Joe Senser's Stroke

Dear Family and Friends,

Joe, my husband and wonderful father of four daughter's, as you may know, has suffered a debilitating stroke this past July. Today he continues with an intensive rehabilitation program to regain some of what he has lost.

Joe was raised at the Milton Hershey School for Orphans after his father passed away at the age of 47 yrs., and was one of five children who were sent away for a opportunity for a better life. Joe graduated from the school and went on to Westchester University in Philadelphia, where he was drafted to the Minnesota Vikings. He played for the Vikings from 1979-1984 as a tight end, and was chosen for the ProBowl in 1981. Joe has always been one to put others first and has committed his life to helping others, through countless charity events and organizations. Joe was blessed be on the Board of Manger's for the Milton Hershey School, the school where he grew up, and has dedicated his life to helping children and others in need.

Joe has always taken care of himself physically, at 6'5'' and 260lbs, he was considered to be in great shape. Until, Sunday July 3rd. We were getting ready to go for a bike ride and enjoy the beautiful Minnesota summer, when everything changed as I heard a horrible crash in the bathroom. Joe was only conscience for a few moments, as I held his head in my hands. He looked at me and we both knew something was terribly wrong. Joe was rushed by ambulance to the Stroke Center at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis. Joe underwent emergency surgery to remove 2 blood clots form the left side of his brain. He has 2 other clots that were too far back on his left and right side of his brain that they were unable to remove.

Joe spent many months going from different intensive rehabilitation programs, from the KNAPP center at HCMC, to the Courage Kenny Institute in Golden Valley and he is now in outpatient treatment everyday at Saint Therese in Golden Valley. Joe was finally able to come home a couple of months ago, and is making progress; however, the extreme costs for his therapy and related medical expenses are overwhelming for us. So, after much thought and prayer as a family, we have decided we must humbly ask for help financially and have created this GoFundMe page to assist us in funding Joe's continued, long-term recovery and well-being.

The doctors say the odds are against Joe ever working again. Joe is unable to speak at this time, a condition called Aphasia, and is trying to relearn how to walk again but is barely able to use his right side. Joe has always been a fighter, and is committed to beating the odds, but his treatment and therapy go beyond insurance coverage, as well as adaptive equipment has led us to this difficult request for assistance from others.

To those of you who a already generously helped and supported us, we offer our heartfelt thanks. And to those of you who want to help with Joe's recovery, we will be deeply appreciative and blessed to have you in our lives.


Thank you and God Bless,

The Senser Family


P.S. I wanted to share with you that Joe will be shown at the Jumbotron today, Sunday January 1st, at the Vikings game in our new, beautiful football stadium. He will be recognized as a "Legend," with Greg Coleman after halftime. Joe is grateful for the opportunity to give thanks to all those who have supported him, and be able to cheer on our Vikings team.

We wish you all a wonderful, and blessed 2017 New Year.