In Honor Of Josh Griggle

It’s never easy to ask for help. In fact, it’s just hard. But, I’m reaching out on behalf of Josh Griggle, my brother in law, my sister, Jessica and their children, Rylee (17), Mason (11) and Natalie (8).

As many of you know, Josh is facing a battle no one wants to encounter. Cancer. If you are not aware, last fall, Josh was diagnosed with cancer of his vocal cords. This is a rare cancer and certainly not typical for his age and lifestyle.

Since then, Josh endured 29 rounds of radiation, was hospitalized countless times and had an emergency tracheotomy. As a result of the radiation side effects and the persistent cancer, Josh had a complete laryngectomy. Unfortunately, Josh lost his ability to speak yet the cancer remains. Searching for new options and new hope, Josh, Jess and the kids headed to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas on a quest to conquer the cancer once and for all. In meeting with his Oncology team at MD Anderson, Josh was informed that he will begin chemotherapy immediately with the hopes of shrinking the tumor and ridding his body of this very aggressive and fast growing cancer. Once the tumor shrinks, Josh will need to go through an extensive surgery to remove the tumor and reconstruct his throat.

Josh and Jess will need to return to Texas quite frequently to receive his treatments and to heal his body. Although they are fortunate that their medical insurance will cover much of the medical costs they face, the travel and lodging expenses will prove to be extraordinary. To know Josh is to know a kind human. A man with a smile that lights the room. A man who spends his time teaching children (and adults) about his passion, his pasttime of fishing. Josh spent countless hours and days on the rivers, streams, and lakes during his free time to mentor children - and he loves it! He never once told a child that he didn’t have time or resources, in fact, he’s purchased equipment for children so that it was a fun, educational, and worthwhile experience of fishing. More recently, Josh found new strength in watching Mason and Natalie climb in to the ring and learn the sport of boxing. Seeing his children find a love for a sport and being introduced to a new boxing family has rekindled the light in Josh that was starting to dim. Boxing has ignited a fight in the kids not just physically but is allowing the kids to battle this hard fight emotionally.

Josh has given to many, and now, in Josh’s time of need, I am asking for your help and support.

Josh will likely undergo months of treatment, the side effects can be debilitating but he is stronger than the cancer! Josh wants to try to work as long as he possibly can, but was already told once the surgery is scheduled, he will not be able to continue his employment until his health is restored. The timeframe is unknown.

Please consider donating to and supporting the Griggle Family. Please join me in supporting a family who has paid it forward on many levels. Let’s help Josh focus on a full recovery. Let’s remind him of the team of friends and family who stand with him!

It is with my sincere appreciation that I thank you, in advance, for any support you may be able to give to the Griggles.

The support is not just financially, as we are all living in uncertain times, so I ask that if you just can not donate financially, that you will please lift Josh, Jess, Rylee, Mason and Natalie in prayer. We believe that the love and power of prayer proves to be priceless.