Help Joshua Beat Cancer

As many of you know, I have an amazing and brilliant older brother, Joshua. He is in his last year of UBC medical school with aspirations to become a family doctor in his hometown of Kamloops, BC. On August 14th, 2021, our world came crashing down. Joshua was diagnosed with Cancer. 

The most difficult part of the diagnosis was that no one was able to determine the type of cancer it was. Without a diagnosis, there was no treatment, and the waiting began as test after test took place. 

Finally, after three months, Joshua was told that he had Grade 4 Spinal Cord Glioma that had metastasized to the bone. This type of cancer is so rare that there have only been 28 other cases reported in the world, which means that there are no standard guidelines for treatment regimens. For this reason, we know there is so much more to learn about this disease. 

There are only two treatments offered in Canada for this type of cancer. After receiving the diagnosis, Joshua started chemotherapy, and we remain hopeful. We are also reviewing and researching all the clinical trials in the world. Up until now, we are grateful to the family and friends who have stepped up to assist us. As we look ahead, we know the journey is going to be long, and many of you have asked to help. We have so much faith that we will find the right treatment to cure Joshua’s cancer, and we know with your help, this is possible. The funds raised will be used to help Joshua receive the best possible care and propel future cancer research in this field.

 

JOSHUA’S STORY

At a very young age, Joshua and I lost our father to cancer. Dr. Ross Yoneda was an amazing father and family physician in Kamloops who dedicated over 20 years to helping those in our community. Our father inspired us with his stories and his knowledge to follow in his footsteps and pursue a career in medicine. Our mother, who is a family nurse practitioner, has been our greatest cheerleader and has always pushed us to succeed in all facets of life. After losing our father, Joshua became the rock of our family; he became my biggest role model and my best friend. All I have ever wanted to be, is to be like my brother Joshua.

Joshua is an amazing human being with so much more to do in life. He graduated from Thompson Rivers University with a major in Cellular Molecular Microbial Biology. He then went on to complete his master’s degree in Microbial Genetics at the University of Regina. After successfully defending his thesis on antibiotic-resistant bacteria, Joshua was accepted into the Southern Medical Program at the University of British Columbia. During this time, Joshua became fascinated with specialties such as neurology, internal medicine, and family medicine. After spending a year at Royal Inland Hospital, he learned the immense gratification that came with forming patient relationships in family practice, which is something our dad spoke about often. 

With one year left before medical school graduation, Joshua moved to Vancouver to begin his first rotation at Royal Columbian Hospital. About halfway through his clinical, he began having trouble walking. He decided to go to the emergency after his shift, where the doctors ordered an MRI. Following his MRI on Saturday afternoon, Joshua asked the radiologist to view the scans. It was then that he saw a 26 mm mass on his spinal cord with bone lesions. 

We were told that the cancer was a slow-growing low-grade tumour based on the bone biopsy. But so much was still unknown. My mom and I rushed to Vancouver amidst the blazing BC forest fires to be with Joshua. We continued to advocate for Joshua and his health until we received a surgery date on October 26, three days before his 27th birthday. The pathology results from the surgery gave us a correct diagnosis which was not what we were expecting. What was once thought to be a slow-growing cancer, was now an aggressive tumour that was even more rare than we thought. The initial diagnosis was wrong. 

During these months of uncertainty, Joshua continued with his school. He found solace in helping others and using his wide array of knowledge to empathize with those in similar circumstances as himself. Joshua worked at GF Strong Rehabilitation Center, at Vancouver General Hospital on a neurology rotation and at a family practice clinic, which was his favourite. This speaks to the type of person Joshua is, where even in moments of pain, he still continued to push through to help others. 

As of today, Joshua has begun his first round of general chemotherapy. He is slowly gaining back his strength and nourishing his body before the next round of treatment. We pray every day that this chemotherapy is successful. In the event it is not, we are researching more options. Unfortunately, the treatment options in Canada are limited. It is the potential therapies offered by clinical trials abroad and alternative private companies that could be key to Joshua’s full recovery. 

Joshua is building his support team with the help of family and friends, which is not an easy task. This team must consist of all the necessary aspects needed to overcome this disease, including medical, natural, nutritional and spiritual. Unfortunately, our healthcare system is not set up to recognize the many aspects involved in healing. The experts in these areas exist; however, it is up to us to find them. We are so grateful for all of the kindness we have received during this difficult time. As we look ahead, we know this journey will be long, but I know with your help we will find the right treatment to cure Joshua’s cancer.  

Please take the time to share Joshua’s story to spread awareness about this devastating disease and donate to this worthy cause for cancer research around the world. As well, Josh would be so happy to read your kind messages, so please do not hesitate to reach out. Thank you for your continuous support and prayers for Joshua and our family. We feel so blessed to be a part of such a wonderful and caring community.