Help Josiah Access the Specialized Medical Care He Needs

Many of you have followed Josiah’s journey over the years and know that he has faced significant health challenges since birth. He has undergone three open-heart surgeries, numerous cardiac procedures, and now faces ongoing liver complications in addition to his lifelong heart condition.

Since February, we have experienced multiple setbacks with local medical providers. Unfortunately, these delays and complications have impacted Josiah’s care and have made it necessary for us to seek additional specialists throughout Florida. While we have explored options with hospitals outside of the state, our insurance requires us to exhaust in-state specialty resources before pursuing treatment elsewhere.

Our cardiologist at Harvard children’s medical center who is familiar with Josiah’s complex heart and liver conditions, has encouraged us to seek evaluations from other specialists and children’s hospitals throughout Florida. We recently met with a liver specialist, but I do not feel confident that the care provided meets Josiah’s needs. As his mother, I must continue searching for the best medical team possible.

Our next step is an important appointment at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in Miami from June 17 through June 20. In the coming weeks, we will also be traveling to Tampa to meet with additional specialists who may be able to help manage Josiah’s complex medical needs.

To attend these appointments, I will need to take several unpaid days off work. At this time, I do not have PTO available, and the financial burden of travel has become overwhelming.

For the Miami trip, we are seeking assistance to help cover:

• Lost wages for four days off work: $600

• Gas and travel expenses: $120

• One night of lodging not covered by our current accommodations: $150

• Food and travel-related expenses: $200

Miami Trip Total: $1,070

Because we will also be making a similar trip to Tampa in the near future, we are seeking the same amount to help cover:

• Lost wages: $600

• Gas and travel expenses: $120

• Lodging: $150

• Food and travel-related expenses: $200

Tampa Trip Total: $1,070

Overall Fundraising Goal: $2,140

Every donation, share, prayer, and word of encouragement means more than I can express. Josiah’s health journey is lifelong, and I will continue doing everything within my power to ensure he receives the specialized care he deserves. I will never stop advocating for him and searching for the best possible medical team to support his future.

Thank you for supporting our family during this challenging season. Your generosity helps make these critical medical appointments possible and allows us to focus on what matters most—helping Josiah receive the specialized care he needs.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Rachel, Josiah’s Mom