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Josh Speidel returns to hospital to say thanks

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INDIANAPOLIS -- Staff at an Indianapolis hospital welcomed a special visitor for their annual holiday party tonight.

Former Columbus basketball star Josh Speidel returned to say thank you to those who cared for him after he was critically injured in a devastating car crash earlier this year.

When Speidel got out of the ICU, he was moved to Select Specialty Hospital to continue his recovery. That's where he returned Thursday night to say thanks and show the progress he's made.

"We feel kind of responsible for the progress that he made, and I think that's emotional for everyone," said Kathi Swanson, who was Speidel's nurse during his stay. "Just seeing him so happy and able to live his everyday life is amazing."

Speidel spent a month at the hospital working to recover.

"God handpicked each one of these people to take care of Joshua," his mom, Lisa, said. "He brought them into our path to carry us along this journey and I don't even know how to thank them."

Since the beginning of the school year, Speidel has been working as a teaching assistant at a Seymour elementary school. He has a goal to one day attend the University of Vermont – the school he was set to play basketball for, before his injury.

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