UPDATE 3:
It is with a heavy heart that I make this update.
Today at Josh's follow up appointment we found out that the cancer was much more aggressive than the doctors originally assessed and they were unable to remove it all with the partial nephrectomy; however, they did successfully remove the baseball-sized tumor. Josh is being referred to an oncologist for his remaining treatment and from what the Dr says, he's got a long haul ahead. I have to be honest, this one really hurts. We are staying strong and all your love and support means a lot. If you feel so inclined to help, no amount is too small to help chip away at the ever increasing bills. Please keep our family in your thoughts.
UPDATE 2: Josh has been released and is staying with Sean and I during his initial recovery. He is on a 4 week no lifting and 2-4 week no driving restriction. His incisions are looking good but he’s got a low grade fever that is creeping back n forth so we are giving him Tylenol. He’s walking around and trying to get better movement but bending, sitting, laying down, and pretty much any abdominal motions are extremely hard for him. He’s using the recliner to rest but even that poses a challenge. This week coming our focus is on watching the fever and speaking to his Dr, filling out short-term disability paperwork for his job, and submitting some financial assistance paperwork through the hospital. The road ahead is arduous, but we are with him every step of the way. If you’re reading this, thank you for caring. We are beyond grateful and appreciate you all!
UPDATE: Josh’s blood pressure has stabilized and lowered from nearly 200 systolic to a healthy target range for the surgery, but now they have found a heart arrhythmia they want to run tests on. He has that appointment and a pre-surgery anesthesia appointment before surgery on Friday. They have given him an estimate that surgery will cost an additional $37,000 roughly after discounts. Please continue to keep him in your thoughts and send positive vibes out into the world for him, we can use them all right now. We are grateful for you all and especially for the shares and donations, they are a tremendous support.
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Hello everyone, I am asking for help during one of the most trying times we have ever faced. My little brother Josh, who is only 40 years old, was recently diagnosed with kidney cancer. This diagnosis has come as a complete shock as we thought he was originally struggling with only kidney stones. We are doing everything we can to support him as he prepares for this life changing experience ahead of him.
As his big sister, I have always tried to be someone he could count on. Growing up, I always felt it was my job to protect him, help guide him, and be there whenever he needed support. But right now, watching him face this, I feel helpless in a way I never have before. I can be there emotionally, but I cannot fight this battle for him, and that is incredibly hard.
Josh is now facing major surgery to remove both the 8cm tumor and his kidney. While we are hopeful this procedure will remove all the cancer while leaving some healthy kidney behind, the doctor won’t know if any is salvageable until he does the surgery. The financial burden is already overwhelming. His medical bills have already exceeded $20,000, and with surgery, hospital stays, follow-up care, and recovery time still ahead, the costs are expected to rise significantly.
Cancer doesn’t just affect someone physically and emotionally — it creates financial stress that can be just as devastating. Time away from work, medical deductibles, specialist visits, imaging, and ongoing treatment are all adding up faster than we ever imagined.
Josh is a strong, hardworking person who has always been there for others when they needed help. He has gone through so much and I hate that he is dealing with this; I am begging anyone who can to help support and be there for him— whether that is a prayer, a donation or simply sharing this fundraiser with others. Every contribution, no matter the size, will go directly toward:
- Medical bills and surgery costs
- Hospital and specialist expenses
- Recovery and follow-up treatments
- Daily living expenses during recovery
If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this page to help us reach others who may be able to help.
Our family is incredibly grateful for any kindness, prayers, and support during this time. Thank you for helping Josh focus on healing and helping ease the burden of how he will pay for lifesaving care.
Thank you for your support, generosity, and prayers. Humbly with much love and gratitude,
Jana
