Franklin Support

On behalf of Josh and Gina, thank you for reading this. It is difficult for one to share a need, especially a financial need, and Josh and Gina were reluctant to allow us to create this campaign. They are very humbled and appreciative of the support that has already been shown and continue to ask for your prayers. We are praying each of you will consider giving financially, however the Lord leads you.

As many of you have heard, Josh suffered a stroke Thursday, August 16. Gina shared he was working overtime and started to feel "off". He was having difficulty getting his right hand to function and his speech was slurring. He thought of the possibility of a stroke, but had been working a lot and passed it off as being overly tired.

By Friday afternoon, Josh was limping and had no fine motor skills on the right side of his body. Gina and Josh were supposed to be heading to Minneapolis that evening to celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary, but instead went to the emergency room. Josh was admitted to the hospital and tests confirmed he had suffered a stroke in the PONS area of the brain. This area controls strength, mobility and emotions.

Josh has been released from the hospital. Currently, Josh’s speech remains slurred and he has lost a great deal of strength on his right side, which is affecting his mobility. He requires assistance for daily activities including driving, self care, walking up and down the stairs, etc. Josh also tires easily and will need to rest in order to fully recuperate. He is starting occupational, physical and speech therapy today, Monday, August 28. The timeline for his recovery is unknown, however it appears he will not be able to work for a significant amount of time.

While the physical unknowns are scary for the family, Josh and Gina are also concerned about finances. Josh graduated with his business degree this past May. For the last few years he had been working a full time job while also going to school full time. The job he was working was not meant to be long term and does not offer any assistance such as paid leave. Since graduating, Josh had not yet accepted a job. On Friday, the day after the stroke, he went to a job interview not knowing that he had actually had a stroke the day before and chalking the way he was feeling up to being exhausted.

Gina works at a small, family owned chiropractic office and does not have FMLA or paid time off. She plans to continue working while helping meet her husband's needs. The family will now be surviving on Gina’s income while Josh is in recovery.

Gina has sat down with a few family members to look at the budget and her income. They have figured out which bills are a priority and “essential” to continue paying and which can be “held off” for a few months.

This is why we are requesting you consider a financial gift. Josh and Gina do not take this request lightly and would not have given us permission to start this campaign if the need was not there. We are proud of them for not allowing their pride to get in the way. We know the Lord will sustain this family and we believe the body of Christ will step up to help meet their financial needs. We thank you, in advance, for your prayers and giving.