Joshua’s Story

#JOSHSTRONG

“My name is Joshua Ribeiro and I am 13 years old.. I was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia on October 19, 2018.. I spent almost a month in the hospital. The cancer was attacking my liver so they had to heal it before I could start chemo.. I was so scared when I found out then something told me I was going to be OK..

My mom spent every day and night with me we even pushed our beds together so we could be closer. My dad had to go back to work but he came to see me every day. I have six sisters and I am the youngest.

By day 29 I reached remission. The first nine months I was really sick throwing up every day and I could not get out of bed. It took the doctors which felt like forever to find a mixture of medication that made me feel better so I was not throwing up and I could get out of bed.

The first time I truly got out of bed at the hospital was when the Jay fund had a concert in the kids room at Wolfsons. After that I went to almost all their events. I’ve met many friends and I love to hear their stories. After hearing them I felt like I had to do something to Help so now I spread awareness Everywhere I go.

I remember one day I had a severe allergic reaction to blood. They had already taken the needle out of my chest. They had to reaccess me and put the needle back in my chest without any numbing cream. I was in so much pain but I got through it.

I have met my best friend through a dream come true events. I was chosen for a boy of the year for the leukemia lymphoma foundation. It felt like a dream. I have also helped raise money for the childhood cancer society. I am very thankful for all the support in foundations that help children who have cancer like me.

I am currently in maintenance and I am going strong. My end the treatment is in February 2022. I am a very happy person I love to draw gaming and make people smile and laugh.

One day I want to start a podcast about my story to help provide courage kids going through cancer. I am a bit of a chatterbox and I can get lost in the conversation really really easily. I am so thankful for my oncology team in my family who support In the stands by me through everything.”

Written by Joshua Ribeiro Jr