Hello my name is Choveta, and my son's name is Josiah. Josiah is ten years old and had two strokes. The first happened when he was 3 years old and the second just before his 10th birthday.

After Josiah had his first stroke, he developed dystonia in his right hand, meaning he had to learn how to utilize his left hand for everything. As more challenges came Josiah's way, he learned how to ride a two-wheeler bike at the age of 7. Having right-hand dystonia meant that Josiah's balance was very difficult to maintain, along with not having complete control of his right hand to hold the bike handle. Josiah didn't let the two years it took him to learn how to ride a bike discourage him or stop him; even though it was challenging seeing his two brothers ride their bikes, Josiah never gave up.

During his later years, he developed cognitive shortcomings as a result of the stroke. Nonetheless, he managed to cope with his right-hand dystonia, managed it and expanded his capabilities.

When you see Josiah, you would think he was a competent child until he became tired or sick; that’s when his sickness would show more. It would start with the slurring of his words or baby talk, leaping on his right leg or completely stopping walking. He had a few relapses over the years; however, he didn’t take long to start walking and talking again.

The week before my wedding, Josiah had a relapse, and we were in the hospital for one week. After I thought that was my worst nightmare, thinking to myself, my son might not be able to walk me down the aisle with his twin brother. Before I knew it, his entire world was shattered.Three days after I waited for him to walk and talk again, he had another stroke in his hospital bed that took his ability to eat, walk, talk, sit, and stand in addition to his ability to move and help himself. Dystonia had taken over his body like a plague. 

The doctors explained to me that this was my son's new baseline, and there was a one-in-a-million chance for him to walk and talk again. As I cried, so did Josiah. I looked him in his face and said, you can do this because you have God, my son, and since then, he has been fighting!

Josiah stayed in Sick kids children’s hospital from October 23rd, 2021, until December 10th, 2021, where he was then transferred to Bloorview kids rehabilitation hospital.

In less than a month, he will be discharged from rehab on my birthday, March 10th, 2022. As a result, I have to get a few things for him to go home with; most will be funded; however, there is still a substantial portion to pay for.

Things that Josiah will need to go home is as follows:

Wheel Chair

Hospital Bed

Lift

G-tube pump

Bath Seat

Ramp

Suctioning Machine

Oximeter

Wheel Chair Accessible Van

Josiah is a twin and has 4 brothers and 2 sisters. Josiah is now completely wheel chair dependant and non-verbal. He has a G-tube for his feeding. Even though Josiah’s life has made a full 360 we have faith that God will turn this around. Any amount you can give will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart in advance.

 

If you would like to see more of Josiah’s progress follow his Instagram https://instagram.com/josiahwalkerwalton?utm_medium=copy_link  @josiahwalkerwalton because I believe he will defiantly be a testimony. God bless you.