Calling all “Friends of Joe."

To know Joe Varsalona is to know a very wonderful guy. Perhaps you know him from the Bellport Historical Society, where he’s been active for many years. Or you may know him from his pet-sitting business, Bellport Au Paw. Even if your pet was not one of his furry family, you may have seen him walking about town with his beloved charges, smiling and greeting everyone along the way. Or you may know him through family, friends, or his previous career at Cablevision. In whatever way you know Joe, you know he has always been there to lend a hand when it was needed, often without even being asked.

Now Joe needs our help.

In late January 2025, Joe fell on ice during a winter storm and seriously injured his previously reconstructed spine. He underwent surgery, recovered well, and was back to business as usual until April, when he felt something give way in his spine. Another fall, causing very serious spinal damage, was followed by two more surgeries. Joe has been away from home in a rehab facility ever since.

His recovery has been more of a long zigzag than a straight line, with progress followed by setbacks.

Now Joe has come to a critical juncture in his journey to recovery. His medical insurance covering his rehab treatments is ending mid-September. Unfortunately, there is no way Joe can return home yet. He is not yet able to walk, stand without assistance or even transfer from bed to chair. He requires several more months of therapy and rehabilitation to even be ready for at-home care.

With his inability to work, his main source of income has been cut off. That’s why his family and friends have launched this GoFundMe campaign to assist Joe with his ongoing uncovered medical expenses—and spare him losing his beloved home.

If you know Joe at all, you know losing his home would be a deeply crushing blow. But with a lot of hard work and a little help from his many friends, Joe has every chance of walking again and resettling into his Bellport life.

We thank you for any help you can give.