18-year-old dies after battle with brain cancer
After a 2-year battle with brain cancer, 18-year-old Josh Morgan from Shepherd has died.
Morgan was diagnosed in March 2019 after a tumor was discovered in his brain.
Morgan received surgery and treatment and was able to recover and return to school in 2020 but two new tumors appeared on his brain in June. He underwent treatment in July and tumors appeared to
shrink but, once again, in January 2021 the two tumors had grown back and a third appeared on his frontal lobe.
After further treatment and consideration, Morgan decided to halt his treatment and was enrolled in an in-home pediatric hospice care program.
Morgan’s mother Theresa announced on Facebook on April 2 at 10:30 p.m. that her son had died during the morning on that day.
“Throughout his journey, he endured surgeries, chemotherapy, tests, rehabilitation, and radiation with courage, strength and a positive attitude,” she said in the Facebook post. “He was loved by everybody who knew him. We will miss seeing him smile and hearing his voice each day, but he will forever be in our hearts.”
The family started a Gofundme to help cover expenses and community members and organizations also assisted with fundraising.
The family had also planned a spaghetti dinner for April 5 from 5-7 p.m. at the Eight 2 Eight Rental Hall on 221 W. Wright Avenue in Shepherd, which is still expected to go on as planned at this time. Meals will be served to go and $10 tickets donations be taken at the door per to-go container.