Josh Kastning, Local EMT and National Guard Member Fights for Life

Josh Kastning is a local man who has selflessly served his country and community and is now facing unimaginable circumstances - Josh was recently diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia.Josh joined the Willet Fire Department in 2005 because he felt a calling to do something to help his community. Josh hails from a small town and knew that if he didn't step up to help, there might not be someone else who would.

After a few years working with the fire department, Josh felt a tug at his heart calling him to do even more and to become an EMT. Josh is now part of the TLC team out of Cortland and volunteers for Chenango Ambulance. He's also on the medical team for Willet Fire.

In 2013, Josh felt that same strong tug on his heart that he'd felt before and knew he was being called to help even more people. And so he joined the National Guard. Josh says that he wanted to broaden the reach of his touch and this was the best way for him to do so.

Josh is the type of person who doesn't think twice about helping anyone at any time without any hesitation and no matter the cost to himself. As you can imagine, Josh has been struggling with his cancer diagnosis because it's hindered his ability to fulfill his life calling to help others.

There is no cure for chronic myelogenous leukemia and this is something that he'll fight vigilantly for the rest of his life.

Josh just turned 26-years-old and dreams of having a family and children of his own one day. He's currently receiving treatment at UHS and will be getting a second opinion on his options from Sloan Kettering in New York City.

As you can imagine, Josh's medical expenses will only continue to mount and without being able to work, Josh is really struggling to keep his head above water.

While none of us can take his cancer away, we can rally around Josh, a selfless man who has given so much to so many and we can rally through a kind word, silent prayer or perhaps donating a dollar or two to help him with his mounting medical and personal bills. If you're able to help financially, a GoFundMe page has been created for Josh and any donation of any size is greatly appreciated.