We announce with heavy hearts the tragic news of the death of 3-year-old Josiah Toleafoa, who cruelly passed away on his third birthday, which was meant to be a day of joy and celebration.
Josiah and his family were attending a kids’ party at Play City, which has an indoor parking lot where the event took place. Young Josiah was struck by a car in a horrible turn of events that left his family and everyone in attendance shocked and incredulous.
Witnesses describe the horrifying sight as Josiah’s mother, distraught, screamed and sobbed while paramedics worked frantically to save her son. Josiah was declared dead at the Rady Children’s Hospital in spite of their best attempts. The unthinkable had occurred, shattering the world of this family.
Investigations are currently ongoing on the accident’s circumstances. The driver in question, a 36-year-old whose identity is pending confirmation, was not impaired by drink or drugs. He stayed and assisted the authorities from the spot. The precise reason for the mishap is still a mystery.
The family has banded together during this unbearably difficult time to establish a GoFundMe campaign to help Josiah’s parents with the costs of his funeral. Josiah was a happy youngster, according to his aunt Tatiana Toleafoa, whose smile and kind heart made everyone around him happy. The thought of all the incredible things Josiah may have achieved if his life hadn’t been tragically cut short is heartbreaking.
“This GoFundMe page is for my sweet nephew’s funeral costs and services. He was a little angel who touched so many lives in so many different ways before he was called to Heaven.” “Anything at all, in any amount, would help.”
The owner of Play City donated $2,000, and the landlord matched the amount, demonstrating how the community has come together in support of the bereaved family. But as of right now, no one has been taken into custody.
We are so sorry for Josiah’s family at this unbearable loss. Nothing can compare to the unbearable pain that losing a child can cause a family. We ask that you remember them during this trying time and offer our sincerest condolences to them.
Peace be with you, darling Josiah.
This precious little girl made her entrance into the world adorned with “polka dots”: Check out how stunning she is at the age of 8!
Rebecca Callaghan faced a challenging pregnancy in 2012 when doctors decided to induce labor early due to excess fluid around her baby.
It wasn’t until about an hour after Matilda was born that any issues were suspected. Initially, a large blue mark on her face and extending down her body was mistaken for a bruise. However, just 30 minutes later, doctors informed Rebecca and her husband that it was, in fact, a birthmark.
Two weeks postpartum, Matilda was diagnosed with Sturge-Weber syndrome, a rare neurological condition associated with skin abnormalities that can lead to paralysis, learning difficulties, and seizures.
Matilda’s health quickly deteriorated, necessitating her transfer to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool, England. The parents’ joy transformed into deep anxiety, as they feared they might lose their newborn. “We couldn’t travel with her because she was so sick. Watching her taken away, we were terrified we’d never see her again”, her father shared with the Daily Mail.
Adding to their worries, they discovered Matilda had two heart defects. Despite the grim prognosis, she displayed remarkable resilience, successfully undergoing surgery. She also began laser treatments to address her unusual birthmark, a process that could take up to 16 hours to fully fade.
“She receives treatments every two months. The laser leaves her skin red and covered in blisters, which eventually heal”, her father, Paul, explained in a 2016 interview. He recounted the misconceptions from others, stating: “People assume we’ve somehow harmed her”.
Although these treatments are painful, Matilda is a cheerful child. Sadly, many stare at her or make hurtful remarks, even asking if her parents had caused her birthmark by allowing her to burn herself. “They only see the surface and make judgments. I wish they could see beyond the mole to the beautiful person she is”, Paul lamented.
In addition to her birthmark, Matilda faces vision challenges and struggles to walk. Yet, with the help of specialized equipment, she has taken steps on her own.
Despite her struggles, Matilda remains upbeat and resilient. “She’s incredibly stubborn; she’ll do things her way or not at all!” her father noted, emphasizing that she always greets others with a smile. The family regularly confronts stares, insults, and teasing, but they remain proud of Matilda. “Despite everything, she’s thriving”, her father said.
Now nine years old, Matilda’s family recently shared an updated photo of her in her wheelchair in June 2019. They have set up a fundraising page to raise £5,000 for a new wheelchair, enabling Matilda to enjoy her favorite activity: spending time outdoors, away from crowds. “We want to help her continue doing what she loves”, the page states.
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