Joshua Needs a Change of Heart...Literally

Joshua is my brother. I guess if we're going to get technical, he's my brother-in-law, but that seems too clinical- too proper- for me. He's my brother, my friend, and my family. He's the calm in our family storm, the sensible voice of reason during our family holidays, and the easygoing energy when plans have changed for the fifth time.

Joshua married my sister, Kaylyn, over two years ago. They just had their first child (adorably pictured above; currently six months old, teething, and loving sweet potatoes) and have three fur babies because they aren't busy enough. On top of all their good fortune, from finding each other and starting a family, they finally bought their dream home that's exactly seven minutes away from our mom. If you haven't caught on, they're the family favorites. And up until five weeks ago, everything was going sickeningly sweet.

In the early morning hours of August 25, Joshua was finally admitted to the Heart Failure Floor after sitting for seven hours in the waiting room. He thought he was coming in for an upper respiratory infection to find out he was in active heart failure and had been for quite some time at only 31 years old. Since then, the past five weeks have resulted in two, extended hospital stays, three strokes, six CTs, three MRIs, a stint in the ICU, and over 250 vials of blood examined. We have played countless games of Battleship and Dots and Boxes, told many terrible jokes, and made him over 100 chicken wings in the air fryer (no sodium, of course).

Through all of this, Kaylyn has been a constant pillar of support. Her presence is known throughout the hospital as the steadfast and ever-stalwart wife, doting on her husband at any hour, through any shift change, and on any given day. She has exhausted her PTO and vacation, and she is working overtime to trade it for vacation hours- just to spend even one more minute with Joshua. She gives up her lunch breaks, wakes up early, and stays up late to care for her husband and their son.

And now, the truly terrifying part is that Joshua requires a heart transplant to sustain his life. This is his only option. Our last resort.

As we all pull together to be and to provide whatever they could possibly need, we- as a family- have realized that no man is an island. We need help. We need your help.

Currently, child care, meals, and shifts at the hospital are covered. With Kaylyn being the only partner working, the medical bills and everyday costs of living have started to become overwhelming. To alleviate some of this pressure, paying for Joshua's current medical bills would give them space to focus on what matters. Their goal, our family's goal, and the hospital's goal is to ensure that Joshua is with us for many years to come. So, how can you help?

Whether you can donate or share their story with others, we appreciate your contributions and prayers to aid us in reaching our fundraising goal!

Finally, we are all truly grateful for and forever humbled by the fantastic staff at The Ross Heart Hospital at The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center. Without their diligent care, expert advice, and personalized plan, we may not still have Joshua with us today as we wait for a transplant.