The harness racing-connected family of four-year-old Josh Woodward has provided an update on the young boy whose battles hit mainstream media late last year.
"We were very lucky Joshua got out of Sick Kids on December 20: our Christmas present," said Josh's father, Jason, a frequent driver at Kawartha Downs. "He has done OK, been back for a few appointments."
Woodward added that Josh has even been able to start attending classes in Peterborough.
"He actually got to start school for the mornings just to see how tired he would be, and he's done great."
Josh remains on his fungal medicine for Aspergillus for another three months to fight the infection that caused him to lose the kidney Jason donated to him, and then he will be placed on another kidney transplant list.
"They said he has developed antibodies due to so many blood transfusions and will be harder to match," said Jason. "But there are some changes to the system where if you have a child who is harder to match you will be bumped up on the list as you're considered higher needs... so this is good and bad news."
Through this trying ordeal, the Woodwards have learned to take this battle one day at a time.
"Joshua has been through more than a lot of people have ever gone through and he's not done yet. He is an amazing little boy."
After the news broke about Josh's condition, horsemen across the continent were quick to contribute to the family and for that the Woodwards are eternally grateful.
"We wanted to say a late but very grateful thank you to all the horseman, tracks, businesses and even horses that donated to our fundraiser. We were amazed with the support we received from everyone," said the family in a statement. "When something awful happens to someone in the horse racing community you can always count on horsemen to come through and help...it doesn't matter if you know someone personally or just by name, everyone comes together when families need it the most and they did.
"Our fundraiser started out with three moms from our school planning a little yard sale, then our Standardbred horse friends got involved. It got bigger and bigger... our school moms didn't realize how big it was going to get or how much support would come from the horse racing community. They were amazed at what a great bunch of people they are and how generous they can be."
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All the best to Josh and his
All the best to Josh and his family. I hope he is successfully matched with a suitable donor in the very near future. My 17 year old son was an organ donor after he was killed by a drunk driver in 1994. I wish more people would think about this very important program that allows others to live.
Way to go Josh! Hope all
Way to go Josh! Hope all goes well for all of you!
Chuck Ibey
These little angels do not
These little angels do not deserve the hardships and pain that life trows their way, they should be allowed to enjoy their childhood, but life is not what we would like it to be, these little ANGELS have done nothing wrong and yet a lot of them suffer. To the Woodward family,NEVER LOSE HOPE and I will keep praying for Josh.I said it before and I will say it again, if my kidney is a match, he is welcome to it. Have a better day.
Keeping my fingers crossed. I
Keeping my fingers crossed. I hope for the best for the little guy.