Joshua’s Journey

On October 31, 2008, Joshua Dimitri Jacques was admitted to the hospital for routine tests to see why he had been so lethargic over the past week. Subsequent exams revealed that Joshua had a golf ball-sized brain tumor, called a juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma, located directly in the middle of his brain.  Since Josh’s hospitalization in October, he has endured seven separate brain surgeries, numerous intrusive examinations, and daily physical assessments from the five different specialty doctors currently overseeing his care.

After Joshua’s second surgery, which occurred on November 11, 2008, he was not been able to talk, walk, sit, eat, or even hold his own head up. Therefore, after weeks in the pediatric intensive care unit, Joshua was transferred to the inpatient rehabilitation unit to begin the extensive and arduous task of returning to the active, intelligent, and outgoing, little boy he is.  Fortunately, Joshua is a warrior, and just recently regained his ability to eat (only baby food at this point), sit for approximately 15 minutes at a time, and even control his head movements. However, even with all the progress Joshua continues to make, he still has a very long and hard battle ahead of him. The neurosurgeons were only able to get approximately 90 - 95% of the tumor and therefore Joshua will have to endure another year of chemotherapy treatment to ensure that the tumor will not grow back.

The doctors now anticipate Joshua will be discharged from the inpatient rehabilitation unit at the hospital within the next 3 weeks in order to participate in an outpatient rehabilitation program. Nevertheless, upon discharge from the hospital Joshua will require numerous daily medications and additional medical equipment; such as a wheelchair and a hospital bed that will be able to keep him in the proper position needed for his tube feedings. Although the doctors are confident that Joshua will one day regain his ability to walk and talk, they forewarn us that the process will be very lengthy and may take up to a year to return.

The emotional and financial toll of having a young child in the hospital for an extensive period of time is immense. I have remained at the hospital with Joshua everyday for the past two months and consequently have not been able to work. Additionally, Jacques has had to modify his work schedule in order to be present for all of the different procedures and meetings with the doctors. This diagnosis of brain cancer has forced us to change every aspect of our lives. Yet, although the past couple of months have been extremely difficult on us, especially since we have no family in the Atlanta area, the love and support that has been shown from the Atlanta Police Department and our Elizabeth Baptist Church family has been remarkable! 

As Joshua’s parents we are extremely prayerful and optimistic that Joshua will have a full and speedy recovery. He is a tough kid who loves football, basketball, and dancing. In his 3½ years here on this earth he has touched many people with his loving eyes and bright smile. Everyone who has ever met him knows what a special child he is and that he is a true blessing from God!

Thank you,
Officer D. Jacques