Aid Josh's Journey with Stage 4 Cancer

In November of 2024 Josh was diagnosed with stage 4 small cell lung cancer. It has spread to his brain, bones, pancreas, and other areas of his body. Therefore it was too advanced for the doctor's to be able to offer much when it came to options for treatment. Josh opted to come home on hospice to spend the last of what time he has left with his loved ones without the side effects of radiation, that would only have served to reduce some of the pain, but not preserve his life.

We had been trying to find out what was causing his pain for months without any answers. By the time we finally had our answer, he had a large tumor in his lungs that was pushing against his spine, causing his right arm to lose its functionality. He couldn't sit up for longer than 30 seconds without intense pain, and soon lost strength in his legs from being bedridden, forced to lie down to reduce his discomfort. In our efforts to find the reason for his pain, we found it difficult to get answers from the doctors that he saw. We heard theories from pinched nerve to carpal tunnel. When we finally had someone take it seriously enough to take a CT scan, all the doctors came up with was pneumonia. We turned to KUMed next and finally had someone tell us what was going on, but it was too advanced by that time for any real options.

At 42 years old, Josh was told that there was nothing the doctors could do to attempt to cure him, and was given less than 6 months to live. It was a heart wrenching shock to endure to say the least. To those who know and love him, he is a large and loving personality. Always quick to help those he loves, even when he was not doing well himself. His sense of humor and storytelling charm is unmatched, making whatever room he's in laugh until they cried. He's protective of his family and those closest to him, and would take blindness over not being able to hear his music.

We want Josh's friends and family from all over to be able to say goodbye one last time once he's gone, so we are planning on having services. Unfortunately, money is tight for everyone and we need some help. We understand that the same can be said for many, we only ask if you are willing and able, to please contribute to Josh's memorial and some help with finances while we care for him the best we can in the last part of his too short life. For those who can, we thank you more than words can say. For those who can't, your love and compassion is enough. Thank you for loving him.