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Episode 23: Meet Josh Bridegewater - The Spina Bifida Skater
Today on Rockin the Difference, we’re talking with someone whose story rewrites what resilience can look like.
Josh Bridgewater is the oldest skateboarder with spina bifida — a title he never set out to earn, but one he carries with pride. Born with his spine outside his body, Josh has endured more than 46 surgeries just to keep moving through life as normally as possible.
Growing up, he faced bullying, isolation, and the kind of challenges most of us will never understand. But everything changed the day he found skateboarding — and with it, a community that accepted him exactly as he was. What started as a personal escape evolved into a calling.
As an adult, Josh as poured his energy into teaching kids with spina bifida and other disabilities how to ride, how to fall, how to get back up, and how to hold onto a positive mental attitude even when life hits hard. He knows the darkness of suicidal thoughts, and he knows the light that comes from purpose and connection.
Josh and his wife Shawna, are an amazing team that work together to show the resiliency of love for each other and community through all the ups and downs that life brings.
His story is raw, real, and incredibly inspiring — and I’m honored to share it with you.
Let’s get into it.
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By Chandra Neal/Single Mom/Special Needs Mom/Special Needs Sports Program Board MemberToday on Rockin the Difference, we’re talking with someone whose story rewrites what resilience can look like.
Josh Bridgewater is the oldest skateboarder with spina bifida — a title he never set out to earn, but one he carries with pride. Born with his spine outside his body, Josh has endured more than 46 surgeries just to keep moving through life as normally as possible.
Growing up, he faced bullying, isolation, and the kind of challenges most of us will never understand. But everything changed the day he found skateboarding — and with it, a community that accepted him exactly as he was. What started as a personal escape evolved into a calling.
As an adult, Josh as poured his energy into teaching kids with spina bifida and other disabilities how to ride, how to fall, how to get back up, and how to hold onto a positive mental attitude even when life hits hard. He knows the darkness of suicidal thoughts, and he knows the light that comes from purpose and connection.
Josh and his wife Shawna, are an amazing team that work together to show the resiliency of love for each other and community through all the ups and downs that life brings.
His story is raw, real, and incredibly inspiring — and I’m honored to share it with you.
Let’s get into it.