Joshua Smith is your typical seven year old boy.

He has a favorite football team in the Washington Redskins and a relentless admiration for cartoon superheroes. He is the grandson of Pro Stock crewman Gary Futrell, a member of Robert Patrick’s team.

He also has a brain tumor; categorized as Glioblastoma Multiforme, it is one of the most aggressive of brain tumors.

Joshua Smith is your typical seven year old boy.

He has a favorite football team in the Washington Redskins and a relentless admiration for cartoon superheroes. He is the grandson of Pro Stock crewman Gary Futrell, a member of Robert Patrick’s team.

He also has a brain tumor; categorized as Glioblastoma Multiforme, it is one of the most aggressive of brain tumors.

“Doctors bluntly told us that anyone with this type of tumor did not have a very good survival rate past two years, and unfortunately, Joshua’s tumor was not able to be fully removed by surgery due to its location in the Thalamic Region of the brain,” said mother Andrea Montgomery.  

“Josh has already told us that God has already taken his tumor away.”

The most recent surgery removed 30 percent of the tumor and this, Montgomery said, was a miracle in itself. Since then Joshua has endured four surgeries to put in shunts and repair them.

“Joshua has now completed his first phase of treatment which consisted of both radiation and chemotherapy,” she explained. “He is now in his second phase which consists of three different types of chemotherapy treatments.  In addition, Joshua is taking large amounts of supplements daily to help strengthen his immune system along with really trying to eat a completely organic diet.”

The overwhelming medical bills are piling up and the family could use any help the racing community can spare.

Friends have organized fundraisers and Patrick, who considers Joshua’s grandfather as more than just a crewman, was proudly involved in those efforts. He would love to see the drag racing community help to make a difference in the life of a kid who is a ray of sunshine despite a doom and gloom prognosis.

“There’s no finer people than Gary and his family,” said Patrick. “When you see something like this happen to an innocent little child, my heart just goes out to them. I know how screwed up the healthcare system is in this country, and when you see people like this who need the help and can’t get it – it’s just frustrating.

“I’ve got a little girl and another one on the way in two months, and my heart just goes out to them. I couldn’t imagine being in the position they are in. Josh has proven that he’s a fighter and I’m gonna fight right alongside of him. The kid and his family deserve it.”

For Andrea, she is truly proud of her son.

“Joshua’s journey is such a testimony because Josh has always remained Josh - truly amazing,” she continued. “Through the pain, the memory loss, a seizure, and never-ending medications, Josh has kept a level of positive energy and fight in him that most adults would not be able to muster up. His courage and faith have been unmatched, and an entire community has rallied behind him. In his short seven years on this earth, he has truly touched so many lives.  Through this battle, that we will no doubt win, Joshua has remained both courageous and brave.”

A fund has been set up to help the family defray the medical bills and help with the cost of experimental treatments. If you’d like to donate:

Wachovia Bank
Joshua Smith Assistance Fund Account/co Andrea Montgomery
Account # 1010287542516