Joshua

Eight-year-old Joshua was diagnosed with leukemia one year ago. He recently completed his first year of chemotherapy, with two more years to go. Joshua is a sweet and soft spoken kid with a big heart. Wanting to help others diagnosed with cancer, Joshua is raising money to help find a cure for leukemia with the help of his neighbors, classmates, and friends who are all pulling for him.

Joshua has spent a lot of time at Phoenix Children's over this last year with several complications, including a lung infection that kept him in the Hospital for two months. He spent much of that time sedated. When he awoke, his first question he asked his mom was how the fundraising was going. He's definitely a kid with a focus.

Below Joshua tells us more about himself … with a little help from his three-year-old brother Elijah.

What grade are you in?

Third.

Do you get along with your brother Elijah?

We sort of get along.

Your card was chosen for the holiday art project this year. What did you draw?

A snowman on blue paper. I was just thinking of ideas of what I could draw. It was weird drawing the snowman in the summer when it's so hot. It didn't seem right.

What is your favorite part of the holidays?

Seeing my family.

Have you been in snow before?

I've always lived in Arizona, but I've been where it snows. I've been to Canada and a lot of places in snow when I was little.

What are some things you like to do?

I like to play Toon Town. It's an online Disney game. I like to read books.

What is your favorite book?

I like the Magic Tree House series.

[His brother Elijah] I like choo choo train books and The Little Blue Engine. And sometimes Joshua lets me play Toon Town.

[Joshua] He really doesn't know how to play that much. All he does is race, and you're supposed to battle.

What are some things you like to do?

Well, I used to play soccer, but I've been in the Hospital for two months because I had something in my lungs. I just got to go home. I want to try basketball. It's my favorite sport to watch.

Who is your favorite player?

Steve Nash.

Do you have any pets?

I have a golden doodle. His name is Otis. He's a puppy but he looks like an adult.