As some of you or may not not know, my brother Joe has battling a very rare type of cancer called Uveal Melanoma. It started with a routine eye exam due to headaches as those of us who wear glasses can relate. During the exam a large tumor was discovered behind his right eye. Unfortunately, removal of the tumor also meant that my brother had to lose his right eye.

At this point, we were hopefully that might be the end of it. My brother start a monthly process of getting several MRIs and scans to make sure everything was going well. Again, we got bad news as some of it moved to the liver. At this point, he was referred to Jefferson Hospital in Philly as they are specialists in this rare type of cancer. The started putting together a treatment plan, which featured several trips and stays in the hospital as Joe underwent liver embolization which essentially is a procedure that injects the cancer fighting medicine directly into the liver. Again, after several treatments we were feeling positive of the direction he was trending.

And again, bad news followed as more tumors popped up on his femur and spine. In order to strengthen his femur for the radiation he had to undergo a hip replacement surgery which then followed with a lengthy physical therapy process which was followed with targeted radiation for those tumors.

At this point, Joe has been added to a clinical trial for which he goes to every Monday in Jefferson and involves several overnight stays. He is working through this difficult process as his body works to try to get used to and utilize the combination of treatments he is receiving. We are hopefully and praying daily that this will be the treatment that returns our Joe back to his happy and healthy self.

He, his lovely wife Sharlene and his daughter Naomi are struggling greatly under the weight of the vast bills incurred by the care he needs to get better and live for himself and all of us. Sharlene is actively looking for a second job. Joe, who had been downsized by his company prior to his hip surgery is trying his best to find work that would be flexible with him missing many days for his treatment as well as working with him as he is just feeling pretty poorly right now. He has been a skilled and diligent manager in several fields over the years and it pains him to have to turn down jobs because they cannot accommodate what his life is currently with his treatments. He has taken a part time job and is looking for a second to try and make ends meet.

Joe is the greatest guy you will ever meet. He is a great brother, husband, father and pet day. He always is the first to think of others before himself and loves his life advocating for those in need. Unfortunately, now he is in the one in need. He would never ask for help, which is why I created this. Our family is a small group and we will do anything to help each other out. But I am asking with all my heart if any of you could help him out, it would be more appreciated then could ever imagine.

I fund raise every year for Movember for Men's health awareness but this year the fund raising is direct for one of the most important men in my life, my big brother. Anything you could give to help them out would be greatly appreciated and will go directly to them to help them get their feet back under them and move the focus away from worrying about bills and solely allow all of to focus on the most important thing, Joe and his well being.

If you have any questions about any of this, please reach out to me or see me in person if you know me. I will be handling the money to take some of stress off them and to handle the complicated part of this process. I want to say thank you to anyone who can help and know how much all of you meant to us! Thank you!!