GI Joe's Fight

To Our Family and Friends, we wanted to take this time to provide you with updates regarding our GI Joe’s (Joseph Mendiola Atalig, Jr.) medical condition and the long journey he’s endured over the years. In our last update June 2021, Joe was referred to a neurologist at Stanford Medical Center, CA. The neurologist recommended that Joe needed multi-specialist care which was obtained at the VA Medical Hospital in Palo Alto. With your support, we were able to stay in Palo Alto from Oct 10, 2021-Dec 14, 2021 ensuring Joe received the care he needed.

We came home Dec 15, 2021 and a few weeks later on Jan 8, 2022, Joe suffered a hemorrhagic stroke and was hospitalized for a few weeks at Naval Hospital, GU. As a result of his stroke, Joe experienced temporary paralysis all over his left side. Through physical therapy, he regained some mobility and strength to support our journey back to the VA in Palo Alto from Feb 27, 2022-Apr 19, 2022 where he received continued care under the supervision of neurologist Dr. Leland Lim and cardiologist Dr. Paul Cheng. Because of his stroke, doctors agreed to prioritize cardiology. After numerous tests, it was discovered that Joe had a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO). In simple terms, a small flap-like opening or hole between the upper heart chambers. To minimize the reoccurrence of a stroke, Dr. Cheng recommended the PFO closure which was done Apr 12, 2022.

It’s been a slow road to recovery but more importantly, Joe received some relief as he did not experience pain in his head until most recently in Nov 2022 when he encountered severe head pain similar to what he felt before when his battle started Jul 11, 2019. His neurologist ordered a repeat MRI of his brain and discovered new lesions right above the brainstem. As a result, we are heading back to the VA in Palo Alto in May 2023 to continue medical care with Dr. Lim and Dr. Cheng.

Through this ordeal, the VA has covered all medical expenses but unfortunately, all travel accommodations are out of pocket. We humbly ask for your support and truly appreciate your generosity.

Joe continues to battle for life and we are in this together. He’s tough but over time it has become exhausting, each day is a new struggle. Our family & friends, most especially our kids and grandkids give him the extra boost of energy to survive each day, and we are extremely grateful to all of you. Please keep Joe in your prayers so that he can continue fighting the good fight.

Wishing you and yours an abundance of love and happiness.

Jess and Kids (Millie, Jess, Tam, Bo, Jer, & Miah)