Team Josh!

My friend, Josh Hebert was hit by an SUV while riding his bicycle home from work on October 6, 2017. After spending 11 days in the ICU, unsure if he would even make it through, and another 4 weeks on LGMC’s neuro floor, he moved on to nursing home care. After months at Vermilion Health Care Center and eight (8) denials of admission, Josh was finally accepted into Tour Rehab in New Orleans. He spent several weeks there where he made tremendous progress. He went from a complete coma to vegetative state to minimally conscious to being able to speak and make purposeful movements. He left Tour a living miracle as he is today. As he is unable to walk yet, Josh was forced into a lower level apartment (low income housing) where he lives with his mom. He was just recently approved for an in home care giver who helps with daily living for several hours a day. Other than this assistance, Josh received no other financial aid. His family has applied for disability benefits as he certainly fits the criteria, however, more than 11 months later, he receives no help. As there are numerous appointments to be kept week by week, Josh was often being left without transportation, or in the alternative, left to find a ride home after being dropped off by medical transportation. The lack of personal transportation poses a threat to his rehabilitation and acceptance into therapy programs. Finally, and the most pressing of this dire situation is the condition of Josh’s mouth. When struck by the vehicle, several of his teeth were dislodged, leaving exposed nerves and roots, some even embedded into his sinuses. The result was teeth and pieces of debris shoved into his pallet, gums and cheeks. After numerous visits with oral surgeons, the family learned how invasive and risky the surgery will be. In order to even get to some of the teeth, doctors must break Josh’s jaw in a couple places – followed by three days of keeping him a medically induced coma for safety  reasons. The problem here is that while Josh is a Medicaid recipient, Medicaid will not cover any dental procedures for adult patients. The total estimated out of pocket cost for Josh to have this procedure done is $8,994.42. Josh has not a dime to his name, money for basic living necessities, much less money to cover this absolutely health threatening necessary procedure. It has reached a point where he is refusing to speak and when he does, makes no noise….his mental condition is declining, he is not sleeping day or night, just constantly living in unimaginable pain. Josh’s family has reached out to senators, congressmen and other officials in the community who are looking into what can be done for him, but no help has arrived to date. Another thing, Josh was a twin. This family just lost his twin brother, Jonathan a few years ago. With that being said, when you lose someone, the people you have left become that much more cherished. If they lose Josh, they would lose the last piece of Jonathan as well.

Please help my friend's family. Any donation that can help meet the needs of my friend, Josh would be greatly appreciated. Even if all you do is share this post, Im sure someone can relate. Thank you!