This is our brother, Joshua Maratita Sablan (Age 38), and this is the story of his battle against lung cancer.

Everyone who knows Josh, knows first and foremost, that he is the proudest and most devoted single-father to his six-year-old daughter, Kailia. He is also a committed partner, proud son, and loving brother, cousin, godfather, uncle, nephew, and friend.

Josh has dedicated many years of his life to serving his CNMI community by ensuring the safety and health of others in many different capacities. Josh was a former firefighter at the Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services (DFEMS) for 5 years and a State Warning Point Officer at the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) for 2 years. Currently, he is the Program Manager for the Public Health and Hospital Emergency Preparedness Program and the Medical Reserve Corp. Program at the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation (CHCC) where he has worked tirelessly for the past 7 years.

On his days off, Josh enjoys playing pick-up basketball, competing is Saipan’s dart leagues, spending time with his family and friends, and most importantly, being a present and active dad in his little girl’s life.

Josh’s journey began earlier this year after returning home from an off-island work trip. He began experiencing shortness of breath, fatigue, and a loss of appetite. He also had difficulty shaking off a bad cough. This caused him to check himself into the hospital where he was admitted for a few days and treated for a viral infection. He was then discharged and sent home with some medication.

A few days later, Josh felt his symptoms return. He was admitted again for observation and the doctors recommended that some medical tests be taken, including a biopsy, to determine a diagnosis.

Weeks later, the biopsy results returned, which determined that Josh had Extensive (Stage 2-4) Small Cell Lung Cancer. The test results also indicated that the cancer cells from his lungs had extended to his adrenal glands and liver.

After considering treatment options off-island, due to the aggressive nature of his type of cancer and by recommendation of his doctors, Josh has decided to receive his first set of chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments at home on Saipan. He is expected to begin treatment in the upcoming few days.

This news has been devasting to us all as Josh is one of the most caring, humble, and hardworking people we know. Although he is a natural public servant and leader, Josh seldom asks for any help (even when he really needs it) because he has always been the type of person who puts everyone else’s needs before his own.

With that said, it is with heavy hearts, that we, his loved ones, humbly reach out to our family, friends and community to ask for your consideration in making a donation to assist with Josh’s upcoming chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatment costs. We understand that these are difficult times for everyone so please know that no donation is too small. And if you are unable to make a donation at this time, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for sharing in Josh’s journey and kindly ask you to please keep him in your prayers while he undergoes treatment and throughout his recovery process.

Please know that Josh’s faith remains SO strong during this difficult time. He is a fighter! And he is determined, more than ever, to fight for the ability to care for and create many more meaningful memories with his daughter, family and friends.

Si Yu’us Ma’ase and Thank You So Much for your generosity, time, thoughts, and prayers !!!!!!

With so much love, gratitude, and well wishes for you and your loved ones,

The Janboys, Maratita, and Sablan families