Josiah Carel has a natural way of lighting up a room. His smile is unforced, easy, and genuine. In fact, his mother, Chrissy Carel, often says that if he isn’t asleep, he is smiling. At ten years old, Josiah is the kind of child who, on the surface, seems carefree and full of energy—riding his bike, enjoying sports, and laughing with friends. But beneath that infectious joy lies a story of resilience, courage, and the unrelenting challenges of a young boy battling an inoperable brain tumor.
Josiah was diagnosed at the age of seven with a low-grade glioma on his brain stem. The tumor carries a BRAF mutation, which makes it slow-growing but stubborn, complicating treatment. For Chrissy, a single mother, the diagnosis was devastating.
“My world was spun off its axis,” she recalled, remembering the first time she heard the news. As a parent, facing the possibility of losing a child—or even watching them suffer—is a fear that never fully leaves. “He’s all I have,” she said. “You feel helpless. If I could take that pain away and put it on me, I would in a heartbeat.”
The early years of treatment were grueling. Josiah underwent chemotherapy and hospital visits, yet he continued to smile, continued to go to school, and continued to play with his friends whenever possible. In August of 2023, after more than a year of chemotherapy, Josiah rang the bell at Riley Hospital for Children, signaling the end of that treatment cycle. For the first time in months, he felt like a normal kid again—running around, enjoying sports, doing homework, and participating in activities he loved.
For about ten months, life was normal. School, friends, sports, and family filled his days, and Chrissy finally felt a sense of reprieve. She could exhale a little, believing that the worst was behind them. But then, last summer, scans revealed troubling news: the tumor was growing again. The same tumor that had been slow-growing had returned, persistent and unyielding.
Josiah, who will celebrate his tenth birthday on January 22, faced a new form of chemotherapy. This treatment is administered weekly at home, allowing him some comfort and familiarity, but the emotional weight remained. “For the first time since he restarted treatment, he said he was scared,” Chrissy said. “It about broke my heart. But he keeps a smile on his face, and he continues to go to school.” Even in fear, he maintained his joy, showing the kind of resilience that only a child with such courage could embody.
Despite his medical struggles, Josiah continues to live life as fully as possible. He loves biking and attending sports events—football, basketball, and soccer are among his favorite activities. He is also part of Team IMPACT, a program that matches children facing serious illness with college sports teams. Through this program, Josiah was paired with the Indiana University Indianapolis Men’s Soccer team.
He participates in practices, kickabouts, and social events with the team, which has provided him with a sense of belonging, camaraderie, and joy that transcends the hospital environment.
“He really enjoys being around the guys,” Chrissy said. “I never realized there were so many not-for-profit organizations out there to help. I don’t like to ask for help, but I need to get over that.” Her words reflect the vulnerability many parents feel when navigating the care of a seriously ill child.
Accepting support is sometimes as much a part of healing as the medical interventions themselves. Chrissy has found that leaning on these resources—social work, camps, and community support—has been essential in keeping both her and Josiah afloat emotionally.
One of the most transformative experiences for Josiah was Camp Riley, hosted each summer at Bradford Woods in Morgan County, Indiana. The camp provides children facing medical challenges the opportunity to bond with peers who truly understand their experiences. “It helps to bond with people who understand what you’re going through,” Chrissy said. For Josiah, it was a place of joy, friendship, and empowerment—a chance to be a kid without the constant shadow of his medical condition.
Chrissy has been open about the fear that comes with parenting a child like Josiah. “As a parent, it’s scary,” she said. “He’s all I have. You feel helpless.” She worries about each new scan, each change in his health, and the persistent presence of a disease that she cannot remove. But at the same time, she draws strength from her son. His smiles, his laughter, and his resilience inspire her to face each day with courage, despite the uncertainties that surround them.
Josiah’s medical care at Riley Hospital has been comprehensive and supportive. Oncologist Dr. Alex Lion oversees his treatment, ensuring that chemotherapy is effective while minimizing side effects. The team provides more than just medical care—they support the family emotionally and logistically, helping Chrissy manage appointments, therapy, and everyday life. Their guidance has been a lifeline for her, providing reassurance that Josiah’s health is in capable hands.
Despite the challenges, Josiah’s outlook remains remarkably positive. At school, he engages with his peers, participates in classroom activities, and shows the curiosity and humor of a typical ten-year-old.
At home, he enjoys sports, music, and family interactions. His medical treatments are a backdrop to a life that is otherwise filled with childhood milestones, laughter, and exploration. He embodies the extraordinary combination of courage and innocence that can exist in children facing serious illness.
Chrissy’s advice to other families navigating similar medical challenges is simple but profound: “Don’t be afraid to ask for help.” For her, learning to accept assistance—whether through social programs, camps, or supportive medical staff—has been crucial in maintaining her family’s stability and well-being. It is a reminder that resilience is not only about the individual facing adversity but also about the network of support surrounding them.
Josiah’s story is one of courage, love, and perseverance. It illustrates the complexities of childhood illness, the emotional weight carried by parents, and the remarkable strength of a child who continues to smile in the face of uncertainty.
It also highlights the vital role of multidisciplinary medical care, community support, and compassionate guidance from hospital staff in helping children and families navigate life-threatening conditions.
For now, Josiah Carel continues to attend school, ride his bike, and enjoy the activities that bring him joy. He faces his medical challenges with a bravery that inspires those around him, and his mother finds hope and strength in his daily smiles. Each day is both a victory and a reminder of the fragility and preciousness of life.
In the midst of a renewed battle with his brain tumor, Josiah remains a beacon of hope for his family and his community. His journey is ongoing, but it is filled with love, support, and the courage to face each day with a smile. For Chrissy Carel, the lesson is clear: even in the shadow of illness, life’s moments—small and profound—are worth celebrating.
Josiah’s story is far from over. As he approaches his tenth birthday, he carries with him the love, hope, and unwavering resilience that define both his life and the lives of those who support him. It is a story that will continue to inspire, a story of joy persisting even in the face of fear, a story of a boy whose smile never wavers, even as he fights for his life.
