Josh Echeandia Sarcoma Fighter
Donation protected
Our whole world has been turned upside down. In September 2018 my brother Josh Echeandia only 28 years old, was diagnosed in Champaign-Urbana, IL with IV Myxoid Liposarcoma. The doctors in Champaign-Urbana told us he was terminal and didn't have the capacity to treat him. My mother the fighter she is, asked which would be the best place for treatment. Josh's doctors said Chicago, Denver, or the best option New York City Memorial Slaon Kettering.
That week my mom left her job and packed up to head to NYC. With no real plan, except the intent to save Josh. My mom left my Grandma 85, her Autistic brother 58, and 2 teenager kids with her 25 year old son behind and hit the road with Josh Echeandia.
On the road trip my brothers vials were dropping as his belly was filling with ascites.
Upon arriving to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Josh started to have trouble breathing and looked green. Frantically making into the lobby, the front desk told my mother they are about to close and they don't except non-patients, but New York Presbyterian Hospital works close together and they have an ER. They placed Josh on a wheelchair and wheeled him over to the ER. They quickly got him a room.
Since then my brother has had multiple rounds of chemo at the highest level he could handle. Recently, Josh has be placed on Trabectedin which has stopped the tumors from growing in size. Which is good new!
The only thing we are struggling with maintaining our brother in NYC. Between, Co-payments, commuting cost, monthly AirBnB, and trips to the ER. My mother and her significant other have gone through 25,000 of there own savings, plus all of Josh's siblings contribute monthly. We are afraid we are running out of funds. My mother just recently sold her home in Tucson, AZ to cover upcoming cost. Once we go through that money we won't have anyway of maintain Josh. He tried to get off chemo recently because he felt like too much of a burden.
It would be a shame if he stopped getting treatment because of money issues. Doctors are always amazed how strong and positive he is. Most patients at his level of cancer are not as mobile and active. Josh has Metastatic sarcoma, Lung metastases, Ascites, metastasis to peritoneal cavity, pleural effusion on left lung, osseous metastasis, and malingnant neoplasm of overlapping sites of connective tissue, yet he remains cheerful and has high hopes of fighting against cancer!
Deep in my heart I feel he can beat this! My brother is active even in pain, eats a plant based diet, and meditates. We just need your help. Our biggest hurdle is housing in NYC. Any amount can help. We have been reluctant to do this go fund me because my brother Josh is very prideful and hates asking for money. We really have no choice. I hate to beg, but please help our Warrior Josh, beat the odds!
That week my mom left her job and packed up to head to NYC. With no real plan, except the intent to save Josh. My mom left my Grandma 85, her Autistic brother 58, and 2 teenager kids with her 25 year old son behind and hit the road with Josh Echeandia.
On the road trip my brothers vials were dropping as his belly was filling with ascites.
Upon arriving to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Josh started to have trouble breathing and looked green. Frantically making into the lobby, the front desk told my mother they are about to close and they don't except non-patients, but New York Presbyterian Hospital works close together and they have an ER. They placed Josh on a wheelchair and wheeled him over to the ER. They quickly got him a room.
Since then my brother has had multiple rounds of chemo at the highest level he could handle. Recently, Josh has be placed on Trabectedin which has stopped the tumors from growing in size. Which is good new!
The only thing we are struggling with maintaining our brother in NYC. Between, Co-payments, commuting cost, monthly AirBnB, and trips to the ER. My mother and her significant other have gone through 25,000 of there own savings, plus all of Josh's siblings contribute monthly. We are afraid we are running out of funds. My mother just recently sold her home in Tucson, AZ to cover upcoming cost. Once we go through that money we won't have anyway of maintain Josh. He tried to get off chemo recently because he felt like too much of a burden.
It would be a shame if he stopped getting treatment because of money issues. Doctors are always amazed how strong and positive he is. Most patients at his level of cancer are not as mobile and active. Josh has Metastatic sarcoma, Lung metastases, Ascites, metastasis to peritoneal cavity, pleural effusion on left lung, osseous metastasis, and malingnant neoplasm of overlapping sites of connective tissue, yet he remains cheerful and has high hopes of fighting against cancer!
Deep in my heart I feel he can beat this! My brother is active even in pain, eats a plant based diet, and meditates. We just need your help. Our biggest hurdle is housing in NYC. Any amount can help. We have been reluctant to do this go fund me because my brother Josh is very prideful and hates asking for money. We really have no choice. I hate to beg, but please help our Warrior Josh, beat the odds!
Co-organizers (3)
Cristina Twal Casler
Organizer
New York, NY
Sonny Urbine
Beneficiary
Jeff Struwe
Co-organizer
Nathan Casler
Co-organizer