Josiah's Story

Josiah is the little guy on James' lap

       We have created this blog to keep everyone updated on Josiah's condition.  Josiah is 2.5 years old, and the youngest of six siblings.  He has spent the majority of his little life in Mexico, where his parents James and Nelly Dyck have served as missionaries for the past 9 years.  During a visit to their hometown in Ontario this winter, James and Nelly noticed that Josiah had developed a limp.  They took him to the ER to investigate the cause. X-rays were done, and when there was no noticeable reason for the limp found, the Drs decided to do some blood work.  The results of the blood work were alarming, and James and Nelly were immediately sent to see a specialist at the children's hospital in London. After a long night and more blood work, they were given the results; Josiah had Leukaemia.
      Josiah was given a blood transfusion that night. During the next few days, a bone marrow aspiration, and spinal tap were done to confirm the type of Leukaemia, and to find out if it had travelled to his brain. The results were good.  The cancer had not travelled to his brain, and the type was ALL - acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.  The next step was to have a port placed in his chest to receive blood and medications. Josiah will be staying at Children's in London for the next few weeks to receive his chemo treatments.  The length of his treatment plan is 2-3 years.  James and Nelly would appreciate your prayers for Josiah and for their family, as this will be a big adjustment for everyone.