Earlier this month, Steve and Juanita’s son, Josh, was unexpectedly hospitalized due to cardiac failure. This has caused issues with the functioning of his internal organs, fluid filling into his lungs, and low heart function. Thankfully, he was transferred to a hospital with better access to a cardiac unit, cardiac team, and more resources.

Care for Josh’s cardiac condition is going to be a long term endeavor in California, where he resides. Since Steve and Juanita reside in North Carolina, they are having to travel from coast to coast and rent an Airbnb to be with him.

The Latest Update: Despite Josh receiving a device to help his heart to pump stronger it isn’t enough. His heart numbers were improving but the perfusion to his liver and kidney is not enough and they’re function is declining due to lack of blood and oxygen. The Drs are moving fast and the decision to place Joshua Hughes on ECMO (heart & lung bypass) to preserve his kidney and liver function was vital. This definitely places him on the heart transplant path. ECMO also assigns Josh to category 1 and puts him at the top of the transplant list. Josh is emotionally well, he said today, “I’m fine with ECMO, whatever plan I need to do, to get me to the end game faster is fine with me”. Continued prayers that an organ is found quickly and prayers for the family who will lose someone they love to save Josh.

Funds for the Hughes family will help cover their travel, lodging, and miscellaneous expenses while on the West coast. We are praying for continued small victories for the Hughes family as they navigate this difficult time.