In 2008, Labrina Solomon's four-year-old son, Joshua,
was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor, one determined to be inoperable
and difficult to treat. When Joshua died less than a year later, his family was
left with immense grief and acute awareness of this stark reality: Childhood
cancer receives less than 4% of federal cancer research funding.
Determined to create change in the face of tragedy, Joshua's family founded Joshua's Wish in 2010. What began as a tribute to one brave little boy has grown into a nonprofit organization with a powerful commitment to fund research for pediatric brain tumors, support Georgia families affected by childhood cancer, and raise awareness of the disease that too often claims the youngest lives.
"This organization has given us purpose after losing Joshua," says Labrina, President of Joshua's Wish. "We think about him everyday. Though it's hard, we've met some incredible families through this work. It gives us purpose through the pain."
Since its founding, Joshua's Wish has donated more than $243,000 to pediatric brain tumor research, with a particular focus on Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), the cancer that afflicted Joshua. In partnership with institutions like St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the organization channels funds directly into clinical research, fueling efforts that have led to the development of promising clinical trials and extending hope to other families.
One of the most innovative ways the nonprofit fosters breakthroughs is through its Undergraduate Summer Student Research Award. Each summer, two college students receive $5,000 research grants to work alongside mentors at leading medical institutions. These aspiring scientists are given hands-on experience in DIPG research — a program that not only contributes to the scientific community but also aims to spark lifelong DIPG research.
Yet Joshua's Wish isn't just about research. It's about the families who are navigating treatment, loss, and uncertainty every day. Since 2010, the organization has given more than $46,000 to directly support families in Georgia facing the hardship of pediatric cancer.
Each holiday season, the nonprofit partners with hospital social workers to identify up to 20 oncology families in need. These oncology families receive $200 to $300 in financial assistance from Joshua's Wish, as well as gifts provided through partnerships with doctors' offices and community donors to help bring some relief and joy during what is often the hardest time of year.
"One mother, who wasn't told in advance about the monetary help, burst into tears of gratitude," says Labrina. "Her child was undergoing treatment, and she had to stop working. The donation brought more than material aid. She said it brought her hope."
Learn more at https://www.joshuaswish.org/.
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