For The Joiner Family

On September 22nd, 2002, Becky Meinzer Joiner and Roger Joiner gave birth to their first son Dustin James Joiner. Followed by twin boys Nathan and Cole. The Joiner’s are an all American blue collar family. Roger Joiner is a United States Marine Corps Veteran. After serving his country, Roger now serves as a member of the San Bernardino County Sheriff Department’s Aviation Division. After earning her master’s degree, Becky Joiner has spent her career with the Colton Unified School District. The Joiner’s 3 boys grew up playing sports, excelling in football. The family enjoys sports, outdoor activities and spending time with family.

 

 

 

 

On February 14th, 2019, the Joiner’s learned that the Devil was on their doorstep. In disbelief and sudden shock, Dustin who was 16 years old at the time was diagnosed with an extremely rare form of bone cancer called Ewing Sarcoma. With the will to survive and his competitive spirit Dustin began his fight with the family supporting his every step. Dustin was under the care of the experts at Rady's Children’s Hospital in San Diego, Ca. With the initial surgery, Doctors removed a ‘Grapefruit’ size tumor along with three of Dustin’s ribs. After multiple rounds of chemotherapy and radiation Dustin was doing great and showing signs of success. Unfortunately, the cancer reared its ugly head again, this time affecting his lungs. Dustin’s faith was undeterred as he continued to stay strong and fight. Dustin would undergo treatment consistently for the next two years.

 

 

 

 

 

In September 2021, doctors told Becky and Roger that they have exhausted all measures and Dustin’s body was no longer responding to treatment. The Joiner’s took their son home to cherish the remining months they have left. Doctors have estimated that Dustin has 6 months left to live. They will continue treatment as long as possible to prolong the inevitable. This is one of life’s unexplainable horrific situations as no parent should ever have to bury their child. There are no words that help ease the pain, there are no explanations why this is happening. The only comfort is knowing that our Father, Lord in Heaven has made the decision to call Dustin home because he needs him for a higher purpose.

 

The Joiner’s have taken a leave of absence from work to spend and cherish every moment they can with Dustin, Nathan and Cole. As the great Tim McGraw once sang “It’s time to live like you were dying.” Unfortunately, the real world is not that forgiving or understanding. The home mortgage still needs to be paid, along with the car payment, insurance, electricity, gas, phone and food. We have created this Go Fund Me page and ask for your generosity. Anything and everything will help provide for this family as they process and go through the unthinkable. Please pass this along to all of your family, friends and coworkers. As we all get consumed in day to day life, what the Joiner’s are experiencing reminds us all to love hard, give forgiveness, appreciate what we have and to cherish our loved ones and relationships. The amount of time we each have on this earth is not a guarantee. Thank you for your time and generosity, the Joiner family sends their deepest, sincerest gratitude and thanks.