Join and support Joseph Cartagena

A few weeks ago, our dear friend Joseph awoke in the morning and literally could not move.

Nothing.

Two days later, he underwent an eight-hour surgery to remove tumors that had impacted the spine, causing paralysis. Metal pins were placed in eight vertebrae to provide stability.

How many of us have been spun around in that salon chair to look in the mirror, with Joseph standing above us with that big, proud smile, fingers still perfecting the placement of our new hairstyle? The amount of joy and renewed confidence Joseph has provided us over the years is overwhelmingly beautiful.

And how many of us have danced to that drum beat that Joseph loves so dearly - the backbeat accents and the hi-hat chiming in - all with that look of intensity followed by that big Joseph smile?

And now, our friend needs our help.

As many of you know, Joseph has been battling cancer for the past few years. Privately, fiercely and with incredible pain.

The surgery has restored some movement (his fingers and wrists have been moving non-stop!), and the journey is far from over as he will be moving from weeks in the hospital to months in extensive therapy before going home. His physical therapist is a drummer - which we all think is an excellent sign!

We know the medical bills will be significant, as will the treatments, therapy, and all of the home's equipment, devices and adaptations. This first GoFundMe effort is to cover short-term expenses until we better understand what we are looking at in the longer term.

His girls, Isabella and Sevilla, and the entire family can not thank you enough for your generosity and support. Any help you can provide is deeply appreciated.