2016 Miracle Kid continues education at Bloomsburg University

Joshua Sanchez of Hazleton likes to keep busy. In high school, he was involved in chorus, helped out with Cub Scouts and was involved with student council and
more. Now in his first year of college at Bloomsburg University, he doesn’t seem to be slowing down.

He is looking to study either nursing or health studies in the pre-physician assistant track.

“I have always had an interest in the health field,” Josh said. “Going through what I have been through has definitely helped me make that decision.”

From the time Josh was four months old he had recurrent epileptic seizures. He struggled for years with unsuccessful treatment with medication until it was determined at age 14 that he was a candidate for surgery.

Following multiple tests, the pediatric neurology staff at Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital was able to determine the source of the seizures and remove the affected 8 percent of his brain. Since then he has been seizure free.

“I have been feeling very well and the end of September marked 3 years that I have been seizure free,” he said.

The surgery has been life-changing for Josh and he has enjoyed sharing his story as a miracle kid.

“Being a miracle kid has meant so much to me,” he said. “It gives me the chance to show people that no matter what happens in life, you can always fight it and come out on top.”

Now with nothing slowing him down, Josh looks to get his education in a field where he can help others.

“My goal is to be able to help kids needing treatment, whether I am a nurse or a physician assistant,” Josh said.

Children’s Miracle Network at Geisinger has helped kids like Josh by funding specialized epilepsy monitoring equipment.