Josh Stabile Memorial Fund

Joshua's middle name should have been "Resilience". Despite the lifelong medical hurdles he faced, he was unfazed, kept getting back up on his feet and continued living his life. Even while managing his challenges, Josh was a loyal friend, always kind, supportive, non-judgmental, and generous with his time and resources.

Josh's true purpose became synonymous with helping others, and we honor Josh's generous spirit with the establishment of the Josh Stabile Memorial Fund in the Department of Pediatrics at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. This fund is a tribute to the care Josh received from numerous sources and the empathy Josh showed to others.

The Josh Stabile Memorial Fund aims to support complementary integrative health approaches for children such as acupuncture, massage, craniosacral therapy, aromatherapy, Reiki, and meditation. These evidence-based integrative therapies complement conventional medical treatments and Josh experienced, firsthand, the solace and relief that these techniques make possible.  The Josh Stabile Memorial Fund supports research, education, and pediatric patient care activities in integrative therapies.

Josh's Story:

Joshua was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy at age 4. At age 6 he underwent his first heart transplant and had to cope with the rigors of post-transplant clinics and the side effects of immunosuppression.

He also suffered from seizures believed to be linked to a stroke during his heart transplant process. Despite the challenges of his medical management, Josh was an excellent student and participated in sports, theater, and extracurricular clubs such as the Random Acts of Kindness Club. He loved his role as a middle school theater assistant. Josh possessed many talents besides being a fine musician. He was a master gamer, Lego and K'nex builder as well as an amazing hula hooper! He enjoyed card-playing, juggling, puzzles, magic, and billiards. Accepted to the University of Delaware's Education program, he aspired to become an elementary school teacher.

Post Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder and other cancers are known potential side effects of immunosuppressive medication. Josh was diagnosed with PTLD (as well as thyroid cancer) at the end of his Junior year of college. Chemotherapy did not prove effective, and the tumultuous 2 1/2 years that followed included dreadful chemo treatments, and an intestinal resection.  It was during the chemo clinics at Herbert Irving that Josh encountered the Pediatric Integrated Therapy program, discovering the relief acupuncture and other integrated therapies offered. Outside the hospital, he pursued acupuncture and a variety of massage therapies, finding this lessened anxiety, and promoted general well-being.

Ultimately, in 2014 at the age of 24, Josh underwent a successful stem cell transplant, working with the Hematology & Oncology Division. Still suffering from seizures, Josh learned that he was a candidate for thermal laser ablation and elected to undergo this surgery in June 2016. The ensuing brain bleed was painful and frightening but Josh endured. Next, he focused on finishing his collegiate studies at Pace University, proudly receiving his diploma in May 2017. When advised that teaching was too precarious for his health, Josh shifted to an English major and proved to be a talented writer and sought after editor.

Less than a year later, Josh's transplanted heart faltered, forcing his admittance to the CCU. Thankfully, he was blessed with a second heart in September 2018. Determined to keep his life moving forward, he relocated to an apartment in Mamaroneck where all necessities were within walking distance; including the integrated therapy services that now served an important role in his self-care regimen.

In December 2022 a 10cm tumor emerged. The next 5 months were hellish, but Josh remained resolute, even sporting a hat bearing the phrase, "Going through Hell? Keep going."

 And so he did, through another major surgery to remove the growing, undiagnosable tumor. By the time Melanoma was identified two weeks post surgery, Josh's liver and kidneys were already succumbing and specialized immunotherapy was not an option.

Josh was 33 when he died; brave and determined to the end of his life. There was just enough time for a few friends and family to rush to his bedside. He has left behind a heartfelt impact on the many layers of community he touched throughout his journey.

Adversity cultivated Joshua's superpowers of resilience and profound humanity. He had an unshakable belief in the transformative power of a simple gesture and felt compelled to uplift others.

We invite you to join us in expanding avenues of integrative health to further enhance comfort and supportive care for children facing medical challenges.