In Support of Michelle and Josh
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Help Joshua Find Relief from Chronic Neuropathic Pain 🙏🧡🥰
Joshua is a bright, loving boy who should be spending his days enjoying life, going to school, and doing the things kids love. Instead, he’s facing something no child should ever have to endure—excruciating, unrelenting pain.
A few weeks ago, Joshua was admitted to CHOC for 14 days of pain management and palliative care after nearly three weeks bedridden at home with unbearable pain. Doctors have confirmed that his condition, chronic neuropathic pain, is not something that can be cured or fully treated with traditional medications—especially in pediatric patients.
Right now, Joshua lives every single day with pain levels of 8–10 out of 10, 24 hours a day. He experiences constant burning, tingling, numbness, swelling, and shooting pain in his back, neck, and legs. Even high doses of medication only provide minimal relief.
On top of this, Joshua is autistic, which makes it harder for him to communicate and process what’s happening to his body. His mom, Michelle, has been at his side day and night, fighting to find answers, pushing for care, and trying to comfort her son while also managing the overwhelming financial burden that comes with his treatments.
The Challenge
The treatments that could help Joshua are not covered by insurance because they are rarely provided for pediatric patients. He has been placed on a waitlist for the CHLA pain management team, but in the meantime, Michelle is paying out-of-pocket for therapies and equipment just to help Joshua find a small amount of comfort.
Here’s a breakdown of their current expenses:
• Special medical bed with supportive mattress: $2,200
• Walker: $50
• Wheelchair: (hopefully covered by insurance, still pending)
• Chinese medicine treatments: $150 per week (travel required to Aliso Viejo)
• Medicated pain cream: $50 per tube
• Cupping therapy for at-home use: $500
• Weekly massage therapy: $95 per session
• Medication (recent weekend dose): $100
• Food while at the hospital: $500+
• Ongoing costs: gas, food, and travel to and from appointments
And this doesn’t even touch the countless hours Michelle has spent without sleep, fighting for her son’s care and trying everything possible to bring him comfort.
How You Can Help
Joshua’s family needs our support to help cover these overwhelming costs and give him access to the treatments that could bring him relief. Every dollar will go directly toward his care—whether that’s medical supplies, therapy sessions, or covering the costs of travel and hospital stays.
Joshua deserves to live with less pain. Michelle deserves to have the support she needs as she continues to advocate tirelessly for her son. Together, we can help lift some of the burden from their shoulders.
🙏 Please consider donating if you can, and if you’re unable to give, sharing Joshua’s story means the world. Every prayer, every share, and every dollar brings this family one step closer to finding relief for Joshua.
Updates
Keep up to date as needs change.
Dec 31, 2025
December update
We have a new pain management Dr from CHLA on our medical team. He ...
Dec 04, 2025
Miracles are happening!
We believe in miracles…do you?! After several months of pain, bed r...
Sep 30, 2025
Acupuncture & Referrals
We have managed to get acupuncture treatments on board for Joshua’s...
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- Created Sep 06, 2025
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