JCR STRONG: Support of Joshua Christopher Ruelas

It is with a heavy heart that after a year and two months of battling an extremely aggressive bone cancer, Joshua took his last breath on 1/3/2023 at the age of 24.

Josh fought a silent battle that many extended friends and family did not know of; those even close to him could never quite understand the pain and suffering he went through on a daily basis.

On November 8, 2021, after enduring weeks of pain, scheduling of labs, and navigating scans to find the cause of his agony, Josh was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in his right humerus. In a very short period of time, he began chemotherapy at infusion centers on a weekly basis. Unfortunately, the first, second, and third chemotherapy regimens proved unsuccessful as his cancer continued to spread beyond the original site. By March 2022, Josh had a forequarter amputation to his right arm and shoulder and a piece of his lung removed. To say this was a life-changing moment in all of our lives, but especially Josh’s, is a huge understatement.

During his emotionally and physically draining recovery, Josh made incredible efforts to heal himself from within and continue to do the things he loved. Just days after being released from the hospital, he went outside for the first time in months to drive around town. He practiced his left handwriting everyday, played basketball, and searched for one-handed video game controllers. Josh seemed to have a new outlook on life and we were so grateful for the light that grew in him.

After clear scans a month after his surgery, Josh began chemotherapy #4 to keep any new cancer from forming. As an avid sneakerhead, we were able to take a trip to Las Vegas and then Los Angeles to search for his favorite shoes. He started curating a mass collection of basketball cards, going out with friends more, and spending time with his loved ones. He continued to pursue his goals of becoming a Physical Therapist and signed up for the last class he needed to apply for school. By August, he was taking Microbiology with his closest cousin Ryan. Despite the cancer continuing to grow in his lungs and the remaining part of his shoulder, Josh kept going. One chemotherapy after the next, followed by radiation, his discomfort got worse and worse, but his determination never wavered. He took his final exam at school when he could barely walk due to the pain.

In the final months of Josh’s life, our goal was to keep him as comfortable as possible. He tried every treatment there was for this disease and then some. Throughout his entire journey, Josh was incredibly brave. The word “strong” doesn’t encompass the amount of courage, fight, and willpower it took him to live life in a constant state of fear that his cancer may never go away. Every day that Josh was sick, his girlfriend Hailee took care of him and sat by his side as his personal registered nurse. Her strength gave Joshua the power to help face this terrible illness. We know that God brought the two of them together to share a one-of-a-kind love.

While it doesn’t make it any easier, Josh was at peace again the moment he took his final breath for what seemed like the first time in ages. We know he has his arm back playing basketball with Kobe in Heaven, being welcomed with open arms by his Grandma Connie Lucas and Grandpa Julio Ruelas, and watching over us with a smile on his face. Josh wants us all to be happy, and we will live our lives to the fullest everyday for him.

At this time, we kindly ask for donations for his medical expenses and funeral services during the most challenging time in the lives of the Ruelas Family. We are extremely grateful for the constant love, support and prayers you have embraced Josh with. Our family is blessed to be surrounded by this community. May God rest his mind, body, and spirit in everlasting peace and serenity.

With love and grace,

The Ruelas Family

Joshua, Jean and Alfredo, Ashley, Hailee, & Ray