Hello, my name is Melissa. I am the mom of my angel son, Josh.

In 2022, my son was misdiagnosed with a hernia in his abdomen. After 4-months of

growth, the doctors finally completed a CT scan, followed by a biopsy. And so began

Josh’s journey with DSRCT. He was diagnosed a day before his 21 st birthday.

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Josh was the most amazing warrior in every way. He faced his cancer with strength,

courage and faith. He continued to enjoy his life to its fullest (when he was able). He

never let his illness get him down. His smile never faded, the nurses absolutely loved

him and his friends couldn’t believe what an amazing person he was. He continued

wake surfing, coaching volleyball, going to college, hanging out with friends, traveling to

Amsterdam, Germany and Italy—all while completing 2 Gold Rush Rally’s during his

chemo and radiation treatments.

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Despite the graveness of DSRCT, Josh fought until the very end. Josh lost his battle on

December 16, 2024…and there isn’t a day that I don’t remember how kind and loving

he was to all who knew him. My forever angel.

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April 21, 2001-December 16, 2024