Josh is 25 years old—husband to his wife of 3 1/2 years and dad to their almost 1-year-old son. Over the last several weeks, their world has shifted quickly as this past week, Josh was admitted into the hospital with pain and fever and diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease, a lifelong autoimmune condition that can cause severe inflammation and serious complications within his bowels. He and his wife are leaning on their faith and praying for a miracle.

Josh has been in Baylor, Scott and White hospital for the past 6 days as doctors have worked to get his infection under control and determine the best path forward. Right now, the surgical plan is to remove a fistula (an abnormal pathway) that Crohn’s has caused to form between his small intestine and a lower part of his colon. This will not heal on its own; without surgery, another abscess is inevitable. Josh’s surgery is scheduled for 4¬ 17 to address the current infection and remove the fistula, and then he will face a long recovery and ongoing treatment. After surgery, he will need to start biologics, which is a specialized medication for autoimmune diseases which we are told he will likely need for the rest of his life. These medications are extremely expensive.

Due to struggling financially, as many young couples are, Josh and his family were unable to afford insurance. So, they enter this challenge on a cash up front basis with many of the doctors, surgical facilities and medications. We are doing everything we can, but the medical costs are already adding up, and we have a difficult road ahead. Josh is making it a priority to acquire insurance in September, which is the next time he can enroll per his employer. So, at that time Josh will hopefully be on insurance. We are asking for help getting through the months in between. Donations will go towards:

• This past week’s hospital stay and treatment that led to his diagnosis

• Gas for frequent upcoming appointments (2 hours round trip)

• The upcoming hospital bill for his surgery and recovery

• Additional bloodwork and scans (often required up front)

• Out-of-pocket medications

• Meeting our deductible once insurance begins

• And lost workdays that won’t be covered by his employer.

If you’re able to donate or share this fundraiser, we would be deeply grateful. Your support will help our family focus on Josh’s healing and recovery from this traumatic diagnosis and provide peace of mind for his wife as she stands by his side.