Community Rallies Behind Family: 16 Year Old Undergoes Cancer Surgeries; Loses Lung, Leg
Published 12:00 am Thursday, January 19, 2012
By Kristine Kokoski
Special to the Enterprise
Josh Rominger, a junior at Davie High School, was recently diagnosed with cancer after tests following a persistent cough.
He is in Brenner Children’s Hospital recovering from surgery that removed a large tumor in his right lung that not only covered that lung, but also extended over his left lung and his heart. The tumor was synovial cell sarcoma, a type of soft tissue cancer. Josh is under the care of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center with further medical consultation coming from St. Jude’s Research Hospital.
This 16-hour surgery was performed on Dec. 27. Doctors removed 98 percent of the tumor as well as his right lung.Josh continues to be in ICU at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center as his vital signs stabilize and his body adapts to breathing with one lung. He has received numerous blood transfusions to stabilize his hemoglobin levels and is on a breathing machine.
Due to complications, the lower part of one of Josh’s legs had to be amputated.
Josh’s immediate family has been by his side continuously during this ordeal, and his Davie High family has taken up his cause at the high school.
Josh and his challenge are a unifying force for a student body and faculty/staff/support personnel of nearly 2,000 people. His bravery and determination have been an inspiration and springboard to help.
Students around campus have been overwhelmingly supportive.
Alex Dooley, senior, said: “It makes me feel blessed to be me and be able to wake up every morning and go on about my day. I pray for him and his family.”
Senior Kendrick Fruits commented on the spirit of Josh: “Hearing of his illness made me take a step back and remind myself not to take anything for granted. I do not personally know Josh, but God gives you what …