BHS Alum Josh Hall Fights Cancer for Second Time; Go Fund Me Page Established
By Julie Perine on January 27, 2024 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
A Bridgeport High School graduate is fighting cancer for the second time and could use some help. Member of the Class of 2004, Josh Hall has undergone a difficult health journey since February of 2022.
“He was diagnosed after he had leg pain and found out he had testicular cancer. He had surgery to remove it at that time,” said his older brother, Justin Hall. “They got it all.”
Josh was set up with a series of follow-up appointments.
“He missed one. Then he had leg pain again and tried to get tested and they told him to wait until his next scheduled appointment which was like three months out,” Justin said. “After two weeks, he went to the ER and was tested. That was July 3, 2023.”
Josh was initially told he had Stage 4 kidney cancer and that was nothing that could be done for him.
“He started messaging family, telling them goodbye,” Justin said.
But after thoroughly looking into Josh’s medical history, it was determined that testicular cancer had spread.
“Once they figured that out, they said he could be treated through chemotherapy,” Justin said.
Josh, who lives in South Pittsburgh with his wife Page and little girl Luna, obtained second and third opinions, ultimately landing at Cleveland Clinic where surgery was performed.
“That happened two or three weeks ago and saved his life,” Justin said. “He did lose a kidney where the cancer had spread. It also spread to the liver, lungs, and lymph nodes.”
A tumor, twice the size of a softball and attached to the kidney, was removed.
Josh still isn’t out of the woods and will need regular screenings, but his prognosis is optimistic.
"He is going to be tested once a month. If his cancer indicator doesn't increase, he won't need more chemo," Justin said. "They think they got everything again with this last surgery, so we shall see."
He has, of course, been unable to work for several months. The challenges continue.
“Luna, who is 6 years old, has special needs,” Justin said. “She is autistic and non-verbal, and someone has to be with her at all times.”
Page, who does work full-time and has her hands full otherwise, isn’t able to travel with Josh for his appointments. His parents, who live in Florida, spend much of their time here so they can accompany Josh on those appointments.
The family does have medical insurance, which was accepted at Cleveland Clinic but not every facility at which he has been treated. Throughout the past couple of years, medical and other bills have accumulated.
A Go Fund Me Page is available for donations. Any support is greatly appreciated. Visit the page HERE.
Those who would like to send Josh and his family a card can send it to Josh Hall, 420 Macassar Drive, Apt. 6, Pittsburgh, PA 15236.
