A Mother's Heart

"The first day of summer break of 2006 Joshua awoke with what was thought to be the flu. Major complaints were a horrible headache and neck pain. His temp began to rise as the next few days passed and the head and neck only worsened. We visited a colleague of our pediatrician (ours was on vacation) who suspected a viral infection. 

As the next few days passed little things began to occur. Were they linked? The overprotective mother in me felt, "yes, they are". There were two days when Joshua's eyelids became really droopy. And leg pain! It seemed to be growing pains-felt only during the night hours, but really painful. 

Then one morning I awoke to his screaming from his bed. He was unable to even move his legs. I massaged them as I could and he fell to sleep, but only for a few minutes before his cries rang out again. We again visited a 2nd colleague who felt certain it was a virus. This particular virus would explain all symptoms, including the droopy eyelids.

Joshua was scheduled for an ophthalmologist visit to confirm suspicions. On the 10th day of Joshua feeling so horribly-headache, neck pain, leg pain growing worse each day- we finally spoke with our pediatrician who immediately called us in to her office. Joshua's name was called and as he walked in to the office he saw Dr. Campbell and an uncontrollable flow of tears began racing down his face. He hugged her tightly and said, I feel SO bad! He'd never cried like that!

I knew 2 things at that moment:
               1. Joshua was very, very sick.

               2. We had the perfect pediatrician for our son. He trusted her to make things right.

A very quick look at Joshua and a once over on the symptoms and we were immediately sent to the ED of Phoenix Children's Hospital. The doctor suspected viral meningitis and spoke of a spinal tap. If only his intuition had been right. The blood work results were in. 

Joshua was diagnosed with Acute Lymphatic Leukemia, one of the most common forms of childhood cancer. Statistics show an 80-85% chance of survival.

Waiting for their new puppy!

God, show us the way!!" 
-Meredith Gass

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.

Phoenix Children's Hospital

I did it! I finally did it and because you are reading this blog this makes it real. I have made a commitment to raise $1,500 for the Phoenix Children's Hospital at the

Most of you know that I have been running for the last year or so and that I was going to run in last years race but it didn't work out.

This year, I wanted to run in the marathon but do it for a good cause. I've become painfully aware, over the past couple of months, of how self-centered I am. I want to run but not just for myself. I want to do this marathon for something or someone beyond myself.

At first, I was considering Breast Cancer and other major organizations, but they have a lot of people that run for them and do fundraising for them. After doing my research, I finally landed on raising money for the Phoenix Children's Hospital.

I have a heart for children and the thought of a child suffering breaks my heart and beyond that the burden that is placed onto the family, especially financially. Its hard enough to watch your child be suffer, much less, not being able to pay all of the medical bills.

While I may not know every child's story or may not be able to pay every bill, I can certainly volunteer my time and run for something that is worth running for. Joining the Phoenix Children's Hospital's Miracles in Motion team, means that I will actually get to meet the child that I will be raising money for on August 28th!!!

If you are interested in helping me raise money for my honor patient please visit this site:

www.firstgiving.com/analisacervantez

I am so excited for this journey!