Stories from the Heart
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Joshua's Story
When entering the home of 21 year old Joshua Johnson and understanding all that he's gone through in the past four years, the scripture above is a testament of what God's work can do in one's life….even when others feel that life is short lived. As the story of Joshua is told, Joshua Johnson was once known as a very smart, outgoing, charismatic, and athletic young man…none of these characteristics changed, but his life did. In his senior year of high school, Joshua was diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma-a rare disease in which cancer cells are found in the bone or in soft tissue. The most common areas in which it occurs are the pelvis, the femur, the humerus, and the ribs. Ewing sarcoma occurs most frequently in male teenagers. Joshua however, through youth or just general "Will" to live his life to the fullest, did not let this diagnosis hinder his life as a teenager or young adult. He graduated from James Island High School in June of 2006! He remained consumed with socializing with friends and family members and he remained constant in finding enjoyment in sports and restored cars. He also found love and support through his girlfriend, Chenell Layfette. In the summer of '08, Joshua found out that his girlfriend Chanelle was going to have a baby! Unfortunately as time passed, the cancer spread, and Joshua could not withstand the pain as much. He went into the hospital during the holiday season, and was released to the Hospice of Charleston Hospice Center in December of '08. In the Hospice Center, Joshua received the pain and symptom management that allowed him to return home, be surrounded by his loved ones, and continue to receive hospice home care. When asked about the referral to Hospice of Charleston, Joshua's great-aunt, Florence Fields replied, "I didn't want him to go on hospice, but we wanted anything to control the pain." It is through the hospice benefit that Joshua and his family have been able to have the necessary medications, medical supplies, and physicial and emotional support necessary to keep him comfortable and to educate the family through the progression of the disease. Joshua had to return to the Hospice of Charleston inpatient center again, due to nutrition deficiency and it appeared his bodily functions were shutting down, and his family wasn't expecting him to live much longer….his girlfriend Chanelle began to become distressed and she was hospitalized-Joshua then took a turn that no one, not even the hospice nurse, Rachel Harvin could believe. Joshua started to eat and pass fluids and he told Rachel that he wanted to witness the birth of his son. Rachel and Joshua together contacted Joshua's dad, who took him to the hospital, so that he could be there for the birth of his son Joshua Johnson, Jr. born on March 5, 2009. 
Hospice of Charleston nurse, Rachel Harvin states, "this is what the hospice experience is all about, being able to be present and share the moments that make life meaningful." Rachel was accompanied on a visit to see Joshua and his family-his Aunt Florence, Erica Johnson, his mother; his Aunt Mary; Whitney Johnson, his sister-Rachel loves this family and they love her. Chanell lets Rachel hold the baby and share this special gift that their family has received. It is so full of love in the home. Entering Joshua's room, who was resting peacefully, and there at his bedside,is the Bible opened to the book of Ezekiel-someone has been reading scriptures to him-and one can't help but to reflect on how God works when people 'Pray and Believe'. Aunt Florence states, "Most people think hospice means the end, but Joshua lived to see his son!" |