Boy, 12, left breathing from ventilator after being hit at bottom of water slide by adult man

A Palos South Middle School student-athlete was rushed to Lurie Children's Hospital on Monday after suffering serious injuries in a catastrophic accident while on a family vacation in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Joshua Vaisman, 12, was in a hotel pool on July 1st, when he was swimming away from a waterslide when he was struck by a big adult descending the slide, knocking him out cold. The boy's parents had stayed by their impaired son's bedside at Nicklaus Children's Hospital PICU in the Miami area after three hospitals and two airlifts during Hurricane Beryl .

In order to support Joshua's family with day-to-day living expenses, lodging, food, and transportation, their friends have started a GoFundMe campaign called Joshua's Journey to Recovery, according to the organizers.

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“Joshua, his mom, JoAnn, his dad, Ron, and his brother, Julian, all face a long journey towards recovery, but together, we can help lighten some of the burdens they are all currently facing,” writes Taylor Moen, who is organizing the GoFundMe campaign . “Thank you for your generosity and support to the Vaisman family and Joshua’s Journey.”

Speaking on behalf of his parents, Moen states that Joshua is making improvement as his brain damage become clear. Joshua is no longer on a ventilator; he can breathe on his own, open his eyes, and obey commands. His medical team at Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami, where he receives treatment, is optimistic that his left side will follow his robust right side.

“The Vaisman family remains very hopeful that Joshua’s health will continue to improve each day,” Moen writes. “The Vaisman family extend their overwhelming gratitude for all of the prayers, well wishes, and support.”

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To lessen brain swelling, the Palos South Middle School student is still sedated and placed in what medical professionals refer to as a "healing rest." Joshua, a "strong boy," will need to wear a neck brace for the next twelve weeks as medical professionals assess the extent of the damage to his brain.

“[As] of now, does not need surgery,” his parents told Moen. “Doctors are saying that once Joshua is able to drink and eat, we will see more progress. We are hopeful.”

Ron and JoAnn found out on Sunday that their son, subject to the weather from Hurricane Beryl, which is now Tropical Storm Beryl, will be transported to Lurie Children's Hospital PICU to continue his care. “We truly believe in the power of everyone's prayers. Please continue to keep Joshua in your prayers,” Moen wrote.