Joshua was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma in his C-6 neck vertebra when he was 4 years old in October 2004. He endured 14 rounds of chemotherapy and 31 proton radiation treatments as per the national protocol for Ewings. The tumor was in-operable. With the tumor gone, his vertebra was near collapse, but is "currently stable" "at this time" according to his doctors. He is not allowed to play contact sports. The radiation damaged his throat, airway and thyroid. After 5 years, we have removed his g-tube, because he eats entirely by mouth! After numerous frequent esophageal dilations (38 total) in order to keep his throat open, he now only has them on "as needed" basis! He has a tracheotomy, which we tried to remove on 6-17-08, but were unsuccessful. After 5 tracheal dilations and scar tissue removal, we discovered additional damage to his left vocal cord. He takes medication for hypothyroidism. Josh is now learning to cope with chronic pain and has some growth issues, which we are investigating.

This is the fallout he faces due to his treatment and yet we are so grateful he is here!

Joshua is loved by his parents, Don and April, and his 4 older sisters: Jasmine, Joy, Jubilee, Jordyn and nephew, Cyrus. Thank you for your love, support and unending prayers!

Love deeply…Hug often…Forgive quickly…Speak kindly…

Journal

Friday, January 14, 2011 10:31 PM CST

Celebrating Josh's 5 Year cancer FREE anniversary was the highlight of our journey since Josh was first diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma in 2004 at the age of 4. Knowing all that he's been through; all we've been through as a family filled us with a deep sense of gratitude and humility. Gratitude, because Josh is alive and doing well despite living with a tracheotomy, an esophageal stricture and hypothyroidism, the fallout from his treatment. Humility, because friends we've met along the way have died from childhood cancers, children have relapsed, and children continue to be newly diagnosed. The bittersweet tears flowed easily for Don and I that morning before the party began.

We had a great turn out of about 100 people each donating money to Northwest Sarcoma Foundation. Club Sport did an awesome job belaying kids and some adventurous adults up the 30 + foot rock walls, helping them grab their prizes in the bags mounted half way up and serving delicious food in the eating area which provided a bird's eye view of the climbers! Josh's classmates and their families, doctors, nurses, an orthodontist assistant, fellow "neck breather" (Josh's mentor), Pete and his wife, Linda, and childlife buddy, Jen, were also a part of this joyous occasion.

The "Adventure Center" was full of love and laughter and we are very thankful for our numerous friends and family who have been a constant support during these last 6 years. Of course, we wouldn't be where we are now if it weren't for the many medical care givers and doctors we've grown to love along the way as well.

Turning Josh's celebration into a fundraiser was an honor for all of us. As we think about Gage, a fellow Ewings victim who is now on hospice care at the age of 9, our hearts break. We've got to find a cure. And when we think about Faith, an adorable 5 year old just diagnosed 3 days ago with Ewings Sarcoma in her hand, we ache knowing the long journey ahead. We dream of the day a cure is found. And donating to Northwest Sarcoma Foundation is a piece of that help to make our dream come true. It's all about Hope, Education and Support.

Love deeply...forgive quickly...hug often...speak kindly...love deeply...

This will be the last Caringbrige update as we are discontinuing this website. However; we will be opening a Face Book page for Josh under his name Joshua Lee Brenneman by February 1st, 2011. Thank you ALL for your LOVE, HOPE, PRAYERS and SUPPORT. You have made all the difference in the world for us!

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E-mail Author: Abrenneman@sportsoutreach.net

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Note: The foregoing information was authored by the patient, parent or guardian, or other parties who are solely responsible for the content. Such announcements or their content are not necessarily endorsed by CaringBridge, Inc. or any sponsoring agent.  This information does not confirm that anyone is or was actually a patient at any facility.