Help Joshua's Loved Ones with Medical and Funeral Costs

Dear Friends, Family, and Kind Strangers,

It is with the heaviest heart that I share the devastating news about my beloved son, Joshua. On Saturday, June 21, 2025, he was in a tragic bicycle accident that has shattered our world. His girlfriend, Melissa, rushed home after not hearing from him, only to find him unresponsive. He underwent immediate emergency surgery for a critical brain bleed.

Despite the dedicated efforts of the medical team, the immense pressure from the brain bleed also caused a severe stroke and a type 2 heart attack.

On Monday, June 23, 2025, an MRI revealed significant, irreversible damage to the areas of his brain vital for consciousness, movement, and other essential functions. While some parts of his brain were preserved, those areas cannot operate without the severely affected regions.

The prognosis is overwhelmingly grim. The neurosurgery and neurology teams have done everything in their power, and our only hope now is for a true miracle. The chances of Joshua regaining consciousness are slim to none. If he were to regain consciousness, he would need constant support to sustain a life that, sadly, would offer little quality.

Our family is experiencing unimaginable grief. We are now preparing to say our final goodbyes, as the plan is to gradually remove life supports in the coming days, allowing him to pass naturally and peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family.

Our hearts are shattered. My wife Vicky and I are enduring an unimaginable personal loss, and the void his absence leaves for his brother and sister is immense. But our deepest sorrow is for his partner, Melissa, and his precious young children.

How You Can Help: A Gift of Support for Our Family

In this agonizing time, we're facing unexpected and significant financial burdens. Joshua did not have a life insurance policy or health insurance, which means we're now trying to navigate the substantial costs of his extensive final medical care and funeral arrangements.

Beyond these immediate expenses, his passing will create an immense financial strain on his family, particularly Melissa, as they cope with the sudden loss of his income.

We are humbly asking for your support through this GoFundMe campaign as a gift to our family. Every contribution will go directly towards:

Your generosity is a direct expression of compassion and will be received as a gift, intended to help us navigate these unforeseen and overwhelming challenges. There are no goods or services offered in exchange for your contribution; it is purely a gift of support from your heart to ours.

Any amount you can offer, no matter how small, will make a profound difference and be deeply appreciated as we focus on honoring Joshua's memory and supporting his family through this darkest of times.

Please share this campaign with your networks. We are so grateful for your thoughts, prayers, and kindness.

With heartfelt gratitude,

John Shank, Proud Father of Joshua Shank