Thank you for clicking on this go fund me page. My name is Cassandra and I am Joshua Ways’ mother. Joshua has been in MICU since Monday, April 25th on a ventilator and had to be placed in a medical induced coma. Joshua had traveled from Alabama to New York to celebrate the birthday of his twin sisters. He has a debilitating genetic blood disease (Sickle Cell SS Disease) and was hospitalized on Sunday, April 23rd while in New York. It was believed, at that time, that this was a typical “pain crisis” hospitalization related to his blood disease. However, Joshua’s family was told that he experienced a seizure and during that episode, vomited and it aspirated into his lungs, less than 24 hours after being admitted.

He now has a critical infection in his lungs caused by inhaling his vomit. His entire body is sepsis. Joshua was moved from the initial hospital to a hospital in the Bronx that could better accommodate his critical and growing medical needs. Joshua immediately underwent a potentially life-saving procedure called an “exchange transfusion” and they removed all his red blood and replaced with 8 units of blood not having the genetic ss gene. There are so many Joshua will have to overcome.

If you met Joshua, you would see a person who loved others. He always went above and beyond for everyone. One would immediately pick up on his sense of humor, he always made those around him laugh. In spite of the debilitating pain he experienced everyday of his life (Sickle Cell Disease), he lived life and never complained. Joshua’s family needs help to cover traveling back and forth from Alabama to New York, lodging, medical bills and so many other related expenses. Joshua worked as a manager of a pizza restaurant in Alabama and had limited medical insurance, including no prescription coverage.

This tragedy is devastating for his family who already faces so many barriers to adequate/affordable healthcare do to Joshua’s blood disease and spend so much annually to cover his medical and prescription needs. His family has strong faith and believe God always provides what ever the need may be. Joshua’s road to recovery is long and slow, but obtainable! He will get through the high fevers, blood transfusions, tube feedings, medical induced coma, ventilator, infections, emotional, mental and any physical traumas, because he desires to live a full life. Please support him and his family even if it is with a prayer.

Funds donated will be used for medical expenses, copayments, travel/lodging, and other financial incidentals directly related to this unexpected illness. Joshua is loved and supported by family and friends and I thank you for any donation and/or pray for Joshua.