07 January 2004

You are down and out. Injured, hurt and scared. Suddenly, your hospital room is flooded not by flowers but by letters and post cards whispering positive words, encouragement and prayer....from complete strangers. Wouldn't that be an amazing? Join the team. BTW, this is not from me (see below).

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Hi! I know these mass emails can seem impersonal, but I was hoping you could write a get well card to one of my cousins who is in the hospital with 3rd degree burns. His dad, (my uncle), said it would be nice to be able to read Josh some cards as he can't talk and it would lift his spirits.

Josh Rhoades is currently in the hospital at the Maricopa Medical Center in Arizona because of a recent bonfire accident. On December 31st he was at a bonfire in the desert (Queen Valley, AZ) and according to his friends, he appeared to have tripped and fell into the fire. Friends with first aid training extinguished his burning clothes and transported him to a local hospital where he was flown by helicopter to Maricopa.

According to his doctors, he will be heavily sedated for a month or more and treated in the intensive care area or the burn center. He is burned over 50% of his body from the beltline to below his chin. There are 2nd and 3rd degree burns on his back, neck, chest, bdomen, legs and hands. His face has 1st degree burns. He is also on a ventilator.

The doctors have expressed confidence that he will recover because he's in good physical condition (Josh is 21 and a Marine) and a nonsmoker and young- but there will also be bad days too. He's doing pretty well, but if you guys wouldn't mind just praying for him and his family that would be much appreciated.

Also, my aunt is collecting cards for him (it would be awesome to get them from all over the country!!) so if you have the time, please write him a get well card to:

Josh Rhoades

c/o Tim & Becky Shuter

6453 East Ingram Street

Mesa, AZ 85205

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