Joshua's Medical Fund

For all of those following Joshua’s journey, we thank you for your thoughts, prayers, love and support.  They are all deeply felt and appreciated, and it is with continued gratitude that we continue to move forward.  Many people have asked “how can they help?” With our hectic schedules, we never really sat down and thought about it until a friend suggested that we share our story and ask for help.


Joshua, now 2 years old, was born with major complications.  It started with meconium aspiration (like a black tar inside of your lungs). The umbilical cord was knotted around his neck, which prevented oxygen to his brain. Shortly afterward, he was rushed to the Children’s Hospital of Atlanta where he was placed on an ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) machine, which allowed his lungs to take a break while his body attempted to heal itself. After 2 weeks, he was finally discharged from the hospital, diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and Epilepsy.  Within his first 2 weeks of life, he’d already suffered through and endured strokes, seizures, limited mobility, and a whole host of other challenges.  Fast forward to today, he is now mobile.  He can’t walk yet because the right side of his body was greatly affected by the stroke on his brain.  However, with the help of his physical therapy, he crawls and scoots everywhere in lightning speed. His speech therapy is also showing great benefits.  He is now beginning to say words that start with a vowel.  Consonants are still a challenge, but like everything else, he is slowly but surely progressing.  


With all of the stress and struggle of ensuring that Joshua survives and thrives, I have undergone challenges of my own.  I have experienced blood pressure issues that have just been associated with nodules on my adrenal glands, along with being diagnosed with Primary Hyperparathyroidism.  I will have to go through at least one surgery to remove one or more thyroids (they won’t know how many until they go in).  Additionally, I have to undergo an exploratory procedure to determine if I can undergo a 2nd surgery to remove the nodules on my adrenal glands.   If that wasn’t enough I has been diagnosed with Chronic  Kidney Disease. I have been diagnosed with more issues that concern my heart but it’s just too much to list.  My focus has been and will always be to take care of my babies and my husband.


We were already struggling to keep up with all of the medical costs. With my husband working full time and me being the primary caregiver for Joshua, we have officially reached our limit and graciously are asking for help.   No gift is too small –anything will help and your support, love, thoughts, and prayers are greatly appreciated.