- P
- A
- J
On December 27th, our phone rang in the middle of the night. As expected, it was not good news. There had been a terrible accident, and Joe’s injuries were very serious. Due to his condition, he needed specialized care. He was transported to the ICU of Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles where he remained for over 2 weeks. Our family cannot say enough about the incredible support, sensitivity, professionalism, and excellence we experienced from every single person we encountered at that amazing hospital.
Joe needed facial reconstruction; but swelling, pneumonia, and other complications such as blood clots delayed the surgery. The good news was that there had been no brain injury, and though he had a tracheotomy he was able to breathe on his own. He was very healthy and strong, with a good prognosis.
Last week, his incredible medical team completed a 10-hour surgery to repair Joe’s jaw, mouth, and the nerves that control facial and eye movement, speech, and swallowing. His trach and feeding port will remain in place while he continues to recover. He will have months of occupational therapy to regain the ability to swallow and speak. We are hopeful that his sight will return in his left eye over time when the swelling is reduced and the nerves continue to heal. His surgeons reminded us to be patient, as nerves heal very slowly.
Thank heavens for technology! Our family lives all over the country, and we are so blessed that Joe can text us!
Joe was finally able to come home on Saturday, and will receive daily nursing care while his strength improves. He cannot speak clearly yet, and tires easily, but he is impatiently waiting to be well enough to work again. His recovery has been remarkable, and we know he can’t wait to get back out there to work on his extraordinary renovations, additions, and custom projects!
Joe is a custom builder, selected by Houzz as "Best Customer Service 2014, 2015 & 2016!” Joe works with some of the most skilled craftsmen and quality suppliers in Southern California. His company’s motto, “Building Dreams, Improving Lives, Making a Difference” not only describes his business philosophy, but his personal philosophy and way of life.
My father and I made dozens and dozens of phone calls to customers, vendors, contractors, and other business associates while Joe was in the hospital. The positive words, care and concern, and genuine affection for Joe, from everyone we spoke to, were very uplifting to our family. Not only did people offer prayers and good wishes; but they shared stories about how they met Joe, how he’d helped them, the work they’d done together, the fun and laughs they shared, or the amazing and beautiful improvements he created in their homes. Everyone, and I mean everyone, shared with us what a wonderful person they knew Joe to be. They praised him over and over for his professionalism, attention to detail, customer care, excellent craftsmanship, and integrity. They came to genuinely care for and respect him. Many still stay in touch years later and consider him to be a friend.
Joe runs a one-man office. As a business owner he is not eligible for disability benefits. He is the sole family breadwinner. His wife Gina retired recently, having had 2 neck surgeries from which she is still recovering.
Joe is an avid mountain biker, has run a marathon, and loves to camp and hike. He has studied for years to become a minister at his local church, and regularly supports many charities. He is generous with his time and resources, and is a loving and doting husband, grandfather, and uncle. He loves and is adored by two of the sweetest fur babies I’ve ever met, Coco and Bella.
Please, please be generous. Help Joe through this very tough time. The household bills are already piling up, and a significant percentage of his home-care and medical expenses are out-of-pocket.
Being a small business owner, Joe employs or contracts with dozens of independent contractors and suppliers. The fact is that when Joe's projects were put on hold, it affected the household budgets of many, many families. When Joe is back on his feet, he pledges to donate funds to help out-of-work contractors in his area.
We can’t thank you enough for your prayers and your willingness to help Joe’s family during this temporary financial crisis.
Joe needed facial reconstruction; but swelling, pneumonia, and other complications such as blood clots delayed the surgery. The good news was that there had been no brain injury, and though he had a tracheotomy he was able to breathe on his own. He was very healthy and strong, with a good prognosis.
Last week, his incredible medical team completed a 10-hour surgery to repair Joe’s jaw, mouth, and the nerves that control facial and eye movement, speech, and swallowing. His trach and feeding port will remain in place while he continues to recover. He will have months of occupational therapy to regain the ability to swallow and speak. We are hopeful that his sight will return in his left eye over time when the swelling is reduced and the nerves continue to heal. His surgeons reminded us to be patient, as nerves heal very slowly.
Thank heavens for technology! Our family lives all over the country, and we are so blessed that Joe can text us!
Joe was finally able to come home on Saturday, and will receive daily nursing care while his strength improves. He cannot speak clearly yet, and tires easily, but he is impatiently waiting to be well enough to work again. His recovery has been remarkable, and we know he can’t wait to get back out there to work on his extraordinary renovations, additions, and custom projects!
Joe is a custom builder, selected by Houzz as "Best Customer Service 2014, 2015 & 2016!” Joe works with some of the most skilled craftsmen and quality suppliers in Southern California. His company’s motto, “Building Dreams, Improving Lives, Making a Difference” not only describes his business philosophy, but his personal philosophy and way of life.
My father and I made dozens and dozens of phone calls to customers, vendors, contractors, and other business associates while Joe was in the hospital. The positive words, care and concern, and genuine affection for Joe, from everyone we spoke to, were very uplifting to our family. Not only did people offer prayers and good wishes; but they shared stories about how they met Joe, how he’d helped them, the work they’d done together, the fun and laughs they shared, or the amazing and beautiful improvements he created in their homes. Everyone, and I mean everyone, shared with us what a wonderful person they knew Joe to be. They praised him over and over for his professionalism, attention to detail, customer care, excellent craftsmanship, and integrity. They came to genuinely care for and respect him. Many still stay in touch years later and consider him to be a friend.
Joe runs a one-man office. As a business owner he is not eligible for disability benefits. He is the sole family breadwinner. His wife Gina retired recently, having had 2 neck surgeries from which she is still recovering.
Joe is an avid mountain biker, has run a marathon, and loves to camp and hike. He has studied for years to become a minister at his local church, and regularly supports many charities. He is generous with his time and resources, and is a loving and doting husband, grandfather, and uncle. He loves and is adored by two of the sweetest fur babies I’ve ever met, Coco and Bella.
Please, please be generous. Help Joe through this very tough time. The household bills are already piling up, and a significant percentage of his home-care and medical expenses are out-of-pocket.
Being a small business owner, Joe employs or contracts with dozens of independent contractors and suppliers. The fact is that when Joe's projects were put on hold, it affected the household budgets of many, many families. When Joe is back on his feet, he pledges to donate funds to help out-of-work contractors in his area.
We can’t thank you enough for your prayers and your willingness to help Joe’s family during this temporary financial crisis.