Only a few hours after going to hospital with stomach pain, local resident Josh Brown was given just months to live.
In February he was scheduled for emergency surgery to remove a large malignant tumor, and diagnosed with Stage 4 aggressive bowel cancer.
At age 40 Josh, with a young family to support, was left shocked by the news.
For those in the Noosa area, Josh is a beloved local character. Alongside his partner Jess Scurrah he has worked in the hospitality industry for the past 15 years.
If you were ever dining at Halse Lodge or Imperial Hotel, all you had to do is listen for the laughter and there you’d find Josh. They say ‘to know him, is to love him’ and this has never been truer than of Josh.
After emergency surgery, Josh was devastatingly referred to palliative care and, while awaiting immunotherapy treatment trials in Brisbane, his health took a further turn for the worst.
Considering there were delays accessing the trial and his health was rapidly deteriorating, the family made the decision to seek medical help overseas.
In an effort to increase his life expectancy he received a medical exemption to leave Australia, flew to the US and then on to a state-of-the-art facility specialising in immunotherapy in Mexico.
Josh is currently receiving immunotherapy/chemotherapy alongside alternative therapies and cancer education by world experts.
To help with costs associated with this intensive treatment, financial assistance has been provided via a Go Fund Me campaign launched by family.
Partner Jessica Scurrah said, “We are so incredibly grateful for the support from the Noosa community. There have been many hard times over the last few months and we wouldn’t have progressed this far without the love and support of our community, families and friends.“
Lucy Mills, a friend of Josh who was at the recent fundraiser initiative, said Josh and Jess had done so much to support the community over the last 15 years.
“It was so great to see everyone get together and help at this time and wish Josh so much strength in battling cancer and fighting for his life,“ Lucy said.
Thanks to the generous local businesses who chipped in for a great event, including a sunset cruise donated by Noosa Canal Cruises and other local businesses who also made the day possible, Eumundi Imperial, Jojos Noosa, Kanu Capers, L’Auberge Noosa, Amadio Wines, Jess Scurrah Art and Noosa Springs.
Organiser of the Sunset Cruise Fundraiser, family member Sarah Scurrah said she was grateful to belong to such a caring community.
“We want to send Josh a clear message that he is not fighting this battle alone,“ Sarah said.
“We are with him every step of the way and will continue to do whatever it takes to ensure he keeps receiving this life saving treatment.“
The Sunset Cruise took place on the weekend, which was Josh’s 41st birthday, July 25.
Friends and family came together and celebrated to show their love and support for him.
Those in attendance ranged from friends, family, colleagues from Halse Lodge and Eumundi Imperial and Noosa MP Sandy Bolton.
Josh is currently making good progress in his cancer treatment program and is in contact with people who, after receiving the treatment, have not only extended their life expectancy but have fought the cancer into remission.
Statistics may not be on his side, however, with hope in his heart, Josh is determined to do the same.
The ongoing costs for the family living overseas are considerable. To assist Josh in fighting for his life you can donate to the Go Fund Me campaign at gofund.me/3164462b
