Every day in Josh’s life contains some kind of adventure. You might find him hiking through the backcountry, mining for crystals, passionately explaining soil microbes to anyone who will listen, openly crying at a touching TV show, building a beautiful custom home from the ground up, or laughing with his huge circle of friends and family. Those who know him best admire his adventurous spirit, his determination, his generosity, and his remarkable ability to connect with people.

In mid-March, Josh came down with what he thought was the flu. But over several days, his fever and symptoms worsened. He went to the hospital in Del Norte, where he was admitted with a high fever and throat infection. Lab results showed concerning signs in his blood, which resulted in a flight to a hospital in Denver, and then, a day later, another transfer to the oncology unit at UCHealth Anschutz. After a few agonizing days of waiting, Josh was diagnosed with leukemia.

Josh met this news in the same stubborn, head-on way he approaches everything else in his life. His message to his son, Ezra, and partner, Sunny, has been clear: I will fight this with everything I have, and I’m not going anywhere. Josh will begin treatment in the coming days, which will include intensive chemotherapy, blood transfusions, inclusion in a clinical trial, and a possible bone marrow transplant.

The financial impact of this diagnosis will be significant. Josh is a talented builder who has spent decades using his creativity and skill on construction projects, remodels, and custom homes. But for now, his work will have to wait while he focuses entirely on fighting leukemia.

Between extended hospital stays, ongoing treatments, travel to Anschutz, and time away from work, the costs will add up quickly. This fundraiser will help cover Josh’s medical expenses, travel between Del Norte and Aurora, lodging while receiving treatment away from home, and living expenses while Josh is unable to work. If you’re able to donate and share this page, it means more than words can express. Every contribution helps ease the burden and reminds Josh that he is not fighting this battle alone.

I also have to say thank you to the incredible community supporting Josh. Thank you to everyone who has heard the words “bone marrow cancer” and immediately asked how they could be tested to become a donor. The unhesitating support of our community takes our breath away, but it isn’t surprising to us. Anyone who knows Josh knows how deeply he is loved. We know that all the good Josh puts into the world will come back to him as a form of support during this journey.