Josh's Story

Josh and I meeting for the First time at the Miracles In Motion Kick off party

Just one month before his seventh birthday, Joshua was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia,a type of blood cancer that is most common in children under age 15.

He went through 40 months of chemotherapy at the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Phoenix Children's Hospital, making monthly trips from his Goodyear home to Phoenix. "It was pretty scary when they first said I had cancer, but I think I’m pretty strong and I think I’m going to be okay. Everyday there are so many needles and so many meds that make me feel crummy, but the worst is that I’ve spend LOTS of time in the hospital. Much of it I don’t remember because my body got too tired to work and they had to use machines to keep me alive," said Josh.

Joshua's family endured other types of hardships throughout his treatment as well.

Paul, Josh's dad, lost his job in the construction industry, so his wife, Meredith, went to work full-time as an event coordinator (she loves to teach dance,though). They switched insurance a few times and paid thousands of dollars in medical bills.

"We had seen the worst there was to offer," he said. "I've realized that even though something like this happened, it could be worse."

 In the four years since he was diagnosed, Joshua, 10, has become a spokesman for research to cure leukemia!

Joshua is now finally "chemo free"! Thirty-nine months of countless pills, pokes, prods and very uncertain months in hospital, he has remained hopeful that tomorrow would be brighter - not just for himself, but for all of those facing blood cancer.

Joshua has most recently been chosen to serve as Arizona's Ambassador through the Children's Miracle Network.

"I’m not sure what I want to be when I grow up, but I know God has a really big plan for me. For now, Ill just try to help find a cure so we can get rid of this stinkin’ disease."

Me, Meredith, Paul, Joshua and Elijah at Dave and Busters

Currently, this AMAZING family of four, live out in Goodyear where Josh goes to Estrella Elementary where he loves to learn about science. Additionally, while he's resting from saving the world, he also enjoys playing soccer (and so does his little brother too!)

Little Brother, Big Brother
Elijah and Josh

Who knows, maybe he'll become a doctor and be the one to find a cure for the very disease that he had to endure.

 If you are encouraged by this story, please click on the icon, FirstGiving, and help me raise money (its tax deductible!), as I will be running in honor of Josh in the P.F. Chang's Marathon!

My name badge! I'm running 26.2 miles in honor of Josh and his family.