Support the Smith Family
Donation protected
Dear friends,
Over the last year, Josh has become a vital part of our family. He is a boyfriend to my sister, a brother to my brothers, a son to my parents, and a friend to me and my husband. Because of him, this past year has been filled with so much joy and laughter.
Josh is known to everyone as the guy you can call on in a time of need. He will be there to help you or your family without hesitation no matter the situation. Through his time as a brother, boyfriend, friend, and father, he puts his family and friends first before thinking of himself.
Unfortunately, the time has come for his friends and loved ones to return that dedication to help him through the biggest battle he will ever fight.
On December 8th, 2016, Josh’s life was turned upside down. Our hearts have been shattered since.
Josh had a seizure at work and was rushed to the hospital emergency room. His coworker found him under a semi-truck convulsing and tried to subdue him so he was sitting up and alert while he called 911. He later had a CT scan that showed a large mass on his brain, so the doctor wanted to do an MRI.
The results of the MRI showed there was a tumor on the left frontal part of Josh’s brain. Dr. Holland, the neurosurgeon, then came in the room to tell discuss options. He could get a sample of the tumor and test it to see if it was benign or cancerous, if cancerous he would later have to go in and remove it. The other option was to be aggressive with the tumor and just remove it, since even benign tumors can become cancerous with time.
December 9th, at 8 am the nurses promptly came into Josh’s room to take him down to surgery. My sister kissed him and told him that she would be right there waiting when he got back. Back in the waiting area Dr. Holland came out and said the surgery went great and there were no complications.
When they brought Josh back, my sister saw him for the first time. He had 52 staples from ear to the other side of his forehead. He was still not aware of his surroundings and it really took him a long time to come out of the anesthesia. Once he did he passed all his neuro tests!
Fast forward a few weeks - On December 21st, Josh’s staples were removed and they were being referred to an Oncologist for Radiation and Chemotherapy. They were told Josh has a Grade 3 Anaplastic Astrocytoma.
What is this tumor? This type of tumor is a fast-growing tumor. The one removed on December 8th was the size of a golf ball. So, the severity of it and why the prognosis isn’t good is if it grows back they can only remove so much, and certain parts of the brain are considered “inoperable”.
Josh needs to start radiation immediately. The radiation is to kill any potential cancerous cells that could turn into another tumor. He will also do radiation to prevent those cells from growing as well.
To make matters worse, Josh wasn’t aware he didn’t have health insurance when he was admitted to the emergency room.
Luckily, my sister works in the health insurance industry so she was able to get Josh added onto her plan under the “domestic partners” clause. While they are beyond thankful to have coverage, the coverage is proving to be a financial burden. Their plan has a $2,800 deductible and a $5,600 out of pocket maximum.
The prescription (Temozolomide) Josh needs to start radiation will cost them $3,663.88 up front. And then they still have another $1,300 or to pay out for the next month’s prescription.
My sister is so thankful for all the support and help they have received from friends and family. They have had numerous people bring easy meals, gift cards for groceries, help getting the boys to and from school, and so much more.
As you know, Josh is a father of two beautiful children who love him and my sister dearly. We are all praying for his recovery
The purpose of this fund in no particular order is:
- Take away as much stress as possible off of Josh
- Help offset the cost of missed work
- Medical bills and maintaining the day to day bills.
We are asking for any donation that you can make to help Josh through this trying time. One dollar. Ten dollars. One hundred dollars. Any amount you can give us will greatly contribute to Josh’s recovery. Whatever you can give will be welcomed and received with deep appreciation.
Thank you all so much for your support, our family appreciates it from the bottom of our hearts!
Josh is a compassionate human being and this is the least that I can do for him and his family!
Plenty of updates to come in the near future so please continue to share.
Thank you all so much ❤️
Brittany Jamison
Over the last year, Josh has become a vital part of our family. He is a boyfriend to my sister, a brother to my brothers, a son to my parents, and a friend to me and my husband. Because of him, this past year has been filled with so much joy and laughter.
Josh is known to everyone as the guy you can call on in a time of need. He will be there to help you or your family without hesitation no matter the situation. Through his time as a brother, boyfriend, friend, and father, he puts his family and friends first before thinking of himself.
Unfortunately, the time has come for his friends and loved ones to return that dedication to help him through the biggest battle he will ever fight.
On December 8th, 2016, Josh’s life was turned upside down. Our hearts have been shattered since.
Josh had a seizure at work and was rushed to the hospital emergency room. His coworker found him under a semi-truck convulsing and tried to subdue him so he was sitting up and alert while he called 911. He later had a CT scan that showed a large mass on his brain, so the doctor wanted to do an MRI.
The results of the MRI showed there was a tumor on the left frontal part of Josh’s brain. Dr. Holland, the neurosurgeon, then came in the room to tell discuss options. He could get a sample of the tumor and test it to see if it was benign or cancerous, if cancerous he would later have to go in and remove it. The other option was to be aggressive with the tumor and just remove it, since even benign tumors can become cancerous with time.
December 9th, at 8 am the nurses promptly came into Josh’s room to take him down to surgery. My sister kissed him and told him that she would be right there waiting when he got back. Back in the waiting area Dr. Holland came out and said the surgery went great and there were no complications.
When they brought Josh back, my sister saw him for the first time. He had 52 staples from ear to the other side of his forehead. He was still not aware of his surroundings and it really took him a long time to come out of the anesthesia. Once he did he passed all his neuro tests!
Fast forward a few weeks - On December 21st, Josh’s staples were removed and they were being referred to an Oncologist for Radiation and Chemotherapy. They were told Josh has a Grade 3 Anaplastic Astrocytoma.
What is this tumor? This type of tumor is a fast-growing tumor. The one removed on December 8th was the size of a golf ball. So, the severity of it and why the prognosis isn’t good is if it grows back they can only remove so much, and certain parts of the brain are considered “inoperable”.
Josh needs to start radiation immediately. The radiation is to kill any potential cancerous cells that could turn into another tumor. He will also do radiation to prevent those cells from growing as well.
To make matters worse, Josh wasn’t aware he didn’t have health insurance when he was admitted to the emergency room.
Luckily, my sister works in the health insurance industry so she was able to get Josh added onto her plan under the “domestic partners” clause. While they are beyond thankful to have coverage, the coverage is proving to be a financial burden. Their plan has a $2,800 deductible and a $5,600 out of pocket maximum.
The prescription (Temozolomide) Josh needs to start radiation will cost them $3,663.88 up front. And then they still have another $1,300 or to pay out for the next month’s prescription.
My sister is so thankful for all the support and help they have received from friends and family. They have had numerous people bring easy meals, gift cards for groceries, help getting the boys to and from school, and so much more.
As you know, Josh is a father of two beautiful children who love him and my sister dearly. We are all praying for his recovery
The purpose of this fund in no particular order is:
- Take away as much stress as possible off of Josh
- Help offset the cost of missed work
- Medical bills and maintaining the day to day bills.
We are asking for any donation that you can make to help Josh through this trying time. One dollar. Ten dollars. One hundred dollars. Any amount you can give us will greatly contribute to Josh’s recovery. Whatever you can give will be welcomed and received with deep appreciation.
Thank you all so much for your support, our family appreciates it from the bottom of our hearts!
Josh is a compassionate human being and this is the least that I can do for him and his family!
Plenty of updates to come in the near future so please continue to share.
Thank you all so much ❤️
Brittany Jamison
Organizer and beneficiary
Brittany Jamison
Organizer
Mukilteo, WA
Erin Elizabeth Charlick
Beneficiary
