I remember the day my brother was born; I remember the first time I saw him I stuck out my 6-year-old hand and he took hold of it so tight and wouldn't let go from that moment I knew that this is my baby brother, and I must protect him forever. Growing up my brother and I fought a lot I was a big meanie and always was teasing him. As I got older, we kind of grew out of the fight and became somewhat close because of our similar interests. My brother had so many health problems but us kids were neglected for years I really didn't know what to do. during my first year of college My brother was diagnosed with NF1 The tumor on his heart pushed up against his spine causing chronic scoliosis (he actually still has a tumor incasing the aortic valve descending. 8 spots on his brain and liver and also water in his brain). at that point I decided to quit school so I can help my brother the exact thoughts in my head where "I am not just going to sit here and let my brother die" I got a job doing cabinets so I could pay for his medical bills, my mother actually wasn't working and my step was but my mother was spending all his money for josh's medical treatments on herself like hair nails and what not. Finally, after fundraising and working a lot we were able to get josh medical treatment all the way in Dallas Texas. I stayed in the hospital/ the Ronald McDonald playhouse for the whole 5 months while josh was getting his treatment. I never left his side and i never will he is and will always be my brother. Being there at the hospital was really hard to see him suffer the way he did, I remember him looking at me say "Alex, all I see when I look in the mirror is disease". I was the only one he trusted to do pin care even out of the nurses, so they let me do it for him. and clean his wounds daily. it was a cool experience not only to help my brother get thru this but also help the other kids at the hospital. I'm actually super proud of him he was finally able to get away from my mom into his own place and got a car. I still worry about his health and it's like everyone has forgotten him. But I will never ever forget him, and I will help him always I am my brother's keeper.
