Hi, this is Hannah and Julia, two of Joe’s nieces. Our mom, Lisa, has been hesitant to ask for help, but there have been some unexpected costs that we need help with. Since many of you have asked our family how you can help, and because our mom is getting very stressed, we decided to create this small fundraiser for our Uncle Joe.

As most of you already know, Joe (or Joey to many of you) has been diagnosed with Wernicke’s encephalopathy, and he’s experiencing severe memory loss and confusion. He spent more than two weeks in the hospital in Fort Collins, and then was recently transferred to Lakewood Villa, a memory care facility. They don’t know yet whether he will improve or if this will be permanent. The facility is not allowing visitors right now due to COVID.

His medical expenses aren’t the issue right now. The problem is, we have to move him out of his apartment and put all of his things in storage. (He doesn’t know this yet.) Our mom is renting a storage unit and paying movers to help. He is also needing extra funds at the facility for incidentals like haircuts and personal care items (or even for ice cream runs). Our mom also has to pay legal fees to secure guardianship so she can better manage his care.

If you’re able to help, thank you so much. If you’d like to send Joe a card, here’s the info:

Joe Friedrich
c/o Lakewood Villa
1625 Simms St.
Lakewood, CO 80215

Thank you all so much!
Hannah and Julia