Josh Piscitelli: Perth man loses his battle to cancer, GoFundMe launched to support grieving family

Caitlin Vinci
PerthNow
Josh Piscitelli was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the tongue in June 2023.
Josh Piscitelli was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the tongue in June 2023. Credit: GoFundMe

A Perth family is mourning after a new dad passed away following a tough battle with cancer.

Josh Piscitelli was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the tongue in June 2023.

In July 2023, Mr Piscitelli underwent surgery to remove the cancerous tissue and then proceeded with radiotherapy until October 2023.

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Six months later, Mr Piscitelli had his first routine PET scan, where doctors discovered the cancer had returned.

Within less than 12 months after his initial diagnosis, Mr Piscitelli’s condition was terminal, and he was told that chemotherapy was not working.

Sadly, on July 14 Mr Piscitelli lost his fight with the cruel disease.

Friend and work colleague Callan Oorschot has launched a fundraiser to help his wife, Chelsea, and 20-month-old baby boy, Hunter cover funeral costs.

Tributes flow for cancer-stricken Perth man who passed away.
Tributes flow for cancer-stricken Perth man who passed away. Credit: GoFundMe

Mr Oorschot wrote, “With all of the emotional pain and stress that death, cancer and terminal illness brings, it can also bring massive financial burdens”.

“Josh was the primary income provider for his household and should have had his whole working life ahead of him.

“Josh’s wife Chelsea and son Hunter are now left to pick up the pieces”, Mr Oorschot added.

“We would like to raise money for Josh’s wife and son to help with both funeral expenses and future living expenses for his young family.”

Tragic loss of Perth dad, husband and ‘generous’ friend.
Tragic loss of Perth dad, husband and ‘generous’ friend. Credit: GoFundMe

Mr Oorschot asks people to “please keep Josh’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers”.

When speaking to Mr Oorschot, he said, “Any donation is appreciated and will go a long way during this awful time”.

“If this was someone else and Josh didn’t know them, he would want to help.”

“This can happen out of nowhere; people must enjoy life and live it to the max because you never know when it could be over.”

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