My name is Monica Bartling and I'm raising funds for my younger cousin Joey who has been more like a little brother to me my whole life and has been battling a spinal cord injury and Multiple Sclerosis.
Help Joey Walk Again, Rebuild His Life, and Be the Father He Dreams to Be
My cousin Joey has been like a little brother to me my entire life. He’s one of the strongest, most loving people I know — and right now, he needs help more than ever.
Joey has lived with Multiple Sclerosis since 2009, and later survived a major spinal cord injury that required a lumbar fusion. Despite every setback, every painful day, and every obstacle, he has always fought with the heart of an athlete — because that’s exactly who he is.
THE ATHLETE HE ONCE WAS — AND STILL IS AT HEART
Joey grew up playing hockey since he was 2 years old, and in 1988 he competed internationally, bringing home a silver medal with his team. He grew up alongside players who went on to the NHL, like Chris Drury, Eric Boguniecki, and Mike Grier.
At 18, Joey played on Connecticut’s Select Soccer Team, then the Tri-State All-Star Team, where he was recruited to compete in South America. When he returned to the U.S., legendary coach from Italy Tony Loreno recruited him to Northeastern University in Boston, MA, then ranked #7 in the country. His future was bright, and everyone who knew him felt it.
THE FATHER HE WANTS TO BE
Today, Joey is a proud father of two young children who love him more than anything in the world.
His daughter recently told him, “ I wish you could come outside and play soccer with me.”
His 3-year-old son, who plays ice hockey, often asks, “Papa, can you stand up and play with me?”
Joey was determined not to let them miss out — so when his son turned 2, Joey got onto the ice in his wheelchair and began teaching him how to skate. Even in the face of disability, he finds a way to show up as a dad.
THE MEDICAL SETBACK THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING
During rehabilitation at Gaylord Hospital, Joey fought harder than anyone. After his spinal fusion, he relearned to walk 200 feet on crutches, taking only a short break halfway. It was miraculous progress — and it gave him hope for a future where he could walk again.
But after only 3 weeks, United Healthcare refused to continue covering therapy.
He was sent home.
And after nearly four months of continued insurance denial, without access to the therapy he desperately needed, Joey lost the ability to walk altogether.
He now relies almost entirely on a wheelchair and has days where he becomes so weak that he can barely speak above a whisper.
WHAT LIFE IS LIKE TODAY
Joey lives trapped by the structure of his own home.
He often cannot get in or out of the house without being physically carried.
At times he becomes stuck upstairs for up to three weeks.
He cannot shower independently.
He frequently eats meals alone in his room, because he can’t get down the stairs to join his family.
He receives no physical therapy due to insurance denial.
He carries over $200,000 in medical-related credit card debt.
He was denied disability and currently has $0 income.
Despite everything, his spirit remains hopeful. He dreams of a future where he can stand beside his children, play with them, and return to work. Before disability, Joey was in charge of Global Sales for the London-based hotel company IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) a position and industry which took him to live and travel the world, Joey has previously lived in Asia, Europe, and Latin America. He desperately wants to support his family again and contribute to society.
WHAT WE’RE RAISING FUNDS FOR
Your support will help provide:
Home modifications: ramps, a roll-in shower, stair lifts, widened doors.
Physical therapy: essential for him to regain strength and mobility.
Adaptive equipment: including a future car with hand controls so he can return to work.
Medical bills: to relieve the crushing debt caused by years of necessary treatment.
Stem cell treatment: Joey may be a candidate for the same therapy that helped actress Selma Blair walk again after her MS diagnosis.
WHY WE’RE ASKING FOR HELP
Joey has always been a fighter — an athlete, a father, a hard worker, and a man with big dreams. But right now, he cannot fight this battle alone.
There is still hope for Joey:
Hope to walk again.
Hope to regain independence.
Hope to return to work.
Hope to play with his kids.
Hope to simply live — not just survive.
If you can help in any way — by donating, sharing, or simply spreading the word — it would mean the world to our family.
Thank you for helping Joey reclaim his life, his dignity, and his future.
From the bottom of our hearts — Thank you.