Man Hugs After 8 Years Thanks to OTA Students

After suffering from a stroke eight years ago, Kevin Eubanks was left with weakness in his left arm which inhibited his ability to hug among other things. Knowing how much her father missed giving hugs and had difficulty performing daily activities, Emily Sisco, occupational therapy assistant and adjunct professor at Arkansas State University, gave the task to her students to develop a piece of adaptive equipment that could help patients like her father.

Occupational therapy assistant students, Erica Dexter, Larissa Garcia, Lisa James and Casey Parsons, spoke extensively with Kevin and realized he missed giving hugs the most. Keeping this is mind, they came up with an idea that could offer a solution. They offered Kevin a strap that he could hold with the other hand and wrap around the person he wanted to hug. They named the device, HugAgain.

The emotional video of Kevin hugging after eight years with the help of HugAgain has since gone viral and has given hope to many around the globe. Kevin hugged his grandson in a heartwarming capture that has been viewed by millions. Click here for the news story.

Occupational and physical therapists also provide long-term and short-term therapy services to older adults in skilled nursing facilities. HugAgain will allow many nursing home residents to hug again like, Kevin.