Joshua Nelson was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis at the age of 37 and received a 2019 permanent ileostomy in 2019. His experience fundamentally changed his approach to health and wellness. Following his first surgery, Joshua made a commitment to do everything within his power to never again allow illness to define or limit his life. His journey began with small, achievable goals. Initially, he focused on walking for just five minutes, believing that movement and circulation were important parts of the healing process. Five minutes became ten, then twenty, and eventually much more.

Once his medical restrictions were lifted, Joshua joined a local gym and applied the same philosophy to rebuilding his strength: start slowly, start light, listen to your body, and remain consistent. Over the following weeks and months, the physical changes became noticeable. After dropping to approximately 140 pounds during his illness, he gradually rebuilt his weight, strength, and muscle mass. Just as importantly, his confidence and mental well-being returned. Seven years later, that commitment remains a central part of his life. Joshua consistently trains four to five days each week and has continued to refine his approach to nutrition, exercise, recovery, and overall wellness.

Joshua’s journey also extends beyond his personal recovery. He is recognized as the first documented Air Force pilot to maintain flight status in a pressurized aircraft with a permanent ileostomy, demonstrating that an ostomy does not have to prevent someone from pursuing a demanding and active life. He graduated from the United States Air Force Weapons School in June 2025. He is a member of the United Ostomy Association of America, the Ostomy Association of the Minneapolis Area, and the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, and he remains passionate about sharing his experience to encourage others facing chronic illness, ostomy surgery, or major life changes.

Joshua resides in Otsego, Minnesota, with his wife, Natalie, and their two daughters, Brinley and Brenna. Through his story, Joshua hopes to demonstrate the power of perseverance, resilience, proper nutrition, physical fitness, and personal accountability—and to encourage others to take control of the aspects of their health and wellness that they can influence.