Joshua's medical expenses

I want to thank everyone who was praying for Joshua while he was in the hospital.  We’re so grateful to have him home but now the journey begins to get him back to where he was physically and developmentally. If you didn’t see the posts, he was having constant seizures for 20+ hours and was in a coma for several days. The diagnosis was viral encephalitis but the virus was never identified.  Right now he’s a frustrated 7 year old that can’t walk unassisted, needs speech, occupational and physical therapy just to get back to where he was when he was first hospitalized. 

As I watch my sister and her family struggle with Joshua’s care I want to help so I’ve started this fund to meet a few current, and future needs. First the expenses not covered by insurance during the hospital stay, then to help Christa finish getting her CNA certification, and start a fund for a seizure dog for Joshua. 

Joshua started getting sick at 10 months old. He has epilepsy with several different types of seizures, many food and seasonal allergies, some so severe he can’t attend public school unless a parent accompanies him all day. Needless to say he’s schooled online at home.  His allergies limit his diet so much that he has to have a specially ordered food supplements to help him get most of his nutrient needs. He has asthma, hypoxia, dysplasia, Von Willebrand disease, an enlarged heart, sensory and learning problems and I can't remember the rest right now.

I’d like to start a fund for a seizure dog to help Joshua have a more normal life since he’s getting older. Seizure dogs are trained to respond in various ways when someone has a seizure. People with epilepsy have found that a trained seizure dog helps them with securing speedy assistance when a seizure occurs or alerting others for help, while keeping them safe.

I’d want to see Christa finish the last course she needs to get her CNA certification. She was almost there when she had to quit work to take care of Joshua full time. As you can imagine there’s a lot of out of pocket expenses to take care of Joshua so she needs help with the tuition. Her husband, David, works full time and joined the Army reserves to help meet the families financial needs but it’s an uphill battle. By getting her CNA certification Christa can get paid for some of the care Joshua needs at home.

No gift is too small, the burden is easier when everyone pitches in so please share this with your friends.  Thank you for your many prayers, loving thoughts and good vibes!

#SeizureDog4Joshua