Det Joe & K9 Jinky Cancer Battle

I have been praying heavily these past two weeks on how to move forward. I have been so humbled by the love and support from those of you who saw me. I do not throw my words around lightly, I literally would NOT be here today if you had not intervened. Each of you will hold a place in my heart as you have changed me and nothing I type here will relay how grateful I am!

Although I have no real answers on how I am going to make this work, or how I am keeping this roof over my head long term, I feel as if this campaign has run its course. I just do not see a way forward by keeping it going. Unfortunately, I have come to rely on each donation and this has become mentally challenging adding to my stress. Medically this is not helping. As you may recall, each donation is allocated through a trustee, where funds have to be held for a time and then sent to me, minus the fees. At this time with active SSI, Social Security ($735) and Medicaid, your donations are not supposed to be used for rent or food either. So in that, each donation received, "could" reduce the amount of my SSI, by your actual donation amount.

Given the complexities of this and not knowing how to move forward, waiting for each new donation, I feel it best to suspend my campaign at this time.

I am not sure what the future brings, but I can tell you I will never give up. The system that fought me, the trolls who attacked my name, have only succeeded at making me stronger! They are just part of what's wrong in this world and why I will never stop. But your love has renewed my faith. That trumps it all :)

I will, however, continue my social media sharing and you will ALWAYS be my Blue Family.

With love,

Joe & Jinky
         

                       


*UPDATE / URGENT*

9-17-2017 - We are currently working on updating Joe's Campaign.  We should have it done in the next couple days.

Trials, tribulations, and strength:  Joe and Jinky are still without power after directly going through H u r r i c a n e I r m a five days ago.  Joe has an amazing spirit and strength I've come to truly admire.  Joe has been an asset to his neighbors as well, who also stayed to weather the storm.  The evening the storm came through Joe was summoned to provide medical care to an elderly neighbor.  This was in the midst of the storm with 911 being unavailable.  Joe cared for the neighbor until he was stable.  It was amazing to watch.

I have watched him these past several days and no words will do justice to what I've witnessed. Joe's faith has carried us all. Even while battling PTSD and his Cancer, Joe was able to keep an entire street, including us here, safe and secure.  God's grace!

As far as this campaign, not much has changed, unfortunately.  He was awarded his insurance and finally started getting the medical care he needs. He is awaiting the results of several tests to again, determine the extent of his metastasis.  The major problem still to date is finding a way to maintain on SSI at $735 monthly with $2000 in monthly bills.   Also, the complexities of being on SSI mean even donations can be considered income, so some of you have offered Visa/Mcard gift cards, as long as they are NOT used for food or rent.  This is per, SSI rules.  If this also interests you please message Joe directly or otherwise please donate as normal..  

We will share more in the next update/edit to his campaign.  So, please follow for updates.

God Bless,

Tina

Update:

In the midst of battling Cancer, Det Joe is now in critical need. With upcoming treatments scheduled he has been informed his Social Security income of $735 will not begin until October. At this time he has no income or recourses.  We urgently appeal to your generosity in ANY form to assist Det Joe over this latest hurdle.

        *Detective Joe & K9 Jinky’s Journey Continues*

When faced with overwhelming medical costs, and days from eviction, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to assist.  Due to the generosity of many, Joe was able to stay in his home and receive emergency medical treatments.  Joe, Jinky, and his family are grateful and extremely humbled as their journey through PTSD & Cancer continues.  

For those who do not know Joe, he is a decorated Police Officer and Detective, who served the communities of New York and North Carolina for 12 years.  While on duty, Joe responded to many calls for help, and conducted over 75 death investigations which included children.
                                           Joe & K9 Meisha
                                        NYPD / Detail 9/11

                                            *Joe's PTSD*

Notably, Joe was first on the scene of the 2003 US Airways Express plane crash, where despite his heroic efforts, there were no survivors.  That crash was followed by an On-Duty shooting, and other events which led to his PTSD, but he didn't know it. http://www.cbsnews.com/news/final-minutes-of-flight-5481/

While struggling with increased anxiety, feelings of hopelessness, guilt and physical numbness Joe continued to serve and protect, even advancing within the department and raising his family in 2010, Joe sustained an injury in pursuit of a suspect. He was then forced to make a decision and so began the process to put down the badge. He knew It was time to heal, save his family and marriage and come to terms with his progressing PTSD.

By, 2011 Joe was still struggling with the severity of his PTSD and sought private treatment. As he seemed to finally be gaining control of his illness, a life changing tragedy struck Joe. His younger brother and confidant James was found dead from a hidden opioid addiction. This was devastating to Joe and led him into a downward spiral. Despite his best efforts he could not save his marriage and ultimately was forced to formally retire from police work, his lifelong dream and in all truth defined him. He was allowed to retire in name only and received no pension or benefits.

 In 2013 Joe pursued his rightful retirement benefits and medical coverage setting off a four-year complicated legal battle encompassing the laws of multiple States resulting in repeated denials.  There was, however, a small victory along the way. Joe was connected with a new companion, a German Sheppard service dog who he named Jinky, in honor of his late brother James. His nickname had been Jinky and is thus a special name to Joe. Jinky is now a vital part of Joe’s daily life. As a PTSD trained service dog. Jinky helps Joe deal with all issues and keeps him alert of Joe's surroundings.
                           K9 PTSD Service Dog JINKY 

As avenue after avenue closed for Joe, he began to also have physical pain. Over the course of two years, his physical pains were ignored and associated with symptoms from his PTSD.  It wasn't until April of 2016 that Joe was diagnosed w/ stage III (Kidney) renal cancer.  All the struggles and difficulties he faced had become a full blown crises.  His left Kidney was removed along with surrounding tissue. He endured therapy and associated treatments all without adequate medical coverage and no income.

                      *Joe's initial diagnosis with T3 Cancer*

Finally, in January, 2017, Sen. Marco Rubio’s office became involved.  With the support of Senator Rubio’s office, Joe was granted a dire needs request with Social Security and was subsequently granted a hearing held on June 26, 2017.
                                 
                                   *Senator Marco Rubio*

              *Joe interviews with WJXT & also Wink News*
                                                              Pic

 It was at that time Media became involved, and Joe and Jinky’s story was finally heard. It’s with great hope Joe awaits a favorable decision granting him unlimited medical coverage and a small monthly income of $780.

Joe passionately dedicated his life to the service of others. We are asking you to honor that passion with compassion. As of now Joe & Jinky are facing uncertainty with their living situations while they await the results of the hearing. Joe is unfairly waiting for additional needed testing to confirm whether or not his cancer has spread to his Bladder as his Oncologist opined.   YOU can help. All donations will be used for Joe's daily needs, care and continued training with Jinky and maintain their housing.

As said in the beginning, this is the journey of Joe & Jinky as he battles PTSD and Cancer. Any amount great or small can help. As Joe says you have and will continue make a difference in his life. You are his Blue family.
  Thank you,

Campaign Manager
Tina K
Ft Myers, FL.

                This is a tribute video made for Detective Joe Locus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2uXsY1mg4E
           
                       *MEDIA STORIES & FAMILY*

Below are just a few of the media stories on Joe's fight. Also some Pictures of his children.

http://www.news4jax.com/health/ret-detective-fighting-in-florida-for-his-life-and-his-home

http://www.winknews.com/2017/04/11/ailing-former-officer-hits-hard-times-in-punta-gorda

        *This campaign is true and accurate and follows all state and federal laws.

Please note: Any donations received will now be entrusted to an official living trust account so not to interfere with Joe's Social Security/ Medicaid case. The funds will be allocated from the trust account.