Help Josh Fight Hemolytic Anemia

For the past two years my son Josh has been fighting for his life. He developed a rare blood disease called auto immune hemolytic anemia. What this means is that his red blood cells are being destroyed faster than they can be made. There is no cure and since it's so rare we have been dealing with blood transfusions and a lot of trial and error regarding how to treat it. As a last resort, because blood transfusions are an emergency measure and not sustainable as treatment, he was placed on high doses of prednisone which is a steroid and is not good for his liver and kidneys long term. The result is that his treatment is causing more harm to his body with the possibility of liver or kidney failure. He’s been told that the only intervention measure remaining is to remove his spleen and hope for the best.  That procedure is his last resort because it has only a 50-50 chance of success. But we have to take that chance if it will help Josh’s body fight. It is so difficult to face the uncertainty but the situation is made even harder because of the economic distress we are facing.

It feels shameful to share this publicly but on the urging of friends I am finding courage: I recently had to leave a domestic abuse situation in which the assault I suffered left me debilitated and trying to recover from hand and back injuries. I worked part time while trying to recover but was laid off from my job just last week. Meanwhile, Josh is desperately trying to keep working because that’s how he maintains his health insurance. Unfortunately, his insurance doesn’t cover much. I truly appreciate the friends who strongly encouraged me to start this GoFundMe. I would never have imagined doing such a thing because I come from a proud family. But maybe you will understand when I say I am a mom and the love of my son makes me do the impossible.

I have always prided myself in helping others, whether friends or strangers, and I know everyone is going through hard times right now, and I feel deeply the struggle that we are all facing. But we are desperate because things are so dire. So I need to ask for help to take care of my son as he faces life-changing surgery, and medical and other expenses to sustain his post-op recovery. A minimal six-month assessment of his expenses combined with medical costs is over $20,000. So if you are able to share something with us, thank you so much. If you are not, then all blessings to you on your journey — may you find help and support to face your struggles as well.

Regardless, we welcome all good energy, prayers, hopeful vibes for this operation to successfully support Josh living a long and happy life. Thank you so much for considering.

Love,

Carrie and Josh