Last October, Josh was awarded first place in the youth performing arts category at the World Autism Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland.
While there, he was filmed for several scenes in Connected, a documentary about the global autistic community. He received an invitation to the preview screening in April at the Vancouver International Film Centre but couldn’t make the event as he was at the IWK Hospital with several muscle tumors in his bicep muscles and nerve damage in his leg and foot. The conditions will need ongoing care and assessment. His sister Kate also has autism and requires regular visits to the IWK for cardiac and neurology care. Another sister, Shaya, is examined every three months for eosinophilic esophagitis.
Through the years Josh has battled multiple medical issues. Before reaching the age of two, he was diagnosed with autism and hypotonia (low muscle tone). He also has complicated Kawasaki disease and juvenile arthritis.
Physio work and dance instruction helped to build muscle strength in earlier years and his singing ability developed into an award-winning talent.
Last year Josh raised $3,100 for the IWK through its annual telethon. He’ll be fundraising for the May 30/31 event in honour of two young girls: Sarah, who became his friend while in cardiac care (she has since passed away), and a brave seven-year-old who has a high-risk form of leukemia.
This spring he auditioned for the 2015 Nova Scotia International Tattoo and is now part of the cast.
Ann Harrington, Josh’s mother, says he is making his parents proud for just being himself and doing what he loves.
“You’re an amazing young man who has the ability to conquer anything you want in life,” she said.
Click here for Josh’s donation page for the IWK Foundation Telethon.
You can follow Josh’s adventures on his Facebook Page WINGS 4 JOSH.
Last October, Josh was awarded first place in the youth performing arts category at the World Autism Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland.
While there, he was filmed for several scenes in Connected, a documentary about the global autistic community. He received an invitation to the preview screening in April at the Vancouver International Film Centre but couldn’t make the event as he was at the IWK Hospital with several muscle tumors in his bicep muscles and nerve damage in his leg and foot. The conditions will need ongoing care and assessment. His sister Kate also has autism and requires regular visits to the IWK for cardiac and neurology care. Another sister, Shaya, is examined every three months for eosinophilic esophagitis.
Through the years Josh has battled multiple medical issues. Before reaching the age of two, he was diagnosed with autism and hypotonia (low muscle tone). He also has complicated Kawasaki disease and juvenile arthritis.
Physio work and dance instruction helped to build muscle strength in earlier years and his singing ability developed into an award-winning talent.
Last year Josh raised $3,100 for the IWK through its annual telethon. He’ll be fundraising for the May 30/31 event in honour of two young girls: Sarah, who became his friend while in cardiac care (she has since passed away), and a brave seven-year-old who has a high-risk form of leukemia.
This spring he auditioned for the 2015 Nova Scotia International Tattoo and is now part of the cast.
Ann Harrington, Josh’s mother, says he is making his parents proud for just being himself and doing what he loves.
“You’re an amazing young man who has the ability to conquer anything you want in life,” she said.
Click here for Josh’s donation page for the IWK Foundation Telethon.
You can follow Josh’s adventures on his Facebook Page WINGS 4 JOSH.
