Joshua’s 3rd Brain Surgery

Joshua Zapp started having seizures when he was two years old.  After years of medication not working, he had his first brain surgery in April 2008.  He was 3 years old.  His parents were given a diagnosis no one wants to hear.  He was diagnosed with Oligodendroglioma grade 2.  There are more aggressive forms of brain cancer and being grade two, the tumor is typically slow growing, however the diagnosis has led to quarterly visits to the Cleveland Clinic for MRIs and other tests that have been ongoing since.  When the seizures didn’t stop, he braved another surgery in March 2010.

Two years ago a cyst reappeared in his MRI.  This past May the MRI showed measurable growth in the area around the tumor.  At his latest appointment, the neurosurgeon and oncologist recommended surgery sooner, rather than later.  So here we are.  At not quite 14, he is facing his 3rd brain surgery.  

Joshua’s amazing parents, Jeremy and Andria are the first people to offer help and the last to ask for it.  They both have good jobs and are lucky to have good insurance.  But insurance does not cover travel expenses or time off work.  And unfortunately they have used up the majority of their vacation time making trips back and forth between Alabama, where they live and Ohio, where the Cleveland Clinic is.  With pre-op and post-op stays of a couple days each, plus the recovery time of 8 weeks, they are looking at a significant amount of time off work.   

Joshua has a wonderful family and support system from his parents to his siblings Jude and Arabella, to his grandparents, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.  He is blessed by those who surround him in prayer and love.  Please join us in prayer for the health of this sweet, smart, silly, saxophone playing, science and math loving young man.

Anything you can give to help this wonderful family will be greatly appreciated; a prayer, a share or a few dollars.  We thank you all for your support.  Jeremy and Andria will post updates here, so please check back.