At night, Josiah takes a breathing treatment for decongestant from his father Jim Fershee.

At night, Josiah takes a breathing treatment for decongestant from his father Jim Fershee.

Five-year-old Josiah Fershee plays in the bathtub in his home in Charleston, W. Va. right before bed. The scars on his back illustrate what he has gone through since his birth. Josiah was born with a birth defect know as spina bifida myelomeningocel

Five-year-old Josiah Fershee plays in the bathtub in his home in Charleston, W. Va. right before bed. The scars on his back illustrate what he has gone through since his birth. Josiah was born with a birth defect know as spina bifida myelomeningocele. This occurs when the lower part of the backbone does not completely form properly and it exposes the nerves of his spinal cord. This causes issues walking, bladder and bowel control, and learning problems.

Josiah throws a dice to decide which object he is allowed to color while he is in therapy in Charleston. W.Va. Learning how to count on the spot and make decisions based on that is very important for his developmental learning.

Josiah throws a dice to decide which object he is allowed to color while he is in therapy in Charleston. W.Va. Learning how to count on the spot and make decisions based on that is very important for his developmental learning.

Josiah plays with bubbles after trying to blow bubbles with his speech therapist Diane Epling. “This is a treat for him,” said Diane. “He tries to blow the bubble to properly make words and then we play with them later to make it more fun and seem l

Josiah plays with bubbles after trying to blow bubbles with his speech therapist Diane Epling. “This is a treat for him,” said Diane. “He tries to blow the bubble to properly make words and then we play with them later to make it more fun and seem less like work.”

Crystal struggles to dress Josiah after putting his brace on him. He was to wear the brace to sit up properly and not slouch or fall over due to his weekend upper body.

Crystal struggles to dress Josiah after putting his brace on him. He was to wear the brace to sit up properly and not slouch or fall over due to his weekend upper body.

Josiah and Mary try to get their dad’s attention in Charleston, W.Va. while Jim, an associate pastor in his church, prepares the sermon for the next morning service.

Josiah and Mary try to get their dad’s attention in Charleston, W.Va. while Jim, an associate pastor in his church, prepares the sermon for the next morning service.

Before bed Josiah and Mary get into a pillow fight to try to get their dad Jim Fershee’s attention in their home in Charleston, W.Va.

Before bed Josiah and Mary get into a pillow fight to try to get their dad Jim Fershee’s attention in their home in Charleston, W.Va.

Crystal helps Josiah with his homework in their living room in Charleston, W.Va.

Crystal helps Josiah with his homework in their living room in Charleston, W.Va.

After a trip to the store Crystal comforts Josiah during lunch at Fat Pattys in Teays Valley, W.Va. His brace at times hurts his back.

After a trip to the store Crystal comforts Josiah during lunch at Fat Pattys in Teays Valley, W.Va. His brace at times hurts his back.

Josiah hides from his parents with six-year-old friend Noah King. They play and tell jokes before they go to Sunday school.

Josiah hides from his parents with six-year-old friend Noah King. They play and tell jokes before they go to Sunday school.

Josiah, Noah, and Mary pray with their Sunday school class. (Left to right) Teachers Sandra Campbell, Carol Rutherford, and Dianna O’Connor pray with the children before they start their art project.

Josiah, Noah, and Mary pray with their Sunday school class. (Left to right) Teachers Sandra Campbell, Carol Rutherford, and Dianna O’Connor pray with the children before they start their art project.

Josiah is taken around by his grandma Trish Anderson (left) to collect donations from church patrons in Dundar, W.Va. Steve Buckingham (right) puts money in Josiah’s cup.

Josiah is taken around by his grandma Trish Anderson (left) to collect donations from church patrons in Dundar, W.Va. Steve Buckingham (right) puts money in Josiah’s cup.

Crystal helps Josiah count out his moves during a family game of Sorry. “Family time on Sunday is very important,” said Mr. Fershee. “We try and play board games or do something interactive.”

Crystal helps Josiah count out his moves during a family game of Sorry. “Family time on Sunday is very important,” said Mr. Fershee. “We try and play board games or do something interactive.”