering hat designer regains ability to draw three years after breaking neck
Many thought artist and hat designer John “J.J.” Leen’s drawing days were over when he broke his neck, leaving his left hand paralyzed.
But after three years of therapy at Heartland of Kettering and plenty of prayer at Immaculate Conception, Leen is doing what he never thought he could, sketching hats with his right hand.
Michele Kreitzer, an assistant occupational therapist at the rest home, said Leen’s has improved tremendously over the last few weeks.
“Lately it just started to click for him,” she said of her formerly left hand dominated patient. “He had to retrain his brain.”
Leen, a 1967 graduate of the Dayton Art Institute and former owner of J.J.’s Hat Tree in the now closed Oregon Emporium, calls his regained abilities a miracle and he wants to give back.
“It means my prayers have been answered,” Leen said. “I prayed so hard that God would give me the ability to draw again.”
Fourteen of his sketches will be sold as part of Heartland of Kettering silent auction benefiting the center Hug Fund, which provides assistants to employees in need of emergency aid. The auction is May 15 to May 29. Call Alexis Bookey at (937) 298-8084.
His drawings will also be included in the Immaculate Conception’s dinner dance May 15.
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By Free Keylogger Download
May 28, 2010 12:05 PM | Link to this
Great sharing this.