NOT many 10-year-olds can claim to boast their own army, but Joshua Reeve sure can.
When the Bannister Creek Primary School student was diagnosed with epilepsy in 2015, his family and friends rallied to support him in any way possible.
Joshua’s mother Gemma said his diagnosis had proved to be life-altering for their family.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOW
“Life has definitely changed since Josh’s epilepsy diagnosis with seizures, neurologist appointments, daily and emergency medication, fatigue, memory problems, restrictions on certain activities he used to enjoy and much more,” she said.
“Epilepsy is unpredictable so we tend to take one day at a time more so now, and we seize the days when Josh is full of energy and able to concentrate on learning or go out and have some family fun.”
Mrs Reeve said the constant support of his friends meant the world to Josh and she was grateful for their presence in his life.
“It’s heartbreaking when your child wants to be a child but cannot go on that rollercoaster ride or that water slide or their body is too fatigued to enjoy a friend’s birthday party,” she said.
“But we are very blessed that Josh has a wonderful group of friends who are always there by his side to cheer him up and ensure he doesn’t miss out on belonging as part of a friendship group.
“Josh is so very proud of his army of supporters, it really does bring a smile to his face at the purple day walk.”
On March 24, Josh’s Army, an 18-person team made up of family and friends, will take part in the Purple Walk 4 Epilepsy to raise awareness about the disease and fundraise for support groups.
Josh said the walk was one of his favourite times of the year and he could not wait for his friends to join him.
“I am so happy that my family and friends do the purple walk with me,” he said. “I like that we are called Josh’s Army as its good to have my own Army.”