UPDATE: Joshua continues to improve daily. The family is so encouraged and grateful for the prayers and support. God is good!

Good day friends. So many have heard about what our sweet friends have been going through this past week and have asked how they can support the Kuykendall family. While the Kuykendalls have not asked for this support, it would be a great blessing to them if the body were to "share the burden".

For those who haven't heard, or have only heard bits and pieces, here's a summary of what has happened this past week. On Monday, August 18th at around 12:40 pm, Joshua and 20 or so other kids were playing games at our place when he suddenly collapsed. No warning. In the middle of running, he stopped, collapsed, and was unconscious. His brother Jud and Noah carried him out of the woods to an open area, while Lucy ran to get Jessica to call 911. When Jessica arrived, Joshua was unconscious and struggling to breathe. In seconds he stopped breathing, and they couldn't find a pulse. He was in full cardiac arrest. Jessica asked if anyone knew CPR and Zander began chest compressions. Joshua was being sustained by these efforts. One compression after another they continued to care for Joshua until first responders arrived to give him advanced life support and defibrillation. Prayers were quickly and constantly sent out. God was clearly in the midst and was with Joshua and everyone involved.

All of those with him responded so amazingly well. The 911 dispatcher was incredible, and the medics were flawless. Centralia Providence quickly stabilized him and called for a helicopter to come and take him to Tacoma Mary Bridge ICU. Our God has been so merciful.

The first 24 hours were especially rough. Not knowing if he would wake up, what he would be dealing with when he awoke, and what the future would bring. More prayers and excellent care from the ICU team continued. So much to be grateful for.

On Tuesday morning the family was told that if he were to wake up, be prepared that there could be significant challenges. On Tuesday afternoon, Joshua awoke briefly, looked around and when his dad asked him if he knew his name he surprised him and said: "Joshua" and then went back to sleep. What a blessed thing to hear. Praise God!

A few hours later, he awoke again. This time he was awake for a while. Groggy and confused, but he was definitely sweet and couragous Joshua. Talking some, smiling some, and joyful. At one point, one of the nurses said, "we are seeing a miracle"! Praise God. That evening it was evident there were some short-term memory concerns (which is normal with this type of trauma). However, he has continued to improve in miraculous ways. Wednesday and Thursday were days of tests and rest and healing. The family has been witnessing to hospital staff and God has been working through all this for His Glory. All answers to the prayers of so many.

Today, Friday the 22nd, they still don't know why his heart stopped. However, he has stabilized so well, that it was decided he could come home with the assistance of a defibrillator life vest. They have an unknown road ahead. This is where those who want to help ease some of the burden can step in and relieve some of the financial stress if they feel so led. They do have catastrophic insurance, but some of the treatment and providers are out-of-network. Their deductible is very high, and some of his support will require non-insurance finances.

Please continue to pray for Joshua, that healing would continue, that answers and solutions would come quickly, and that he and the family would continue to be comforted and find peace in the midst of all the unknown. Please join us in praising God for so much mercy and healing that has already taken place. Please pray that God would be magnified to those they shared with at the hospital and who hear of all the miraculous things that have come from this trial.

Here's a link with a recent video the family posted to their family's music YouTube channel, with Joshua singing the first verse. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iN4Ud9Cyz8o