Support Josh Stamper's Life-Saving Transplant Journey

In January of 2024, the Stamper family was hit with devastating news - their husband and father, Josh was ill. The doctors informed him he had an incurable diagnosis and the only treatment option was an organ transplant. He was given six months to a year to live without a transplant. Josh grew increasingly ill and the next January, he collapsed and an ambulance was dispatched to his home. Things took a turn for the worse a few days into his hospital stay and Josh was rushed to the ICU where he was placed on a ventilator. The staff informed the Stamper family that it was “His Time.” Friends and family gathered at his bedside, saying their goodbyes in case this would be the last time they saw or spoke to him. By the grace of God and Josh’s advocates, the Stamper family received a medical transfer to Baylor Scott and White, where they specialize in organ transplants. He spent 36 days in the hospital, 10 days in ICU, and 6 days on the ventilator, with tubes and medications keeping him alive. The doctors at Baylor grew increasingly concerned, stating Josh was in multi-system organ failure, and they had to act quickly. He was then placed on the organ transplant list in critical need of a life-saving organ.

On May 31st, the Stamper family received “the” telephone call, as the primary recipient to receive the organ. On June 1st, 2025, after 8 hours in the operating room, Josh received the organ; however, there were catastrophic complications and the surgery could not be completed. He was then admitted to the ICU where he was left open and intubated. Josh had considerable bleeding and the surgeon informed the Stamper family it would be in their best interest to complete the surgery the next day. On June 2nd, the surgery was completed and he would then start his ICU stay. On the third day, he was transferred to a regular room to begin the recovery process, which was originally anticipated to be 4-7 days. Two days into the recovery period, the doctors determined Josh’s lungs had filled with fluid and chest tubes would need to be placed. Josh was bed-bound and dependent on staff and family to assist with activities of daily living. Two weeks post-transplant, he was rushed back to the operating room and reopened to ensure the organ wasn’t rejecting. Josh’s family has been by his side every day since his collapse in January of 2025, despite all having full-time positions and little sick leave from their occupations. Josh has required around-the-clock care and as of June 24th, 2025 - he is still hospitalized.

Throughout his journey, Josh has undergone over twenty-five procedures/surgeries.

The organ donation and process of transplant is a tremendous selfless gift, not only to the Stamper family but anyone blessed to have received a donated organ. The sacrifice made by the donating family will not go unnoticed nor unappreciated, as Josh and his family are elated to gain a second chance at life. The Stamper family, like any other family going through a transplant, are new and unfamiliar with the extent of the overall process, including the financial impact/burden. Unfortunately, the financial implications are far greater than initially anticipated, especially with the amount of time the family has stepped away from work in order to be at Josh’s bedside.

Since January of 2025, Josh has been unable to work on a regular basis and contribute to household and medical expenses; falling on the rest of his family to keep the household afloat. Any funds graciously donated will go towards hospital/doctor, household expenses, groceries and hospital parking for his family.

Josh has big plans after his recovery including: returning to work, walking his daughter down the aisle, and becoming a grandpa one day.

Thank you for taking the time to read Josh’s story. The family asks, if you are unable to donate, prayers are most welcome and appreciated.

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