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George Joe Brancato, or Joey as most of you know him as, has been profoundly deaf since birth. That never stopped him from being a great athlete growing up, a hard and successful worker as an adult, and a wonderful friend, brother, son and uncle to so many of us throughout his life.
Joey began noticing eyesight issues early in adult life, including problems with his balance. This eventually sent him to Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary at Harvard Medical School where he was diagnosed with Usher syndrome Type II, which is a rare genetic disorder which ultimately leads to deafblindness.
Currently there is no FDA-approved cure for Usher syndrome. However, stem cell treatments have been performed on patients with retinis pigmentosa as part of government-approved clinical trials as recently noted in a Bangor Daily News Article where a Maine native regained significant vision through his treatments.
This inspired Joey to reach out to MD Stem Cells in South Florida who perform the clinical trial. After reviewing Joey's case, Dr. Steven Levy approved to give Joey this ground-breaking treatment this summer.
Because stem cell treatments are still in early stages of research, Joey's health insurance will not cover any costs. Each treatment will cost approximately $20,000 plus travel expenses. Joey hopes to see results after one treatment, but he potentially will need more than one to regain vision.
Getting his vision back would mean everything to Joey. Doing the job he loves in the heating business has become almost impossible to perform, as he no longer drives and has extreme difficulty in dark places which is where his services are primarily needed. Joey is losing the ability to do simple things like play with his niece and nephew, play golf, and go out to dinner. Things some may take for granted, but having the vision to do these would mean the world to Joey.
Our family would be incredibly grateful for any donations made to help Joey get this treatment. "Uncle Joey" does so much for the people in his life, from clients and co-workers, to friends and family on so many occasions. Giving Joey a chance at regaining his vision is the best thing we could do to return the many favors.
Thank you so much for reading, and considering our request to help.
Joey began noticing eyesight issues early in adult life, including problems with his balance. This eventually sent him to Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary at Harvard Medical School where he was diagnosed with Usher syndrome Type II, which is a rare genetic disorder which ultimately leads to deafblindness.
Currently there is no FDA-approved cure for Usher syndrome. However, stem cell treatments have been performed on patients with retinis pigmentosa as part of government-approved clinical trials as recently noted in a Bangor Daily News Article where a Maine native regained significant vision through his treatments.
This inspired Joey to reach out to MD Stem Cells in South Florida who perform the clinical trial. After reviewing Joey's case, Dr. Steven Levy approved to give Joey this ground-breaking treatment this summer.
Because stem cell treatments are still in early stages of research, Joey's health insurance will not cover any costs. Each treatment will cost approximately $20,000 plus travel expenses. Joey hopes to see results after one treatment, but he potentially will need more than one to regain vision.
Getting his vision back would mean everything to Joey. Doing the job he loves in the heating business has become almost impossible to perform, as he no longer drives and has extreme difficulty in dark places which is where his services are primarily needed. Joey is losing the ability to do simple things like play with his niece and nephew, play golf, and go out to dinner. Things some may take for granted, but having the vision to do these would mean the world to Joey.
Our family would be incredibly grateful for any donations made to help Joey get this treatment. "Uncle Joey" does so much for the people in his life, from clients and co-workers, to friends and family on so many occasions. Giving Joey a chance at regaining his vision is the best thing we could do to return the many favors.
Thank you so much for reading, and considering our request to help.
Organizer and beneficiary
George Brancato
Beneficiary