Support the Ladd Family's Medical Journey

Greetings from the Ladd Family!

Josh and Gretchen are blessed with two wonderful boys, Jackson (9) and Nixon (6), and feel incredibly fortunate for the love and support of their family and friends. However, despite their many blessings, they are facing some new significant medical challenges where Josh will be undergoing open heart surgery and will be off work for several months.

In October 2023, Gretchen was diagnosed with a rare chronic lung disease, Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM). This condition is characterized by the abnormal growth of cells in the lungs, lymphatic system, and other organs like the kidney. This was discovered after a pneumothorax (lung collapse) which resulted in multiple chest tubes and surgery. Her current condition is considered moderate, and it will be a lifelong battle.

Then, in January of this year, after battling a persistent cough for two months, Gretchen encouraged Josh to get a chest x-ray. The results were shockingly unexpected. First, Josh was diagnosed with Bronchiectasis, a chronic lung disease characterized by the permanent widening and inflammation of the airways. This makes it harder to clear his airways when sick; and with two elementary aged children, makes it a challenge to stay healthy. 

Both of these lung conditions are extremely rare, and for both to affect members of the same family is unfortunate and unexpected.

Secondly, to add to their challenges, doctors also discovered two aortic aneurysms in Josh which requires immediate surgery. After further testing and imaging, it has been determined that Josh will need open-heart surgery in early May to place a graft and replace the damaged aorta and aortic valve. He will be in the hospital for about a week and will need approximately three months to recover at home.

Josh and Gretchen are facing a lot right now, especially with the added pressure of Josh’s heart surgery. While it’s reassuring to know that surgery is on the horizon and that a clear treatment plan is in place, the road to recovery will certainly be a challenging one.

With the support of their family, friends, and generous donors, we can help ease some of the financial burdens they are facing during this difficult time. Let’s come together to lift them up and ensure that their hearts and minds are filled with the love and care they need to stay strong and heal.