JOSH'S FIGHT FOR LIFE- Urgent help needed after severe medical emergency
Help a family pay for unfunded medical care after a severe medical emergency and lifesaving surgery
Otago, Clutha District
Josh moved from America to New Zealand in July of 2022. Since moving here he has been enjoying everything this beautiful country has to offer, between travelling for work and taking his family on adventures he has made the most of his time spent here, he is a loving father who always did his best to provide for his family and would help out friends when he could. He is a happy, fun loving guy who was making the most of what his life had to offer.
Josh is currently in the high risk ICU unit of Christchurch hospital after suffering from multiple Hemorrhagic strokes, a ruptured brain aneurysm with active brain bleeds (27/11/25). He has had emergency brain surgery, where they have left his skull open in case they have to go in again quickly and is in an induced coma.According to his team will be in hospital and recovery for months with a high chance of cognitive issues if/when he does wake up. Josh is not covered by the public health system as he's not yet a resident as his employer was delayed with organising his work visa so has to be on an interim temporary visa disqualifying him leaving the cost of his care entirely on his family.
Please consider helping Josh and his family in this time of need, your generosity is a beacon of hope during this difficult time.
Will post updates when I get them
Christina Ruffell's involvement (page creator)
I am a close family friend
Use of funds
The funds will help relieve the burden of ongoing medical costs, travel costs and care costs to his family in this difficult time. Some funds are also going to be set aside for an immigration lawyer if we need to fight to keep him here for his son
Latest update
Message from Anna part2 7 December 2025
an EPA petition cost is approximately $6000. If we can get the variance through immigration he may have his medical expenses covered or at least partially.
The house will not be suitable for his complications in the short term at the very least and I was moving for family reasons anyway so I am looking at other houses. Our family has obviously stepped up to support him in any way we can and decided he will be coming with us.
I understand a lot of people find it difficult to wrap their head around the fact that I am doing all this for my ex husband, however we are still friends, he is my sons father and I would never leave him in a situation where he didn't have support and care, provided it is in Josh's best interests and is safe for both him and my family. Josh and I have obviously discussed this and he makes jokes about how he couldn't ask for a better friend and co-parent and I've told him I need a trophy with that engraved.
This is a stressful situation for everyone and a lot of changes and challenges are coming our way but keeping a to-do list is keeping me sane. I'm currently pulling a circus trick balancing everything and I appreciate all the messages of support. I know people keep asking if they can do stuff to help but to be honest most of it is stuff I have to do on my own.
Thank you to those who were able to donate to the fundraiser, I know it's a difficult time of year but anything helps. It is appreciated and never expected.
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