Support Joseph's Fight Against Brain Cancer

Support Joseph’s Journey in His Battle Against Pediatric Brain Cancer

Dear Family and Friends,

My nephew Joseph has been diagnosed with a rare pediatric brain cancer with a leptomeningeal spread to his spine. Joseph is a kind, smart, and resilient 16-year-old Junior in High School who is at the beginning of a challenging medical journey. Over the last year he has been misdiagnosed by multiple medical professionals and lived with constant headaches, nausea, and visual disturbance while maintaining good grades in school and his first part time retail job.

In December 2024, Joseph could not get out of bed and was rushed to the hospital. This time the medical team uncovered his true diagnosis. He received an MRI, and it was discovered that he has a brain tumor located in the third ventricle of his brain, along with leptomeningeal spread to his spine and complications from hydrocephalus. Joseph was immediately admitted to the hospital. About a week later, we received the news which is a parent’s worst nightmare that Joseph has brain cancer.

After undergoing two brain surgeries, a brain shunt placement, and spending numerous weeks in hospitals, Joseph was transferred from Morristown Medical Center in New Jersey to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) to receive the best possible care under an exceptional Neuro-Oncology team. There, it was determined that he needs immediate, outpatient chemotherapy weekly for one year in Philadelphia. During this year, he will also need extensive occupational therapy for his short-term memory loss which occurred after the brain surgery, and he will also need to see an Ophthalmologist for treatment for his peripheral vision loss.

Joseph has a challenging journey ahead of him while he is unable to do most things that he loves and what every 16-year-old boy should be doing. He wants to still maintain good grades in school, graduate high school next year, and go onto college. Joseph is in the right place, getting the best care and is very strong. With your love, prayers and support he WILL beat this!

How Your Support Will Help:

As you can imagine this has taken an unspeakable toll on my sister. Your generosity will make an enormous difference. Every dollar donated will go towards supporting Joseph’s care, treatment and helping him get better. This includes weekly travel to and from Philadelphia, lodging and daily necessities. In addition to helping with medical bills/prescriptions not covered by insurance and help with loss of income while my sister is on family leave.

We have decided to set up this GO FUND Me as a way that people can help.

If you’re unable to donate we completely understand. You can still support this important cause and have an incredible impact by sharing this information with your friends, family, or on social media, helping us reach those who may feel moved to lend a hand.

We never thought we would be here. No child should have to fight this fight—but with your prayers, love and support we can make this fight a little easier for Maria, Joseph, Vanessa and our family.

Thank you for your kindness and support as we help Joseph along this difficult journey.

With love and gratitude,

The Vicari, DePalma & Jones Families