What Happened to Josh?

Hi, my name is Savanna, and I’m Josh’s bonus sister (step-sister).

I’m starting this fundraiser because Josh would never ask for help like this himself, and our family is coming together now to support him, Megan, and their kids through a situation none of us ever expected.

In November, what started as a seemingly routine illness quickly turned into months of hospital visits, unanswered questions, and a steady decline in Josh’s health that no one could have predicted.

Josh was repeatedly told he had mono, but as time went on, it became clear something much more serious was going on. He made countless trips to urgent care, emergency rooms, and specialists while continuing to push through for his family the best he could. Even after hospital stays, he returned to work when he was physically able because providing for his family has always been his priority.

Eventually, Josh was diagnosed with Bartonella, a bacterial infection that is often difficult to diagnose because its symptoms can mimic other illnesses. In some cases, especially when treatment is delayed, it can affect multiple systems in the body and lead to serious neurological complications.

Over time, Josh developed significant complications, including nerve damage and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), a form of dysautonomia that affects the autonomic nervous system. POTS can cause rapid heart rate, dizziness, extreme fatigue, weakness, and difficulty standing or walking. Simple daily tasks—things most of us never think twice about—have become exhausting and often impossible without help.

On May 12, Josh was admitted to UNC Chapel Hill. After weeks in the hospital, he was transferred to inpatient rehabilitation on May 25th, where he remains today, working every day to regain strength and independence.

When Josh is finally able to come home, life will look very different.

He will be returning home in a wheelchair, and their home will need accessibility modifications, along with a wheelchair lift for their vehicle so he can safely get to ongoing appointments, therapies, and treatments that are still ahead.

For someone who has always been the provider, accepting help has been one of the hardest parts of this journey.

Where Funds Will Go

Every donation will go directly toward helping Josh’s recovery and supporting his family during this time:

Estimated total goal range: $40,000–$75,000

While Josh has been fighting to regain his strength, Megan has been holding everything together at home while caring for their two young children, Arleigh (6) and Kash (1). Through every hospital stay, appointment, setback, and uncertain day, she has continued showing up for all of them.

Josh has always been the breadwinner for their family, and the financial strain of this unexpected medical journey has been overwhelming.

No family ever plans for something like this.

How You Can Help

Anyone who knows Josh knows he doesn’t quit.

Even when his body was failing him, he kept going back to work when he could. He kept showing up to therapy. He kept searching for answers. He kept fighting for his family.

And he’s still fighting.

The road ahead is uncertain, and recovery will not happen overnight. But Josh continues to work every day with the goal of coming home to his family and rebuilding as much independence as possible.

Today, we’re asking our community to rally around Josh, Megan, Arleigh, and Kash.

If you’re able to donate, no amount is too small. Every contribution will help ease the burden of medical expenses, lost income, mobility equipment, home and vehicle modifications, transportation costs, and the many unexpected expenses that come with a medical crisis like this.

If you’re unable to give financially, please consider sharing Josh’s story and keeping our family in your thoughts and prayers.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing with us during the fight of our lives. Your support, kindness, and generosity mean more than words can express.

Josh has spent his life showing up for others. Now, it’s our turn to show up for him.