I have grown up with the Peterson family since Stephanie and I were in kindergarten. We are more than friends—we are family. Over the years, I have witnessed the Petersons' kindness, strength, and unwavering support for those around them. Now, they are facing a series of unimaginable challenges that no family should have to endure alone.
Josh has been suffering from severe abdominal pain and vomiting for some time. He first had his appendix removed, which revealed cancer, but thankfully no further treatment was needed. When the pain and vomiting continued, his gallbladder was removed, and again, cancer was found, but doctors felt they had removed it all. Despite these surgeries, Josh's symptoms persisted. He underwent thoracic spinal surgery, followed by a second spinal surgery, but neither brought relief. He also suffers from avascular necrosis in his shoulder and hips, causing additional pain. Multiple hospital visits—including to Froedtert, Madison, and Mayo—have brought no answers, and his ongoing health issues have made it impossible for him to work. Josh now lives with Connie and Tom to help care for them.
Connie is battling end stage congestive heart failure with complete right-sided heart failure, advanced COPD, and kidney failure. She is in and out of the hospital, requires 24/7 care, is on high amounts of oxygen, and has difficulty walking. Tom recently underwent major surgery for mandibular cancer, including a mandibulectomy with fibular free flap reconstruction, and is currently recovering in the ICU at Aurora St. Luke’s in Milwaukee. Stephanie, who has always been a pillar of strength, is spending most days in Milwaukee with Tom and has taken three weeks off work to help, since Josh needs to be with Connie.
The funds raised will go directly toward daily living expenses and mounting medical bills, so the Petersons can focus on what matters most: their health and each other. They have never asked for help in the 40 years I have known them, but now it’s our turn to lift them up and show them how much they are loved. Any support you can give will make a world of difference for this incredible family.
Josh has been suffering from severe abdominal pain and vomiting for some time. He first had his appendix removed, which revealed cancer, but thankfully no further treatment was needed. When the pain and vomiting continued, his gallbladder was removed, and again, cancer was found, but doctors felt they had removed it all. Despite these surgeries, Josh's symptoms persisted. He underwent thoracic spinal surgery, followed by a second spinal surgery, but neither brought relief. He also suffers from avascular necrosis in his shoulder and hips, causing additional pain. Multiple hospital visits—including to Froedtert, Madison, and Mayo—have brought no answers, and his ongoing health issues have made it impossible for him to work. Josh now lives with Connie and Tom to help care for them.
Connie is battling end stage congestive heart failure with complete right-sided heart failure, advanced COPD, and kidney failure. She is in and out of the hospital, requires 24/7 care, is on high amounts of oxygen, and has difficulty walking. Tom recently underwent major surgery for mandibular cancer, including a mandibulectomy with fibular free flap reconstruction, and is currently recovering in the ICU at Aurora St. Luke’s in Milwaukee. Stephanie, who has always been a pillar of strength, is spending most days in Milwaukee with Tom and has taken three weeks off work to help, since Josh needs to be with Connie.
The funds raised will go directly toward daily living expenses and mounting medical bills, so the Petersons can focus on what matters most: their health and each other. They have never asked for help in the 40 years I have known them, but now it’s our turn to lift them up and show them how much they are loved. Any support you can give will make a world of difference for this incredible family.
Organizer and beneficiary
Joshua Peterson
Beneficiary