Joe Wunderlich is a loving father, husband, and friend. Joe is also a retired Veteran serving 24 years in the US Navy with active duty and reserve time. He is a proud Union Brother with of 25 years with USW Local 1000 and 15 years with Local 1632 the Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union. Joe and his wife Barb are the first people who will stand up and help someone in need rather they are a friend, family member, or someone in their community in need of help.

Joe was diagnosed in March of 2025 with Mediastinal Small Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma (MSCNC). Mediastinal small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (MSCNC) is a rare, aggressive malignancy primarily found in the mediastinum. It is characterized by a mediastinal mass, often mimicking lymphoma, and can lead to superior vena cava syndrome. The prognosis for MSCNC is poor, with limited-stage disease potentially curable in about 20-25% of cases. Key Features of Mediastinal Small Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma is a rarity: MSCNC is an exceptionally rare type of neuroendocrine tumor, accounting for less than 10% of all mediastinal tumors. MSCNC is aggressive and known for its rapid growth and tendency to spread quickly. Staging of MSCNC, like other small cell lung cancers, is staged as limited or extensive based on the extent of disease spread, Joe is currently staged at a level 3. Joe began his treatment on April 14th involving chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Joe’s treatment will continue through the summer and into September of 2025. Joe will then be reevaluated to see what the next treatment plan of action will be for his medical team. The prognosis is generally poor, with a short median survival time. Joe has been told he will never be cancer free with the location of the MSCNC “candy caning” around his heart and by his lungs the treatment is to slow the spread of the cancer from moving to his brain, bones, and other parts of his body. The goal is to help provide Joe with the best quality of life his medical team can for the time that he has.

The monetary donations given and raised will be used to help Joe and Barb with Joe’s expenses for his battle with MSCNC, as well as their travels and lost time at work for his treatments. Barb will be Joe’s primary caregiver at home during this battle not only providing physical support and transportation, but she will be his biggest cheerleader providing emotional support during this lifelong journey.

Please help us show Joe and Barb our love and support by donating to help us take some burden off from their shoulders. Donations can be dropped off or mailed to USW Local 1000 Union Hall located at 100 Civic Center Plaza Corning, NY 14830 payable to Joe Wunderlich (Attn: Kim Kephart). USW Local 1000 Union Hall is open between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm Monday thru Friday.