Josh Gass
Joshua Gass is a blood cancer survivor whose volunteer and fundraising efforts through his team, “Joshua and Friends” have raised $86,000 for cancer research. His own words beautifully explain why he was given the title “Person with a Purpose” through The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society:
“Hi. My name is Joshua Gass. I have acute lymphocytic leukemia. I found out I had this disease in June of ’06, just one month before my 7th birthday. It was pretty scary when they first said I had cancer, but I think I’m pretty strong and I think I’m going to be okay. But, it’s year 3 of my treatment plan and I’ve had some really hard times. Everyday there are so many needles and so many meds that make me feel crummy, but the worst is that I’ve spent LOTS of time in the hospital. Much of it I don’t remember because my body got too tired to work and they had to use machines to keep me alive. I can’t wait till next October when chemo will end and I can be me again! I’m not sure what I want to be when I grow up, but I know God has a really big plan for me. For now, I’ll just try to help find a cure so we can get rid of this stinkin’ disease. I hope you’ll help me!”
UPDATE MAY 2011: The hope continues! Joshua continues to face negative effects of the treatment and is now year five for medication to control the Valley Fever, but his efforts to raise money to bring hope for a brighter tomorrow go on! Through his fundraising team, “Joshua & Friends”, nearly $100,000 has been offered to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to help find a cure for blood cancers. Every five minutes, someone is diagnosed with blood cancer. Every ten minutes, someone loses the battle. Leukemia takes more of our children’s lives (under 18) than any other cancer. There is no cure for multiple myeloma.
Thank you, Arizona Marathon, for your support of $12,000 worth of hope!
UPDATE NOVEMBER 2010: Light The Night Walks were fantastic and we are very pleased with the huge hope they brought. Joshua is starting the second year off chemo, still being treated for the disseminated Valley Fever and hanging out with yet another cast on his arm, but he’s wearing a smile and doing well. He just returned from a fantastic grand finale trip to Disney World as the 2010 Children’s Miracle Network Champion. It was SO fun! As we arrived home he said, “So, is this the end of my championhood?” I said, “Nope. You’ll always be a champion, but how ’bout we make it the end of cancer?” Sounds good, doesn’t it? : )
UPDATE SEPTEMBER 2010: Joshua Gass, after 40 months of chemotherapy, has now been cancer free for a year. His courage and perseverance make him a great role model for others who must endure what he has endured. In May, he was selected by the Children’s Miracle Network as Arizona’s Ambassador for health care for sick children around the world. This summer he was able to visit Washington D.C. and Disneyland as part of the program. The IMS Arizona Marathon supports The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. A portion of net proceeds will be offered to support its mission to fund blood cancer research and patient services.
UPDATE JANUARY 2010: Joshua Gass, now 10, is now finally “chemo free”! Thirty-nine months of countless pills, pokes, prods and very uncertain months in hospital, he has remained hopeful that tomorrow would be brighter – not just for himself, but for all of those facing blood cancer. Joshua has most recently been chosen to serve as Arizona’s Ambassador through the Children’s Miracle Network.
The IMS Arizona Marathon supports The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society! A portion of net proceeds will be offered to support it’s mission to fund blood cancer research and patient services.
