Brain Cancer Sucks

Joe Fulginiti is 33 years old and has a successful career as a Pharmacist in New Jersey. His life has been drastically altered since he was diagnosed with a brain tumor (a mix of an astrocytoma and oligodendroglioma...I know a mouthful) in 2017.

Joe’s not the type to ask for help himself; he's a fighter and the most loyal guy I know. He does not like charity or handouts but never misses an opportunity to give back to the community. He has donated to several organizations, including the National Brain Tumor Society, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and many more. This GoFundMe is here to help him now.

Joe’s first brain surgery in November 2017 to remove the tumor was unsuccessful. The surgeons could only remove a portion of the tumor, so after surgery, he dealt with daily seizures and was put on multiple medications to counteract a variety of symptoms and underwent chemotherapy. He would get tired while out with his friends and have to take naps because there was too much stimulation; his brain was working overtime to keep up.

In July 2022, he flew to San Francisco for a second brain surgery at UCSF, which has one of the top Neurosurgery departments in the country. The second surgery was more successful than the first, but not a ‘slam dunk’. As his doctor puts it, 'Well..I’ve removed two prescriptions from your list.'

After the second surgery, doctors required extra follow up appointments and monitoring, which meant he needed to to stay close to the hospital and for a total of 26 days! As a post-op patient (in the most expensive city in the US), Joe had to hop from hotel to hotel, ordering in meals since he didn't have a kitchen, and taking rideshares because he couldn't drive post-surgery to appointments all as he attempted to recover from brain surgery!

I’ve created this GoFundMe for Joe because we found each other through a program called Immerman Angels. Immerman Angels provides free personalized one-on-one cancer support for cancer fighters, survivors and caregivers by pairing up individuals with similar diagnoses. I had a similar brain tumor, an oligodendroglioma (I know another mouthful). We found each other while I was going through a year-long chemo treatment. During this chapter of my life, I dealt with mental health issues and physical side effects. Joe and I talked regularly on the phone and shared 'war' stories of our surgeries. It was invaluable to have somebody who could relate to my situation. Joe told me that I am a warrior and have a fighting spirit in me unlike any other person; for that, I am forever grateful. Joe helped me through recovery in a way no one else could, and now it’s my chance to try and return the favor.

This GoFundMe aims to help Joe with a variety of expenses related to his surgery and recovery - past and upcoming MRIs, speech therapy, prescriptions, pending doctor appointments and all of the San Francisco expenses. He is currently on disability for work and not able to earn a typical income.

During this Holiday season, we hope to make Joe feel at ease because finances are the last thing he needs to worry about as his brain heals. 100% of funds will go directly to Joe to help pay outstanding bills. If you are able to donate, any amount will help and be appreciated more than you know.

Happy holidays and thank you!