Source: https://helphopelive.org/campaign/4066/
Timestamp: 2019-04-21 19:13:11+00:00

Document:
Hi, I’m Josh. I’m from Austin, Texas. I attended Texas A&M for a year, then got a job that I really loved at the College Station Ford dealership where I sold and customized trucks. I excelled at what I did and by the time I was 22, I was promoted to Finance Manager. I’ll be 23 this July. I recently moved into a duplex, bought a Ford F150 truck and customized it, and enjoyed the good life with my girlfriend. I had a million possibilities before me.
Then on April 19, 2009, I hit my head on the bottom of a swimming pool and suffered a “complete” spinal cord injury, a C6 burst fracture and several laminar fractures of the cervical spine. Currently I’m paralyzed from the top of the chest down. I’m on a ventilator (but weaning from it). The doctors say the upper chest muscles will adapt over time to help me breathe, like my diaphragm used to do.
I want you to know right now that I’m not afraid. I have faith in God. I’m working hard at my assigned tasks every day. I strive to remain positive, patient, and maintain my sense of humor. I am redefining who I am. I can learn how to do things in new ways. I just need a little help to get home.
With the support of family, friends, and many people I’ve never met, I’m learning how many people care.
Josh has chosen to fundraise with HelpHOPELive Catastrophic Injury Fund in part because HelpHOPELive provides both tax-deductibility and fiscal accountability to his contributors. Contributors can be sure that funds contributed will be used only to pay or reimburse medically-related expenses. For more information, please contact HelpHOPELive at 800-642-8399.
Here’s how to make a contribution to Josh’s fundraising campaign.
Donate by secure credit card.
You may also click the following “Contribute Now” link and scroll down the alphabetical list to select Wilhelm. To email this page directly to others in your community, click on the “Email to a Friend” link and type as many email addresses as you wish.
Hi, Josh - It's Marsha with Dr. White's office in Bryan. I just wanted to say 'hi' and that I follow your website. The last entry was August and I'm hoping that you have been so busy and that you are home!
Josh...we learned about your accident through the St. Michael''s community and you have been in our prayers ever since. You were a classmate of our son, Dylan Sack, at SMA. As fate would have it, our 21 year old next door neighbor, Nick DeAngelis, suffered a similar accident (C-8)wrestling with friends in his UT dorm room on Valentine''s Day weekend. We have followed his progress but had no idea this website existed until... Both Dylan and his younger brother Stuart run at Wild Basin. Stuart became a member and received the recent newsletter about your fundraiser. I''m sorry we did not get to participate, however, we have made a donation and believe you can raise one dollar at a time. We also send our love, support and prayers to stay strong. May your faith keep you on the path to healing!
Dear Josh and family, We live in your neighborhood and have seen all the work that has been happening at your home recently. Yesterday, I noticed the "Bring Josh Home" sign and I found your website. First, let me say ''thank you'' for all that you have given for us. Second, I want you to know that your faith, hard work and determination are an inspiration to me. We wish you God''s continued strength & blessings as you work to grow stronger each day. You will remain in our prayers.
Hi Josh, I was made aware of your accident through Margaret Kappel. Your courage and faith are inspirational and I assure you that my prayers for you will continue. Be strong, be faithful and be well!!!
Well the big event is Sun. and we look forward to hopefully seeing you. August will be a blur as we get Amy ready for Italy. Rory came down this weekend and spent some time with the old clan of John S, Steve, Ray, Jacob, etc. They all wish you well. From him I understand you are back at TIRR. Hope things are still progressing for you. Peace, prayers and much love. mrs. v.
Josh, just learned about you thru "Team Josh" Hampton marathon. What an inspiration it is to see the care and concern others have expressed on your behalf. I pray that God will multiply the donations that you receive ... just as he multiplied the fish and the loaves. "Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9) JUST LOOK UP!
Hey, there. Not knowing where you are just nowm here''s hoping your move was smooth sailing! We are counting the days till the benefit and my small clan plans to be there. Amy is bringing her beau, also from SMCA and Rory will be down for the weekend. Take care and looking forward to the event. mrs. v.
Hi Josh. I am your Mom''s first cousin and your grandparents are my aunt and uncle. My parents are Dwight and Judy, your grandpa''s sister. I only recently learned about your accident and wanted to let you know that we are praying for you daily and comforted to know that you are doing so well. Happy belated birthday and continue to work hard physically and spiritually. You will be constantly in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you and your journey.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSH!!!!!! We miss you so much!!!
Hey guy, I believe you have a birthday coming up this week. I hope there are plans to celebrte the day. I cannot even tell you I most sorry. Work has been heck! to say the least. I am down to 4 people this includes me. But please know how much I care. Love, peace, prayers. always. Mrs. V.
Josh, I look forward to meeting you when you move to your mom and step-dad''s house in Austin. I live across the street from them. I''ve become friends with them along with Maggie and Matt. I''ve also met a couple of folks who I feel you''ll like to meet and as soon as you''re able, I''ll introduce you to them. Ask your mom who I''m talking about, she should know. See you when you move in.
Frosty Walker, Across the Street in Austin, TX.
Josh, Your prayer request came in on First Bapt. Church, San Marcos'' website. You don''t know me but just wanted you to know how proud my husband and I are of you for adjusting to your circumstances so well. We can''t imagine the pain and emotions you must have experienced. One thing I know from my own experiences is that when we have more than we can bear, the Lord Jesus is always there to carry us forward. He''s never let me down; and though I haven''t experienced what you have, I''ve been through many emotional/spiritual trials, and God has been faithful to see me through the storms and strengthen me, look after my first interest. My life is so happy now. Having experienced His care and direction firsthand, I can say with conviction that following the Lord is the key to abundant life. And I think you already know that. Just continue to look to Him for your answers. He''ll be with you ALL of the way. God bless you, Josh. I''ll remember you in prayer. Carol Ann McElyea P.S. Isn''t Facebook fun? I''d love to have you as a friend, if you''d like to add me as yours. That way I can keep up with the great and mighty things God will do in your life in the future. P.P.S. I love Aggies.
Carol Ann McElyea, San Marcos, Tx.
Josh, We are your mom''s aunt and uncle. We just learned about your accident. May GOD bless you and care for you as only he can. It is truly a blessing from above that you have had improvement since the accident. GOD hears us when we pray and he will always be with us in times like this. Keep up the hard work with your exercises and get plenty to eat for needed strength. Continue to pray every day for GOD''s help. We will also pray every day for your steady improvement. Remember,the bible tells us we should love GOD with all our heart and believe his word and confide in him and he will comfort us. We love you and your mom and your grandma, Arlene, and your grandpa, Jimmy (my brother). We will keep in touch on this site. GOD bless you.
hey Josh, i am a cousin of your mother''s and just recently learned about your situation. I am so sorry to hear about what happened, but relieved to hear you are doing as good as you are. The human spirit is an amazing thing. You and your family are in our prayers day and night and Jenny (my sister) has the whole church praying for you guys. If you need ANYTHING please feel free to get ahold of us anytime. 903-932-7477. You come form exceptionally resillient genes, and I know you are in the Lord''s hands. god bless you and your road ahead. Wish we could have gotten to know each other better, but lack of communication doesn''t mean we dont'' care. In our thoughts and hearts.
Hi Josh, I met your mom, Roger, Maggie and Matthew in April ... what a great family. I''ve been reading your journal on a regular basis and admire your faith, courage, strength and determination. Congratulations on your progress, you should be very proud of yourself. Continue to work hard and say your prayers. I''ll keep you and your family in mine. Take care and God bless.
Hi, Josh. We''ve met but you may not remember. I am Christi Tennison, Vicky''s friend from since high school...too long ago. I love this website and it is very cool. You are an inspiration, most definately a strong young man and I wish you much success in your road to recovery. Keep up the hard work. We are all pulling for you.
Hey Josh, I''m a friend of your moms & my husband Jeff Cooper is your mom''s cousin. You''re in our thoughts & prayers. We look forward to reading your website. You''ve accomplished so much & we look forward to all the upcoming accomplishments you have instore for us. Take care!
I had to pass on visiting you this weekend so that I could "puppy sit" for Rory. I gather he has told you abut Ally, who is just as cute as can be but a handful. But I am really glad he got a chance to visit with you. Hopefully all the goodies I sent got to you, Rory had strict instructions, the food was NOT for him ! Also so glad to see all the work being done on your behalf the power of love and prayer never fails, remember that always. Much love, peace and prayers. mrs. v.
Hi Josh, I''m friends with your Dad; he and I know each other thru work. I''ve been following your progress - which is amazing - and want you to know that I am praying for you and for your family. God Bless you all!
Hey there sweetie, hope the move was as smooth as possible for you. I keep forgetting to ask if you can recieve phone call. peace, prayers and love . mrs. v.
Hi Josh- I am so happy that you are now closer to your family. Stay strong, keep up the hard work and know how much we all love and miss you.
Josh-- I''m sooo glad your move to Temple is complete!! Good luck there. You will do great!! Stay Strong!
Hey you! I hope today''s transfer went well- already onto the next phase. Keep working hard. Miss you and think of you every day. Wish I could be there so much.
Josh, I have read your updates everytime one was posted. I''m amazed at your strength and so proud of how hard you are working. I''ve never met you but I hope you know that you inspire people everyday to try harder and work harder to achieve their goals. You are so blessed to have such great friends and such a wonderful family. I am praying for your continued recovery and for you to have strength even in trying times. The love your mother has for you shows everytime she posts an update. I am Holly''s mother a friend of Ashley''s. Take care and may God hold you in his hands when you need his support. Much love.
Hello my dear, do not think for a moment that we have forgotten you! Our thoughts and prayers are with you always. I look at your site daily so I see your handosme face and smile. Keep your spirits up. We will see you soon, in the meantime much much love to you and yours. Mrs. V.
Did you experience the storms that came through last night? Lightning, Thunder, Rain, Hail, Wind! God''s power is undeniable. Who else could create such an awesome display? Praying you will continue to see God working in your life and that everything will fall into place according to His time and plan. Take Care.
Well, Josh. It is on to Phase II. Leaving TIRR will be a new adventure for you. You must continue to achive little victories each day. DO NOT QUIT! EVER! I have seen my sons over come many things because GOD is with them. Well, news flash, the same GOD is with you. and you can call on him any time. You will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. Keep us posted thru your web page, this is the only way we know what is going on with you. If you do not post, we think all is well. So keep posting even when all is well. What a blessing you are to us, and a great way to share the works of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Josh I am so desparetly praying you can find a place here in Austin. Keep the faith and prayers will be answered. I would have you over in a heartbeat except you know how Harper is. Your wheelchair would just unglue him!. He is just now getting used to my mom, oops, forgot to mention that she took Rory and your room. a plus is that Harper is now bi-lingual and when my mom tells him to come eat, or she asks if he wants to go out and he whines, he does just that. Love to you all the family, Mrs. V.
Josh, Keep up the fight, you already have come so far. You and your family continue to be in our thought''s and prayers.
Josh - What wonderful news that you are breathing on your own! Way to go! Thank you God! You keep up the great work Josh - your spirit and determination are amazing. You have come so far from that first day when you were in such bad shape - good for you buddy. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Keep fighting the good fight Joshua. May God bless you and hold you tight sweetie.
Josh, Every day you are in our prayers! And as you know the power of prayer is unlimited. I am not sure if you remember who I am but your Aunt Vicky is my best friend and Steve my husband would not be with me today without the prayers and the unlimited support we received from our family and friends. So, believe all and never look back!
Dude!!, Your looking great!!Keep up the hard work and we will keep sending up the prayers. You look like the same ole Josh with the Big smile.Love Ya!!
Hi Josh, This is Stacy Stegman from Leif Johnson Ford, When I heard what happen my heart sank. I have been thinking about you and praying for you. It is so good to hear that things are progressing so well.
Hey Josh, praying for You every day. Like the Astros cap (not as good as a Longhorn cap but It''ll do). Your new pictures look great, and whoever your girlfriend is in the picture with You must have a good looking daddy!! Take care, work hard and hope to see You soon.
Josh! It is amazing to see the progress you have made! You look great with your newly shaved face.... i know ashley was excited to see it!! :) Hang in there. Keep working hard, its making such a different already! Have a good weekend with Ashley, I believe she is coming up there to see you. Keep fighting. You are in my prayers continuously.
Hi Josh- I miss my "I H T P" Buddy!!! (You know, our favorite saying!!) Anyway, you look wonderful! I am so proud of you and everything you have accomplished. Keep up the hard work and know that we all love and miss you so much. You are in our thoughts and prayers daily.
hey josh this tina in service at the dealership just wanted to tell that i have kept up with all your progress and praying for you everyday. i am so happy with what you have accomplished. i will continue to pray for you and your family. keep up the good work.
Josh - I am Whitney Sanders mom (from SMA) and a physical therapist. I work with a great group of physical therapy faculty and students at Texas State University and if there is anything we can do to assist once you get settled in Austin, please let me know. I have been keeping up with you through this journal and want you to know that our family has kept you in our thoughts and prayers.
Praying for you as you continue on this new and challenging journey. I can imagine how difficult and discouraging things must be at times. It''s nice to hear your positive outlook, and I pray you will continue to look for the positive in everything. May you find strength in the Lord. Psalm 121:2 My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Josh, its awesome to see you doing so much better. I was coming up there last month, but figured you had alot going on and didn''t want to bother you. I''m going to have to come pick you up and have you visit over a weekend or something. I miss you brother. Call me sometime soon, and I will come down to see you soon.
Josh - I am go glad to hear of the great progress you are making! Your strong will and determination is inspiring. We are keeping you and your family in our prayers daily. Stay strong and keep smiling!
Tuesday June 2 - I love you and hope you are doing well. Sorry I am not there. Houston seems a million miles away when I look at your pictures. I pray that you have a good, productive week and hope to see you real soon.
Hey Josh! Jess and Kara here only the coolest neighbors you''ve ever had! We''re parying for you bud. We miss your awesome fajitas! we wanna fill ya in on the neighborhood A BUNCH OF 17 YR OLDS are moving in next to us!! i think they are gonna out party us!!haha We miss you buddy we''ll be in touch. let us know if you need anything or if there is anything we can do. love you and keep your faith!
Praying for clear guidance and direction as you make the necessary arrangements for Josh, and for Josh''s continued successful recovery. May you find strength in the Lord knowing he hears and answers our prayers. Isn''t it wonderful to serve such a mighty God! Take Care.
Hey you! I''ve been thinking about you a lot- I really wish I could get down there to see you. It was so good to hear your voice the other week and even more amazing to read the updates and see the pictures of how hard you are working. The updates from Ashley are always so comforting, you''ve got a great one there :) Keep pushing through. Miss you!
Hey, Josh, my name is Marsha and I work in Dr. White''s office in Bryan/College Station. Our prayers are with you. I have made sure that Dr. White has your website and following you also!
Dear Josh, so glad to hear the prgress you are making. Your new site is fantastic! Your bud Rory was over for the weekend and he told me this site was up an running. I am so sorry not to have made a visit to you but things are so hectic at home and work just now. But my daily and nightly prayers always include my " second son" Much love, many prayers for a good recovery. Mrs. V.
Josh, I received an invite to join a group for you on Facebook. This is how I found your site. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. I do not have tons of money, but I will purchase some bracelets for now and hopefully my small contribution will help, even a tiny bit. You seem very strong--Keep it up.
Hi Josh, The Kirkfields sent us an e-mail, so we had to respond. We are praying for your needs. God bless you! P.S. Ben Kinchen used to work for us at Ponchatoula Fitness Center years ago. He is Jeanette Kirkfield''s son.
Hang in there Josh - Just got the update from your mom about your new site. Keep up the great work Josh. All of your little advancements are going to end up being huge improvements in the long run. Remember buddy - slow and steady wins the race. Try and not get discouraged. Know there are so many people praying for your well being. May God bless, keep you strong and hold you close. You keep fighting Josh- take it one day at a time buddy.
Josh, YOU CAN DO ALL THINGS through CHRIST who strengthens YOU! When your spirits are down say this; more importantly BELIEVE it! A doctor may say your activities are limited, but your Faith will prove them wrong. Keep you head up Josh! You are in my prayers.
Greg Williams II, College Station TX.
josh, hang in there and keep working. you are in my thoughts and in my prayers. you''ve got alot of people pulling for you. i know we''ll see you on the st. michael''s sidelines soon.
Josh, I look forward to seeing you this weekend. I hope you got my letter earlier this week. Kris tells me you went to an Astros game. Warms my heart! Sounds like you are working hard. I can''t wait to see your face. I love you. Aunt Vicky.
Josh- Although we have known eachother since my freshman year in high school we have drifted apart as many friendships do once high school is over. Even so I just want to let you know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers along with my family''s thoughts and prayers. Remember that God is always with you. Stay strong buddy!
I ran across your story today, on Faceboook of all places. I look forward to reading more about the continued progess I KNOW you will make. Best wishes, and Godspeed.
Hi Josh, I know we have never met before. I am Ashley''s cousin, Scarlett. I wanted to let you know that I am praying for you and thinking of you all the time. I am so encouraged by the progress you have made. As my Aunt Janet said, you are family to us, and if Ashley loves you, so do we. I will continue to pray for you, and I know God will bring you through this. Stay Strong!
Josh, We love you so much and appreciate how hard you are working. Every night before we go to bed we say "God Bless Joshua". We are looking forward to seeing you again.
Hi, Josh! I received a prayer request from my sister-in-law, Jeanette Moreau Kirkfield. She also sent me the links to your website and information about NTAF. So, I want to add some more words of encouragement to your guestbook. As I looked through the photos on the site, the "thing" that kept jumping out at me was your obvious zeal for life and your love of family. What an incredible testimony! Lean on your knowledge of God as well as your trust in your family....these things will take you far...even when you may not feel like you''re going anywhere. I am a Speech Pathologist and have worked with many cord-injured patients. Those who "make it" all have that look in their eyes that I see in yours! Keep that zest for life--God must have a plan for you! My husband and I will pray for you daily.

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