Hi. I'm Melissa, Darlene's sister. Emergency Support for Joey & Darlene: TBI and Financial Crisis
The Story:
Our family is facing a "perfect storm." In February, my brother-in-law Joey suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in a golf cart accident. Recent medical testing confirms significant cognitive impairment and cortical dysfunction, leaving Joey unable to work, drive, or run the painting business he and my sister, Darlene, built together in Nocatee, "Better Call Joey."
As Joey fights for his recovery, Darlene has been hit by a wave of additional crises including
business shutdown: With Joey incapacitated, their primary income has stopped. Darlene is now navigating this complex legal battle and the fallout of the sudden cease of operations. Insurance claim and legal resolve aren't guaranteed, nor has any timeline been given. There is no relief in sight.
Why We Need Help:
Darlene is currently managing Joey’s full-time care, the business legalities, and their home. Because she is also navigating a flare-up of CPTSD triggered by this trauma, she is in a state of "Functional Freeze"—making it impossible to seek outside income while holding their world together.
With three months of mortgage arrears and rising medical costs, they are at a breaking point. Your donations will help cover:
Mortgage and utilities to prevent the loss of their home.
Medical and living expenses during Joey's long road to recovery.
Darlene and Joey have always been the first to help others. Now, they need us to be their bridge to stability.