In memory of Joshua

This is my friend Joshua Tarnofsky. Not only is he my friend, he is also my fraternity little brother. To add to that, he is my family. He is my cousin. And I am sending out this message because “Our” family needs your help. Now I know I’ve never been short on solicitations for philanthropies I have supported or didn’t have time to help. There’s no doubt I’ve bothered most of you with a mere “I’m busy” response. But there is no question that this is personal.

Joshua is an amazing father, son, and overall human being. Earlier this year he had an unexplainable mass growing from his armpit. The mass kept growing and after numerous attempts to figure out what it was doctors were left speechless and unsure what course of action to take. Finally, one day in August, a true miracle occurred. The doctors told him they could remove the mass. However, at the same time they concluded Joshua had a diagnoses of Sarcoma, but they were hopeful they could remove everything. After 7 surgeries the mass was gone and Joshua was feeling much better and was back at home playing with his family. Until a few weeks ago when follow up scans showed some new tumors and the cancer had spread to another part of his body and is now in stage 4 with treatment needing to begin ASAP.

Long story short within days Joshua and his family packed up their home in Southern CA to move east to Joshua’s birthplace in Kentucky to be closer to family and receive care there. I write all this in saying, Joshua has not once showed fear. He has relied on his faith in Jesus like never before and is a true testament of what God can do. Joshua knows God will heal him. While his faith is strong and God is moving mountains for him, there has still been a large financial burden placed on his family. Joshua has not been able to work in months and his wife Steph has become the sole provider as a business owner working when she can while also caring for Joshua and their kiddos. I am asking for help to cover bills, diapers, provide meals for his family, healthy meals for Joshua, alternative therapies to help Josh be more comfortable, and daily life expenses. Any help is beyond appreciated, thank you.

Taylor Codell Coates, friends and family