JOJO STRONG 2.0 - Warrior Mom

In January 2018, at just 18 years of age, my nephew Joseph (JoJo) was diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer called Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor. This diagnosis hit us all like a ton of bricks. Since then, Jojo has been a warrior, battling through chemo, radiation, multiple major surgeries, and many other obstacles along the way. He was pronounced cancer free in May 2018, but his battle with the side effects of this horrid disease has not yet come to an end. His dedicated and loving mother, my sister Gina, has been by his side through it all.

It’s been a little over a year since Jo Jo’s last surgery. I know everyone remembers what a terrifying yet truly miraculous time it was. The outpouring of love and support is something none of us will ever forget.

The waiting rooms and hospital hallways full of friends and family from all over. You guys were amazing. You literally kept us going all those weeks while we watched and waited for Jo Jo to wake up. I know Gina is so grateful for each and every one of you.

This week on September 24th, Jo Jo goes back into surgery.

You can imagine the trepidation we are all feeling as this day approaches.

For those who don’t know... last year on Aug 12 we all woke up to a text message from Jo Jo saying that he was going into emergency surgery. He was happy and optimistic and told us all not to worry that he’d be fine and talk to us later. What we didn’t know was that his bowel had ruptured.  What happened next was unimaginable.

When my sister got back to the hospital (after leaving only hours before to get more clothes and supplies) the surgeon came out and told her there was nothing they could do. The damage was too extensive... very little healthy bowel remained. They told her to prepare for the worst bc he likely wouldn’t survive.

I’ll never forget that phone call from Bruce. We were all in shock and so completely devastated. All I could think of was my poor sister. And poor Jo Jo. How could this be happening to our beautiful boy?

The surgeon decided to keep Jo Jo open, intubated, and sedated while they worked up a plan. They gave us very little hope but still we had faith. With all of you around us for all those days and nights... we prayed and prayed. You prayed. Everyone prayed.

Day by day Jo Jo got a little bit stronger. The surgeon went back in 6 more times to stitch together whatever bowel he could to give this kid a fighting chance at life.

For 9 days Jo Jo was sedated and intubated. For 9 days he fought like hell to survive. He says he has no memory of what happened, only a dream that he was grasping onto something with all his might and with one finger left he wouldn’t let go.

In the weeks and months that followed Jo Jo became the talk of the hospital. He had survived something no one ever had. He was a true walking miracle. You guys all know how strong he is. He’s been amazing. So brave. So determined to beat this and live a normal life. At 21 years old he’s taught all of us so much about strength, faith, determination and courage.

For the last 13 months Jo Jo has been fed through a tube while his remaining 24 inches of bowel heals. He’s finally strong enough for the next step. On Thursday 9/24 he goes back into surgery.    The surgeons’ plan is to repair the damage to his remaining small bowel so hopefully Jo Jo can one day eat again.

The coming days, weeks and months will again be long and challenging. Jo jo will be in the hospital for at least a month. Gina will be there by his side every minute, like she has been for almost 3 years now.

I’m sure you can all imagine the toll this takes on a mother to sit by and watch your child suffer so much.

Gina has been a rock from day one. I don’t know how she does it but she keeps on going. She stays strong for Jojo and she takes care of his every need. She’s been his personal nurse and primary caregiver all this time. She has not left his side.

This was made possible by the kindness, thoughtfulness, and generosity of all of you. And for that we are all forever grateful. Thank you!

As you all know Jo Jo (and Gina) spent much of the first 2 years at Sloan Kettering. Hotels, food, trips back and forth, along with anything that Jo Jo needs. Leaving her job and with no income of her own... the funds collected back in Jan 2018 allowed Gina take care of her son when he needed her most.

These funds have been exhausted.

It’s with so much gratitude that we ask again for your help. We’d like to make it possible for Gina to care for Jo Jo and herself as best she can throughout his recovery. We don’t want her to worry about anything. Her only focus needs to be on caring for Jo Jo. I know you all understand and agree and want to do whatever you can to help.

We are opening up a new go fund me page to support Gina through this next step, and we are asking for support. (Please share if you are so inclined.)

Lastly, please pray for strength for Gina and for the best possible outcome for Jo Jo.

We love you and thank you all.

xoxo, Rose