Josh Dermont is 42 years old, a beloved son, brother, and friend to many in Western Pennsylvania. If you know the Dermont family, you know they are the first to offer help and the last to ask for it. Today, friends of this remarkable family are asking on their behalf—for strength, support, and financial help as Josh faces the unimaginable.

Josh’s journey with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) began quietly in 2019, when he noticed a strange weakness in his leg and developed drop foot. Over time, these early signs progressed. By 2022, Josh had lost the ability to walk and relied on a wheelchair. In spring 2024, after a month-long hospitalization due to rapidly worsening symptoms, he was diagnosed with Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS)—a rare motor neuron disease that eventually gave way to a full ALS diagnosis.

That summer, Josh’s condition continued to deteriorate. In fall 2024, he was hospitalized at Jefferson Hospital with difficulty swallowing and breathing. A medical emergency during his stay led to months in the ICU, where the progression of the disease left his diaphragm muscles too weak to function. Since then, Josh has lost nearly all voluntary movement and now relies on a ventilator and feeding tube (J-tube), along with a tracheostomy to help him breathe. In the last few months in addition to the ALS, he has battled internal infections, pneumonia, kidney stones, bowel obstructions, and will be heading back in July for another procedure related to the kidney stones. Josh has lost ability to move his arms, hands, legs, feet, and cannot speak.

Today, Josh lives at home under the 24-hour care of his parents, Joe and Beth Dermont, who have stepped into the role of full-time caregivers with unimaginable strength and love. But the physical, emotional, and financial toll is overwhelming. Joe and Beth are amazing and loving people, parents, grandparents, and friends. Joe is a proud Vietnam War Veteran of the Marine Corps. Both are always willing to give the shirt off their backs to help those in need or to just spread love and care. The decision to take on Josh’s care was one that they made willingly, lovingly, and without hesitation. A helping hand in the time of the family’s most difficult time will go a long way.

Though Josh has insurance, it does not cover many of the essential medications and services he needs—such as anxiety medication his doctor deems crucial to his well-being. The family is now facing an uphill battle of expenses that continue to grow.

This GoFundMe is being launched to help provide:

Josh deserves to live with dignity, comfort, and the best possible quality of life. Your donation—no matter the size—will make a real difference in helping the Dermont family care for Josh with the love and support he deserves.

Thank you for being part of his village.