LOUISVILLE, Ky. – A multiple sclerosis patient has turned her personal success using an unlikely therapy into something that is helping patients cope with their neurodegenerative diseases.

“It’s the best kind of therapy,” said Kathleen Jordan, who came up with the Lego Therapy idea. “It’s a fun therapy.”

One random day a few years back, Jordan walked through the aisles of a thrift store and found a large, black garbage bag full of Legos.

The Legos wound up serving as a way Jordan could work on her improving herself through the scenes that she had built.

She then wanted to share her therapy with others. She took the idea for a Lego class to the Norton Neuroscience Institute Resource Center. Her idea gave rise to the Lego therapy program.

“I was just trying to get over grieving and come back to normal,” said Jordan. “This is awesome to have people learn and do other things.”

The Lego program launched in January 2019 originally for MS patients. But in 2020, it was decided to open up the program for various other types of neurodegenerative diseases.

Amber Brennan, an occupational therapist with the Norton Neuroscience Institute, said she’s seen patients improve their coordination, quality of life, community involvement, as well as the stress that comes with their conditions.

“You get to see the excitement on their faces,” said Brennan. “At the end of class, they’re so excited.”

Mike Goetz was diagnosed with MS in 2017. He said he heard about the class and wanted in. He’s happy he did and encourages others across Kentucky to give Legos a try.

“If it works, I’ll keep rolling with it.”

If you’d like to support the program, you can make a donation through the Norton Healthcare Foundation.