Please Help: Joshua Succeeds

Our Strong and Courageous Little Warrior

     At around five months gestation, my husband and I were made aware that our son Joshua, was at great risk of having Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome) due to results from my bloodwork . Initially, we were in shock and disbelief but we quickly decided that whatever challenges our son faced we would face them together as a family. Due to our previous high risk history in which three of the then 5 pregnancies resulted in miscarriage, stillbirth, and the nearly eight weeks prematurity of our daughter , we opted to take the necessary  precautions to not increase any risks through further testing.  The next several months would prove to be physically, mentally, and emotionally taxing.  At 36 weeks gestation, our son was delieverd via emergency cesaran as it was detected through ultrasound that he was becoming fatally ill in utero and that he would have a greater chance of surival outside of my womb. When he was born, suspicions were eventually confirmed and he was diagnosed with Trisomy 21. After delievery, Joshua would spend the next 28 days in the Neonatal Intesive Care Unit undergoing a series of tests, observations, and intense care.

     At only 9 months old, Joshua has overcome so much in his young life. He most recently overcame a near fatal event that happened just last Wednesday (October 25, 2017).  After a couple of nights of restlessness, observed changes in his behavior, and perceived cold like symptoms, I scheduled an appointment for my son to be seen by his doctor. After being examined, his pediatrician requested that bloodwork be completed to make sure that everything was well with Joshua. Shortly after the request for bloodwork was made, Joshua's condition  began to noticeably and rapidly deterreriorate.  After observation and obtaining information from his  bloodwork, my husband and I were told that due to the severity and abnormality of the results of his bloodwork,  immediate action would need to be taken in efforts to prevent perceived  imminent  cardiac arrest.  Scarily, Joshua was airlifted approximately two hours away from our hometown to Golisano Children's Hospital in Rochester, New York.

     During Joshua's flight, he had a complete cardiac arrest in which he was without a heartbeat for 15 consecutive minutes. After being revived, he then had another complete cardiac arrest upon his arrival at the emergency room.   Thankfully, he was seen by a crew of awesome, gifted, and well trained medical professionals.  Within less than 24 hours of his admittance to the Pediatric Intesive Care Unit (PICU), he needed to receive a blood transfusion.

     Joshua is having a miraculous  and rapid recovery.  We are amazed at his progress. He has underwent a multitude of testing, observations, and assessments from various specialist.  Amazingly, there appears to be no swelling of the brain, or damage to major organs and tissue.  Most would agree that he is a living medical miracle.
Joshua is such a sweet and truly loved baby who has the heart of a little warrior. At such a young age, he has shown such bravery and strength. While he is still remains in the PICU, our family is hopeful that he will soon be transferred to a regular room for further care and observation.

     Due to the sudden and unexpectedness of the  events, our family has experienced  financial strain as my husband is the sole financial provider of our family of six.  While he is covered under the Family Medical Leave Act, ALL of his days are unpaid until next year as he has already used paid time due to Joshua's previous hospitilization and Dr. visits.
Money that is raised will be used to offset expenses accumulated  during this trying and incredibly stressful time as well as pay for necessary repairs for our vehicle. Our ultimate  hope  is to be able  to purchase a van to better accommodate the traveling needs of our family. If you are able to make a donation of ANY amount, it would be a tremendous blessing to our family.  If you are unable to give and would like to help, please share this on your facebook page. We pray that whatever you are able to give will come back to you hundredfold.  Many blessings to you! Pleasepppp The Watson Family