Throughout April one of my coworkers and I visited and filmed the daily life of a World Race alum named Joshua Thomas. Josh went on the race in June 2012. When he got home he realized he was growing weaker and weaker, and losing considerable control of his balance. Through many rounds of tests, he was diagnosed with ALS in 2013. After serious seizures at the end of last year, Josh is now on a trach and feeding tube full time and requires assistance for every moment of his day from his sister and mom.
Throughout the time we filmed with Josh and his sister and mom, I was astounded by their love for each other. Their actions were simple, but not easy. Candice and Josh are in the middle of their lives and have hit the pause button. Candice cares for Josh 24/7.
On one visit I had to step out of Josh’s room to breath and stop myself from crying. Josh was having a more difficult day than normal it seemed, with drainage in his throat, nose and mouth. He had to be suctioned multiple times, and I was flooded with compassion for Josh’s discomfort and helplessness.
A week before we released the video I came across another video of Josh while he was on the race. He was standing, holding a little girl and talking to her. I freaked out, saying, “Oh my god, that’s his voice! ……. I’ve never heard his real voice.” Josh in my eyes was the guy who was confined to his bed with a voice of mechanical tones. I’d seen pictures of times when he was fully healthy, but it wasn’t the same as hearing him interact and laugh, actually seeing him live. Once again I almost started to cry as I was over come with his transformation.
The most beautiful part of Josh’s journey is the stunning contrast between the deterioration of his body and the resiliency of his sprit.
Josh describes that hearing he had ALS was like being told he’s a dead man walking. However, I can promise that Josh doesn’t live like a dead man. Josh’s faith is unwavering. The one thing the Lord asks from us, the commitment of our souls to love Him, is all Josh has. His perspective is nearly unbelievable.
I love the my work’s ability to transplant someone into the life of another person.Josh’s fingers resting motionless at his side, the suction gurgling, and the laughter bring people into another reality, if only for 3 minutes. It is a sobering and beautiful experience.
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Fundraising Update:
- I’m nearly 40% funded!
- I have half of my support coming from monthly supporters. THANK YOU!
- I hope to be 60% funded by the end of the month. That’s a very large goal, but you have not because we ask not, so I’m asking.
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