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Creating a Safe, Accessible Home for Josh

To know Josh is truly to love Josh. I have loved him even before he was born, praying for his life, his healing, and his future. Over these 16 years, Josh has faced challenges most people never encounter in a lifetime… forty-nine surgeries, countless hospital stays, and daily obstacles that test his strength in ways that are hard to put into words.

And yet, through it all, Josh’s faith, courage, and joy continue to shine. Every day he faces battles that still need prayer and healing, and every day he keeps trying. As his mom, I see the parts no one else sees… how much effort it takes him just to do the simplest things, how hard he works, and how deeply he longs for more independence!

Updates (2)

January 9, 2026

This video shows a brief example of how Josh gets into the bathroom. For privacy, he is fully clothed, and it doesn’t capture the full routine, which takes over an hour. I’ve done this hundreds of times, so it may look easier than it really is. Because our doorway is too narrow for his wheelchair, I lift him from his chair and carry him in and out each time. Because of medical needs, Josh spends a long amount of time in the bathroom, and the current setup makes that time harder than it needs to be.Josh has endured so very much in his 16 years. He works incredibly hard for every bit of independence and never complains.Our hope is to make his bathroom and bedroom accessible so Josh can be safe, comfortable, and experience the dignity he deserves.Thank you for praying, sharing, and caring.🙏💙🥰

January 6, 2026

Josh’s Accessibility Project Update

Since sharing Josh’s story on January 1, many have asked for more details. We are so grateful for the care, prayers, and support surrounding our family. Below is a simple, practical breakdown of Josh’s most urgent accessibility needs, along with estimated costs.

The accessible bathroom is our greatest and most immediate need. Right now, I have to carry Josh every time he needs to use the bathroom. His wheelchair does not fit through the doorway, and the sink and shower are not accessible. A roll-in shower is essential for his safety, dignity, and growing independence. These changes will allow Josh to move through our home more safely and with less physical strain on both of us.

We are especially thankful for Kendra Orcutt, OT and owner of Home Mods, who came out on New Year’s Eve to assess our home and provide rough cost estimates. Thank you, Kendra, for her time, compassion, and expertise.Josh’s Accessibility Project – Simple Breakdown (in order of need)•

•Accessible Bathroom Remodel

Widen doorway to 36 inches, relocate switches, replace tub and shower with a zero-threshold roll-in shower with linear drain, handheld showerhead, and grab bars, replace vanity with wheelchair-accessible sink, add shower buddy and washlet bidet, improve lighting and ventilation. Estimated cost: $20,000–$30,000+

•Bedroom Modifications Rearrange furniture, replace dresser with an accessible option, add outlets for medical equipment, install a bed cane without legs, improve closet access. Estimated cost: about $5,000

•Accessible Adjustable Bed A bed that raises and lowers for safer positioning and transfers, reducing the need for full assistance with turning and repositioning. Estimated cost: about $3,400 https://www.spinlife.com/Golden-Technologies-Golden-Passport-Hi-Low-Adjustable-Bed-Adjustable-Bed/spec.cfm?productID=177772

•Ceiling Lift System Track system from bed to wall with a motorized remote option for safer transfers. Estimated cost: about $10,000 https://www.surehands.com/products/surehands-body-support

•Front Entry Ramp Remove and re-pour sidewalk sections to create a gradual concrete ramp to the porch. Estimated cost: about $1,000

•Threshold Ramp / Mat Ramp or mat to improve wheelchair access over the doorway threshold. Estimated cost: about $130 https://www.spinlife.com/EZ-ACCESS-TRANSITIONS-Angled-Entry-Mat-Threshold-Ramp/spec.cfm?t=116992

Total project Estimates

Low: approximately $39,530

High: : approximately $49,530

We are incredibly thankful for your prayers, encouragement, and support as we work to make our home safe and accessible for Josh.If you feel led to pray, share, or support in any way, we would be so grateful.Above all, we continue to trust God’s provision and believe He will provide in ways only He can. 💙

Guestbook

January 26, 2026

Sending prayers of support in Joshua's journey.

Michelle Bullis

January 20, 2026

In loving support of the Cumby’s goals from Josh

Linda Paxton-Averett

January 18, 2026

We are happy to contribute to such a worthwhile fund. Josh and his family have always been a blessing to our family. It has been so nice to have a fellow family to share the ups and downs of spina bifida with.

Scott and Dawn Hubbard