SANDPOINT — It’s been a long couple of months for Josh Thompson and his family.

The husband and father of two was suddenly admitted to Bonner General Health in early April for diverticulitis. At first his condition improved but that changed as his disease worsened. Thompson was transported to Sacred Heart via ambulance; there he underwent emergency surgery to remove a section of his colon as well as his appendix.

After the emergency surgery, Thompson’s surgeon left the incision open in case additional surgeries were needed and to help prevent compartment syndrome, his mother, Nancy Thompson, said.

Adding to the complications, Josh Thompson suffered a setback in late April when he developed an abscess. That required a second trip to Sacred Heart for treatment, which meant more time in the hospital. Thompson underwent another surgery to close the incision and faces at least one more to reverse the ileostomy bag and reconnect the colon.

“Because of the extent of his illness, Josh and his wife, Natalie, both have been unable to work and Josh will not be able to work for at least two to three more months while he is recovering,” Nancy Thompson said.

Like many young people, Thompson did not have health insurance. His attention had been on his family and growing the family’s business — Thompson Quality Cut.

While the couple launched the lawn care business in 2005, Thompson is no stranger to hard work. At 9 years old, he started delivering the Daily Bee — where his dad worked and which was owned by his grandparents, Pete and Adell Thompson. In high school, he worked at Pioneer Pharmacy, Sandpoint West Athletic Club and Litehouse as well as for his parents at Thompson Lawn Care.

Thompson served in the U.S. Army, and because he’s proud of that service, he’s taken care of the lawn care needs at the VFW as a way to give back to his community and his country.

But now, the Sandpoint native is the one who needs help, Nancy Thompson said.

“Many in our community have been put in the position where they needed to reach out for help from their family, friends and acquaintances they’ve made over the years,” she said. “Some asked for help due to a devastating fire, health issues or any other crisis they weren’t prepared for. Such is the need for our son, Josh.”

Thompson had no idea he was sick or that he would become so ill so quickly. As a result, the medical bills are piling up “and the amount owed, more than you can imagine,” said Nancy Thompson.

Many people Josh knows, from his family and friends to his clients, asked how they could help so a GoFundMe account was created and a medical account was opened at Mountain West Bank under the name Nancy Thompson/Josh Thompson Medical Fund.

In addition, an all-you-can-eat barbecue fundraiser is set for Saturday, June 15, at A&P’s from 12-4 p.m. In addition to delicious food, the benefit will feature a silent auction with a host of items ranging from two tickets to The Festival at Sandpoint to a picnic table donated by Clyde Schilling.

Tickets are $20 before the event of $25 at the door. You must be 21.

All proceeds from the bank and GoFundMe accounts and the fundraiser will go toward medical bills, the family said.

“So many of you have already helped by donating to both of these accounts,” Nancy Thompson said. “Bless you for being so generous. We thank you for all the many prayers and love you’ve shown Josh, his family and us.”

Information: Josh Thompson Medical Fundraiser, gofundme.com/1m3w4cdw2o

Caroline Lobsinger can be reached by email at clobsinger@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow her on Twitter @CarolDailyBee.