A key member of a pioneering initiative which helps recovering addicts into roles in the horse racing industry has died days after undergoing major surgery. Josh Bryan, who was 33, had suffered a lifetime of pain from the rare condition Goldenhar syndrome which left him with underdeveloped features on one side of his face.
He underwent his first surgery aged seven weeks and had gone through at least 15 subsequent other procedures. Nevertheless after being helped out of alcohol addiction he had gone onto to become a popular figure on the US thoroughbred sales circuit.
Bryan found his purpose after setting up a project with Frank Taylor, whose family run one of the world’s leading studs and sales consignors, Taylor Made Farm in Kentucky. The School of Horsemanship and the accompanying Stable Recovery rehabilitation programme has helped numerous men out of addiction and taught them racing skills which have led to jobs in the industry.
Bryan was promoted to a role in the stud business as a thoroughbred advisor, becoming Taylor’s right hand man, travelling to farms and meeting clients.
In April he was scheduled for more major surgery, for which nearly £40,000 was raised through an online fundraiser.
The post said: “This April, Josh will be undergoing an extensive, eight-hour reconstructive surgery on his right jaw.
“This surgery is necessary to improve Josh’s ability to eat and communicate, and we are very hopeful that it will make a significant difference in Josh’s quality of life. While the jaw reconstruction itself will be extensive, Josh will also be recovering from a second surgery performed at the same time to harvest bone from his left leg.
“After the dual surgeries, doctors are projecting a recovery time of 6-8 weeks. Though Josh is about as tough as they come, he will need our support both physically and financially.
“Even with insurance, the costs of the surgery and recovery are significant. To add, Josh will be out of work for at least a month and perhaps longer depending on his speed of recovery. I invite each of you to wrap Josh in love and support during this time.”
The surgery was completed successfully but Bryan died days later after complications set in.
A post from the Katie Taylor on behalf of Taylor Made Farm said: “It is with a completely broken heart that I must let you know that we have lost our beloved Josh Bryan this morning.
“Josh was the most brave, positive, and faithful person I have ever had the chance to meet. In a life filled with suffering and struggle, he never failed to be grateful and extend the hand of friendship to others. Many of you have supported Josh through prayer and financial donations while he faced his most recent surgery with high hopes of improving his quality of life.
“This love and support and acceptance meant the world to him. Josh died trusting in the Lord with a grateful heart knowing just how loved he was in this world.
“Your kind texts, emails, notes, donations meant the world to him. Thank you all for your love and prayers for our beloved Josh. May he rest in peace.”
Among those to send condolences, David Redvers, racing manager to Qatar Racing, said: “That is utterly tragic. Such a positive, cheerful and efficient member of the Taylor Made team. They will all be devastated.”
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