Joshua was diagnosed with high-risk B Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in May 2021. He underwent surgery to have a port installed and immediately began chemotherapy treatment. In December of that year, he received a bone marrow transplant, which required a 100-day stay at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.

“I stayed up there the entire time with him,” Joshua’s mother, Becky Eastman, said. “The family couldn’t visit — family couldn’t be there.”

Though the procedure was successful, his body fought the new healthy cells resulting in numerous complications. He was moved to a pediatric intensive care unit, and doctors told the Eastmans to prepare for the worst.

“They told us multiple times he was not going to survive,” Becky Eastman said. “There were times I had to call my husband and tell him. But, he has exceeded all their expectations. He continues to pull through after two and a half years.”

Photo submitted to the Times Observer Joshua Eastman, 10, is pictured with Raymond Garivey, a police chief in Texas, who helped spread the word of Joshua’s love for police and department patches. Joshua was diagnosed with high-risk B Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in May 2021.

Joshua’s battle with cancer made national news when Raymond Garivey, a police chief in Texas, took to social media. Garivey had gotten to know the Kane youngster and knew he loves police officers and collecting police department patches.

The police chief put out a call, which resulted in a flood of support from departments across the country. Numerous agencies have sent officers to spend time with Joshua, including members of the Buffalo Police Department in New York that sent two officers to Pittsburgh where Joshua was receiving treatment. According to the Bradford Era, the officers hand-delivered dozens of police badges and gifts from multiple New York-based police departments.

One agency sent Joshua a book of blank parking tickets, prompting Joshua to write infractions to nurses and even family members. “He’ll walk around the house and let you know if you’re doing something wrong,” his mom said.

BENEFIT

In February 2022, officers representing more than 70 agencies took part in a parade to lift Joshua’s spirits. He was able to watch the precession from his window at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.

To date, Joshua has amassed thousands of patches and other police-related items that have filled up boxes inside the family home.

Becky Eastman praised Garivey, who first sparked the flurry of support and who flew up from Texas to spend the day with her son. The police chief took Joshua to the Pittsburgh Pirates’ stadium where he swore him in as an officer.

Joshua’s ongoing road to recovery has been winding. He’s had his gallbladder removed and, because he struggles to take in nutrients, has a G-tube to deliver meals directly to his stomach.

There’s also the weekly trips to Pittsburgh for infusions to help keep his immune system stable.

During the ordeal, he contracted COVID-19 and has developed allergies to milk products and sunlight.

A spaghetti benefit dinner to help the family financially will be held from 3-6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, at Hessel Valley Lutheran Church. Meals are pick-up only and will be served from the bottom of the church driveway.

Donations also can be sent directly to the church at PO Box 43, Chandlers Valley PA 16312. Checks can be made payable to HVLC with “Joshua” written in the memo.

All proceeds will go to the Eastman family.

In addition to his parents, Joshua has three siblings, Emily, Jaxson and David.