Support Josh Prestwood's Road to Recovery

**UPDATE**

Josh asked if I would send an update just to let you all know what's been going on since we originally started this GoFundMe Page.

From Josh:

"I am home and we are on the right track. It's going to be a slow process but the donations and prayers are truly heartfelt and we could never say how much this has affected my family in a positive way. Love you all"

My name is Byron Carter, and I am starting this GoFundMe page for my cousin/brother, and friend, Josh Prestwood and his family. For those of you that don't know Josh's story, it is one of strength, struggle and endurance, but presently he and his family are facing a fight that no one could have imagined, and they could really use your help.

All of Josh's life has been a battle with arthritis, but the past few weeks have been some of the most challenging struggles he and his family have had to face. He had a surgery on his neck/throat intended to help relieve the strain from the arthritis that has been inhibiting him from eating, drinking and talking, and unfortunately the surgery did not go completely as planned. This has resulted in him having to visit 3 different doctors in Birmingham (twice) and Atlanta who all had no answers or solutions, this was the first time I had ever in my life seen the look of fear and uncertainty. Until he finally came upon a doctor in Jacksonville who has finally come up with a diagnosis and hopefully put him on the path to recovery. The doctor has diagnosed Josh with having Rheumatologic Emergencies - "conditions that, if not immediately diagnosed and managed will impart a significant morbid and mortal risk upon the individual." In the past week, a feeding tube has been inserted into Josh's abdomen to help him gain nourishment since he has been unable to eat, drink and swallow on his own. This is also giving the doctor's the opportunity to run tests to make sure Josh is being treated properly and his throat can heal.

Josh has a long way to go to his recovery, though, and this is where you come in and why we are asking for your help. The doctors believe they can control this, but Josh must avoid stress as much as possible. He is not going to be able to work for the next 4 months or possibly longer, and so this will be putting him and his family in a financial strain. There will be medical bills, house payments, car payments, having 3 boys in college to support and just the every day bills that will be accumulating while he is out of work.

Anyone that knows him knows that he would never ask for a handout or help in anyway because he's always been one to find a way to take care of his family by any means possible. Josh and I share personal struggles and I know that during this time he and his family could really use our help. Please be assured that any donations given to this fund is going straight to Josh and Frannie's account. I ask that you would please continue to pray for Josh's full recovery, and for Frannie and their boys during this time, and if you feel led to help this in any way financially, please donate to this GoFundMe. As updates are given about Josh's recovery I will share them on this page. We thank you for your love and support!!!!