Help bring our Joshua home

Our 4-year-old nephew Joshua was a very active boy until, on February 13th, an ambulance had to bring him to Kona Community Hospital due to seizures, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, and neurological changes. A CT scan found Joshua had a pineal tumor in his brain, blocking one of his ventricles, and causing fluid to build up in his brain without proper drainage (hydrocephalus). Joshua was transported by air ambulance to Kapiolani Medical Center in Oahu, Hawaii on that same night. Joshua will be under ICU care in preparation for his life-saving surgery.

 

We have stayed by Joshua’s side and have been in contact with his neurosurgical team. On February 14th, they had paralyzed and intubated Joshua in order to place an external ventricular drainage (EVD) to drain hydrocephalus from his brain. The EVD relieved Joshua of his nausea and vomiting from seizures, allowing him to drink and retain food. We saw some smile back from him. The Kapiolani staff have been very attentive and caring for Joshua, giving him toys to play with which he has been very excited about.

 

So far, on February 15th, Joshua’s doctors are testing the fluid from his brain and plan to biopsy the tumor. The tumor sits in the middle of Joshua’s brain, above the spinal cord, and above major nerves. Joshua has undergone MRI scans to check the extent of his tumor and if he may need brain surgery for tumor removal or must undergo radiation/chemotherapy. Joshua has continuously spoken, “My birthday is June 8 and I will have my birthday at Legoland and Disneyland.” Joshua has only just begun a long road of difficult treatment, and your support can help bring him back home to his family.

 

All donations go directly to Joshua's parents, Junior and Josephine. All donations go directly to them as they prepare to cover the costs of Joshua’s surgery and his medical expenses in ICU. Junior aims to be by his side as much as possible, which requires an absence from work and donations will also go towards supporting their expenses.

 

Thank you so much for your support of our beloved Joshua. Joshua is a strong boy who is fighting very hard against his illness. We are very proud of him and are praying for God to bring him back with us to their home in Kailua Kona. Joshua has two brothers and two sisters, he is the youngest of 5. All of your love, thoughts and prayers will go a long way in support of Joshua in his recovery.