Help Joe and Family Through Brain Cancer

My stepdad, Joe, has been diagnosed with stage 4 glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumor that has completely upended his life and ours. Over the past few months, he has endured seizures, and combined with the effects of a traumatic brain injury, he can no longer care for himself. He now requires full-time support.

My mom, who is Joe’s rock and greatest advocate, quit her job to care for him. Despite her incredible strength and resilience, the emotional and physical toll has been overwhelming. My siblings, brother, and I all live far away, spread across the country, and while we are doing what we can, none of us can be there full-time to provide the care and support they need.

Joe’s diagnosis was sudden and devastating for our family. But if you know Joe, you know that he has always been larger than life. With his booming voice and strong opinions, he could fill a room with his presence, often making us laugh or shake our heads in exasperation, sometimes both at once. He’s the kind of man who becomes unforgettable the moment you meet him.

Joe and my mom’s story is nothing short of serendipity—they met at just the right time in both their lives. When he asked her out, his first date idea was a steakhouse, completely unaware she was a vegetarian at the time! Together, they’ve lived a life full of adventure, moving from New Jersey to Florida to North Carolina, and even owning a food truck along the way. Their love for each other has been steadfast through every twist and turn.

Now, they face their greatest challenge yet. Medical bills and the cost of full-time care continue to mount, making an already heartbreaking situation even harder. My hope is that, with the help of those who know and love them, we can help ease this burden and give them one less thing to worry about.

Joe and my mom have given so much light to others throughout their lives, and I hope to honor that light by contributing to their care in this difficult chapter. Any support—whether a donation or simply sharing this campaign—means the world to us. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for helping us carry them through this journey.

**Update 12/10/24:

Thank you everyone, from the bottom of my heart for helping my family. Funds raised thus far will help cover the cost of additional treatment and full time aid in a facility for end of life care and celebrations of life when the time comes.

From my mom when we spoke this morning: "There's only so many times I can cry in one day, but this is the first sigh of relief that I have had in months. This is so incredible."