Joshua’s Story

Site created on January 25, 2021

Friends and Family:

Just before midnight on Friday the 22nd,  Josh was in an accident in Alabama where a train ran over his leg. We know angels were watching over him that night when two University of Alabama students were out looking for their dog and heard Josh’s cries for help otherwise he probably would not have been found until the next day. After receiving aid from first responders, Josh was sent to DCH in Tuscaloosa where they performed an amputation of his lower right leg.

We were very fortunate while my parents were travelling to be with him, he had his girlfriend, Colleen there to care for and keep him calm.  After a lot of discussion and research, it was decided by our family to transfer him to UAB hospital in Birmingham to be under the care of top orthopedic surgeons. 

As of this morning, Josh has met with team doctors who will determine after surgically going in to clean out his leg and further evaluate everything, how to best proceed with the next surgery.  He is currently in that surgery and we please ask for your prayers for Josh and the doctors while trying to figure out the best way to proceed.  We are hopeful that the doctors will determine that Josh can keep his leg as is and not have to go in for further amputation above the knee.  Again, we are grateful for Josh’s life and every day at this point is a new day and a new challenge.  Because it is hard to get back to everybody at this point, we created this page so that all our family and friends could be updated.  Please know your thoughts, prayers, calls and love are very much appreciated.  

We are not asking for donations, just prayers and support.


With Love, 




The Epps Family

 

Newest Update

Journal entry by Julie Epps

Well it's been 70 days since Josh's accident, and despite some minor setbacks in his progress, he is doing great.  His wound has had a couple of issues and is not healing as quickly as we anticipated which has delayed Josh getting prepared for a prosthetic.  He has been patiently waiting and very anxious to get to this next step.  Today his doctor did release him to now start with the rehabilitation doctor who will get him ready for the prosthetic.  He was very happy!  In spite of everything that Josh has had to overcome these last two months, he has been working very hard with his last five classes so that he can graduate in May.  He cannot wait to go back to Alabama and see his friends, finish school, and move forward with his life.  We are so grateful for the cards, phone calls, food, and continued prayers.  We appreciate all of you so much.  

All our love, 

The Epps Family

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