Josh's Fight Against Cancer
Donation protected
In 2005, my brotherJosh was diagnosed with an Oligodendroglioma, a primary brain tumor. While the tumor was low grade and considered benign, we were told it would get more aggressive with time. After surgery to remove part of the tumor, Josh had lost a significant amount of function in his right hand and arm. After recovering from surgery, he started chemotherapy to try to stop the tumor from growing.
A few years later, still alive and fighting, Josh was reintroduced to a high school friend named Summer. In early 2009, Josh married Summer, the love of his life. They had one son, Warren, right before he started another round of chemotherapy. He often said his wife and son were instrumental in his survival.
Josh loves life in all directions. He turned his computer hobby into a career. He never gave up his love for music even when the tumor took his ability to play his instruments, guitar and the flute. Josh could always be engaged with a chat about craft beers and fine coffee.
In the fall of 2013, 8 years into his fight, Josh underwent a second surgery after his MRI showed growth despite of all the treatments he had been through over the years. We found out through the pathology of his tumor they removed that it had upgraded to a Grade 4 Glioblastoma, the most aggressive form of brain cancer. It had been made clear that this is usually a terminal cancer, but it didn't stop Josh and my family from seeking out the latest treatments and continuing life prolonging methods. We always believed that a new treatment might be just around the corner. His last treatments were just that, something new, just around the corner, but cancer proved to be too aggressive. While it was too late to save his life, it did provide data for future cancer victims as they begin their treatments. His 10 year fight has brought us closer to a cure.
In the last year, Josh created a blog to help spread awareness and support to those diagnosed with the same cancer. He loved how many lives it touched.
Josh's final days are being spent at home with his wife and son, now 5 years old, along with family and close friends that mean so much to him. His battle was fierce, but it has left his young family with thousands of dollars in medical bills. Our hope is to raise money to help his family pay for his medical bills and help secure a future for Josh's son. Anything you can give will be greatly appreciated.
A few years later, still alive and fighting, Josh was reintroduced to a high school friend named Summer. In early 2009, Josh married Summer, the love of his life. They had one son, Warren, right before he started another round of chemotherapy. He often said his wife and son were instrumental in his survival.
Josh loves life in all directions. He turned his computer hobby into a career. He never gave up his love for music even when the tumor took his ability to play his instruments, guitar and the flute. Josh could always be engaged with a chat about craft beers and fine coffee.
In the fall of 2013, 8 years into his fight, Josh underwent a second surgery after his MRI showed growth despite of all the treatments he had been through over the years. We found out through the pathology of his tumor they removed that it had upgraded to a Grade 4 Glioblastoma, the most aggressive form of brain cancer. It had been made clear that this is usually a terminal cancer, but it didn't stop Josh and my family from seeking out the latest treatments and continuing life prolonging methods. We always believed that a new treatment might be just around the corner. His last treatments were just that, something new, just around the corner, but cancer proved to be too aggressive. While it was too late to save his life, it did provide data for future cancer victims as they begin their treatments. His 10 year fight has brought us closer to a cure.
In the last year, Josh created a blog to help spread awareness and support to those diagnosed with the same cancer. He loved how many lives it touched.
Josh's final days are being spent at home with his wife and son, now 5 years old, along with family and close friends that mean so much to him. His battle was fierce, but it has left his young family with thousands of dollars in medical bills. Our hope is to raise money to help his family pay for his medical bills and help secure a future for Josh's son. Anything you can give will be greatly appreciated.
Organizer and beneficiary
Kari Watkins Cipriani
Organizer
Minooka, IL
Summer Watkins
Beneficiary
