In the heart of Mission, Kansas, Justin Hostetter has emerged as a beacon of inspiration, not just within his community but across the entire Special Olympics Kansas (SOKS) network. At 32 years old, Justin’s story is one of resilience, passion, and a relentless drive to promote health and fitness, both for himself and for those around him. As the September Health Messenger of the Month, Justin’s journey reflects the spirit of determination that Special Olympics fosters in its athletes.
Justin’s journey began in Salina, where he spent the first 27 years of his life. Five years ago, he made the bold decision to move to Mission, a move that brought him closer to his parents while also giving him the independence he cherishes. With two older brothers—one in Los Angeles and another in Shawnee—Justin’s family remains a strong and supportive presence in his life, especially as he now enjoys the role of uncle to a two-year-old niece, with a nephew on the way.
His involvement with Special Olympics Kansas began shortly after his move to Mission. Eager to connect with his new community, Justin’s father reached out to the SOKS office, and soon, Justin was immersed in the world of Special Olympics. Over the past three years, he has actively participated in basketball, softball, bowling, and bocce. Among these, softball holds a special place in his heart. As someone with a heart condition—Truncus Arteriosus Type 2—Justin finds the pace of softball more manageable, allowing him to enjoy the fresh air and the camaraderie of his teammates without overexerting himself.
One of Justin’s most memorable moments with SOKS came during his first year when his basketball team won the state championship. “We definitely got a little excited, but it was fun to win,” he recalls with a smile. That same year, his team also clinched first place in the Metro softball tournament, marking the beginning of many more successes to come. As he looks ahead, Justin is hopeful for another triumphant season, with dreams of reclaiming the top spot in state softball.
Justin’s health journey is nothing short of remarkable. Diagnosed with Truncus Arteriosus Type 2 shortly after birth, he has undergone three major heart surgeries, with the first at just three years old. “They said I was the first in Kansas to survive this type,” Justin shares, a testament to his fighting spirit. Despite the ongoing nature of his condition, which requires careful management and regular surgeries, Justin has not let it hold him back. He is vigilant about staying active, exercising several times a week, and walking frequently, whether at work or in his neighborhood. His approach to health is balanced and practical—starting his day with water or milk, meal prepping for work, and cooking fresh dinners most nights. Though living on his own presents challenges, particularly in maintaining a healthy diet, Justin remains disciplined, striving to avoid unhealthy snacks and drinks in favor of more nutritious options.
Health and fitness have always been central to Justin’s life, motivating him to perform his best in sports and encouraging others to do the same. “It’s important to perform well in sports; it helps me do my best and helps me to encourage others,” he explains. His dedication has paid off, as he has noticed significant improvements in his fitness levels over the past few years. Regular workouts, including weightlifting and cardio, have become a staple of his routine, and he is constantly pushing himself to do better.
This passion for health is what inspired Justin to apply to become a SOKS Health Messenger. “Working out and being healthy has always been important to me and a part of my life, so I want to help others do the same,” he says. For Justin, becoming a Health Messenger is about more than just personal achievement; it’s about being more involved in the Special Olympics community and making a tangible difference in the lives of other athletes. His goal is simple yet powerful: to prove that “you can do anything you set your mind to, even if it takes a while.”
In his new role, Justin is already making an impact. Since completing his Health Messenger training last month and attending his graduation in August, he has participated in two official Health Messenger meetings. He is excited to continue learning and hopes to take on more specific roles, with aspirations of becoming a Fitness Captain on his team. Justin’s advice to others just starting their health and fitness journey is grounded in his own experience: “Don’t do too much at first; start slow, and take it day by day. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.”
Outside of his health-focused activities, Justin enjoys simple pleasures like listening to music, reading books, and spending time with friends. His work as a Patient Service Representative Assistant at KU Med brings him joy, as he gets to interact with patients and work alongside great colleagues. For Justin, relaxation is key to maintaining balance in his busy life.
Looking ahead, Justin is determined to continue progressing in his health journey, both personally and as a Health Messenger. His long-term goals include improving his diet by eating more fruits and vegetables and incorporating more walks into his routine. As a Health Messenger, he aims to be an advocate for both new and current messengers, helping state athletes stay as active as possible.
Justin Hostetter embodies the spirit of Special Olympics Kansas—a spirit of perseverance, community, and a commitment to health and fitness. His journey serves as an inspiration to all, proving that with determination and the right mindset, anything is possible.
