Meet Joshua: A Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Champion
When Joshua was only 2 days old, his health care team identified some health issues, and he was transferred to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.
champion, is participating in Family Advocacy
Day 2023.
He was diagnosed with malrotation, meaning his intestines were not correctly rotated during development.
“Staff were able to discharge me so I could go be with him,” says Stephanie, Joshua’s mother. “It was determined after birth he would need multiple abdomen surgeries since 95% of his bowel was non-functioning. I was in disbelief and shock at the time.”
Joshua has had multiple surgeries. He was in the NICU for 3 months, the PICU for 6 months and then moved to another unit. He was in the hospital for a total of 2 years and 2 months.
“At first, the family was all in shock and just wanted the doctors and staff to do whatever it took to save Johsua's life,” says Stephanie.
Today, Joshua is 14 and doing well. Joshua currently has to go to the hospital once a week for treatment for nutritional care. He has a G-tube and still has labs each week. He is in a homebound school program. But he loves playing Super Mario and Sonic video games and getting outside on the weekends.
Family Advocacy Day
Elevating patient stories and educating lawmakers remains critical to increase awareness about the essential care provided by children's hospitals.
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