Hey all! My name is Linda Henson and I truly appreciate you taking the time to hear Josiah’s story. Josiah was in foster care for a time in my home and while he was able to go back to his mom, Sierra, back in 2021, after she put in the work to get her kids back and he is very near and dear to me.

Josiah was life-flighted to Spokane in late May and on 05/27/2023, testing confirmed he has cancer - Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), to be more specific. His white and red blood cells and platelets are so low he has required several blood transfusions.

The doctor that spoke with his mom and I gave a very positive outlook and said that this is a common and often curable childhood cancer. There's a lot of stuff that is going to be happening over the next several months. He is inpatient and will be for at least 1 month and outpatient for 1 month. Josiah’s mom, and siblings will be staying at the Ronald McDonald house in Spokane for at least those 2 months, depending on how treatment progresses and will have several months of outpatient treatment following that stay.

His mom will be unable to work during this time and doesn’t know when she will be able to go back and must account for getting help to take care of her other kids also. They can stay with her at the Ronald McDonald house BUT the oncology unit at Sacred Heart Children’s doesn’t allow anyone to visit under 18 and Sierra can’t leave the Gabe and Eli at the house without adult supervision to be with Josiah, so she is trying to arrange to get another adult or help with the kids. She is also currently trying to come down to get some items from home as they prepare for an extended time up in Spokane.

I want to touch a little bit on Josiah, the little boy who stole my heart on accident and tell you a little bit about who he is. Josiah is assertive and strong-willed. He is determined. He is feisty beyond measure. This little boy made me question my sanity at times and I am sure I did the same to him! I think we are alike in a lot of ways and as a result, butt heads – but man, when we come together on something, it is magical! Josiah is kind and sweet and loving. He cares about other people, and he is fiercely loyal. He has helped rake lawns to make money, he helps do the dishes with minimal resistance, and he helps when I do foster stuff for pups. He proudly assisted on a couple volunteer days with the 25 great Danes last year, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed!

Any money donated will be going to the gas for trips to and from Spokane, both for Sierra and for Josiah’s friends that will be able to visit in month 2, help with childcare for Gabe and Eli, and help with paying ongoing bills that Sierra cannot pay due to not working (insurance, phone, rent, etc.).

Any donation is much appreciated and if you are not able to donate, please share and spread the word. Thank you so much and thank you for taking the time to read this.