September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a time to spotlight types of cancer that children are largely affected by, issues of survivorship and more importantly raise awareness and funds for research and family support. According to the American Childhood Cancer Organization, approximately 15,780 children under 21 years old are diagnosed with cancer every year, of which a quarter will not survive the disease. Only two drugs have been developed in the last 20 years to help children with cancer. 24 Foundation is committed to giving back to the cancer community locally and nationally to ensure that no one has to fight this disease alone. Read below to learn about our neighbor, Joshua and his courageous cancer journey.
Joshua’s Journey
On April 9, 2015, a day before his eighth birthday, Joshua Bronson was diagnosed with stage 3 glioma brain cancer. The cancer has affected an area where his spinal cord and brain stem meet. Joshua’s cancer is rare in that there are only three other pediatric cases of this type of cancer, of which all are international cases where there have not been much advances with diagnosis or treatment. On his birthday on April 10, 2015, Joshua was admitted to the Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte for brain surgery.
During the first surgery, about 95 percent of the tumor was able to be removed. Originally, doctors advised a treatment plan of chemotherapy and radiation, but unfortunately after the first six week treatment Joshua went in for a post MRI and was immediately admitted to the hospital for a second brain surgery on August 12, 2015. The same tumor had grown back in the same spot and doctors advised Joshua follow through with the second surgery.
Joshua is recovering remarkably and although it is a tough situation, he and his family our keeping their faith that he can fight this disease. His bravery throughout this new journey has inspired not only his siblings – Madden (10), Preston (5) and Ashlyn (3) — but everyone around him. He will start his second round of more aggressive chemotherapy and radiation on September 10 that will continue for 10 months.
Over the past four months, Joshua has remained positive and is determined to not have this diagnosis define him. Despite this difficult journey, Joshua remains hopeful and is counting his blessings. The Make A Wish Foundation has helped Joshua maintain his smile and is sending he and his family on an all expenses paid trip to Disney World next month.
While the Bronson family has received an outpouring of support, their medical expenses continue to rise and they are asking the community to join Joshua in his fight against Cancer.
Visit Joshua’s Go Fund Me Page here:
Join 24 Foundation in lifting Joshua up as he fights cancer whether that be monetarily through donation or kind thoughts. Let’s fight cancer together.