In October 2013, just a few weeks before his 12th birthday, Joshua was diagnosed with a rare form of pediatric cancer called alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. He battled bravely for 2-1/2 years, through six different types of chemotherapy, multiple rounds of radiation, and numerous hospital stays, remaining courageous and positive throughout his journey.

Unfortunately, in February 2016, Joshua passed away, but he left behind a lasting legacy of hope and love. After his diagnosis, Joshua became a childhood cancer advocate, bringing awareness to the need for increased pediatric cancer research.

Of all of the federal dollars spent on cancer research, only 4% is focused on childhood cancer. For a child like Joshua, with a very rare form of cancer (with only 250-300 new rhabdomyosarcoma diagnoses in the U.S. each year and a much smaller number being the subtype that Joshua had), only pennies out of the federal budget are spent on treatment and cures. For Joshua, this meant that the first round of chemo that he received was the exact same chemo regimen used on children with his form of cancer 40 years ago.

St. Baldrick's Foundation is the leading organization dedicated specifically toward fundraising for childhood cancer research. Please help them by giving whatever you can. Thank you!!