Help Joe Easter: My Dad's Fight for Life

Act Now: Help Joe Easter Conquer His Toughest Battle

Hello, my name is Stephanie Easter, and today, I'm reaching out with a heavy heart to share the story of my father, Joe Easter—a passionate Texas Tech Red Raiders fan, a proud Texan, loving father, and the most resilient man I know. A few weeks ago, life threw me its hardest curveball when my Dad suffered a severe stroke that affected the entire left hemisphere of his brain and parts of the right. This catastrophic event left him with aphasia, making him unable to speak or swallow, and paralyzed the entire left side of his body. This has left me needing your help.

(Photo of Dad working at Orlando's)

Hope in the Face of Adversity

My dad is a fighter, always has been. At 65, he's lived a life full of vigor and activity, embodying the spirit of Lubbock, Texas, in every step. Despite the severity of his stroke, Dad has shown signs of progress—there's a light in his eyes that speaks volumes, showing me peace signs and even some waving, and recently, I've witnessed voluntary and conscious twitching on his left side. This small but significant victory fills me with hope.

(Photo of Dad volunteering for Salvation Army)

A Roadblock to Recovery

After a challenging stint in the ICU, Dad is about to move to a rehabilitation facility to embark on what will undoubtedly be a rigorous recovery journey. However, I have hit a roadblock that I fear will hinder his progress: his insurance will only cover one to two weeks of rehab, and it might not cover any at all, as his employment and therefore insurance coverage are likely to end before then. I know, with every fiber of my being, that Dad needs more time to fight this battle with the support of professional rehabilitation services. But it doesn’t end there. Optimistically, he will require extensive rehabilitation beyond the one to two weeks initially covered, which may not receive insurance coverage at all.

(Photo of Dad cheering on the Red Raiders)

Joining Hands for Joe's Journey

That's why I’m turning to you—my friends, family, and kind-hearted strangers—to help me extend Dad's time in rehab. Beyond rehab, Joe will need around-the-clock care, specialized equipment to support his mobility and communication, and adjustments to my home to make it accessible for him. I also face the unexpected legal fees associated with securing guardianship to ensure his needs and wishes are met without hindrance, which has already proven difficult. Without guardianship or power of attorney, I'm unable to enroll him in additional insurance options or assist with his Social Security benefits, leaving me with insanely limited options. The severity of securing guardianship cannot be understated, as it is essential for me to effectively manage and advocate for Dad's health and financial needs.

(Photo of Dad and I going to a ZZ Top concert )

Your Support: A Beacon of Hope

Your generosity can make all the difference in Joe Easter's fight for recovery. I'm not just asking for donations; I'm inviting you to join me in rallying around a man who's touched the lives of many with his boundless energy, his loyalty, and his unwavering pride in being a Texan. Let's give Joe the chance to cheer for the Red Raiders once more, to enjoy the sunsets over Lubbock, and to continue being the incredible father, friend, and Texan he's always been.

(Photo of Joe working at Orlando's)

How You Can Make a Difference

(Photo of Dad and I at First Friday Art Trail)

What the money will go to:

(Photo of Dad working at Rawls Golf Course)

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for considering a donation to support Joe Easter's recovery. With your help, we can make this journey a little less daunting and filled with hope for a better tomorrow.

(Photo of Dad dishing out hot dogs at Rawls Golf Course)

#RallyForJoe #StrokeRecovery #TexasTechStrong #HotDogMan