Hey everyone, my name is Keenan, and I'm reaching out because my oldest friend—my little brother in every way that matters—Joe. A person who has the natural ability to light up a room with his genuine kindness and selflessness, is facing the fight of his life.

On September 28, 2025, Joe was working and going about his business as he would any other day, when the unthinkable happened. While behind the wheel, Joe began to experience a sensation that he described as the feeling of a boa constrictor squeezing his lungs. This was immediately followed by sharp pain in his jaw and a throbbing headache that spanned from temple to temple and across the back of his head. He felt extremely lightheaded and struggled to maintain consciousness.

With the help of some amazing firemen, Joe was rushed to the ER at Maine Medical Center in Portland. There he underwent a full battery of tests. This included a CT scan, where doctors discovered a life-threatening aortic dissection—a tear in his main artery. Without immediate open-heart surgery, it would have been fatal.

Now, the real challenge begins. Joe will not be able to do any driving or working for at least three months. There are now unfortunately quite a few physical therapy sessions and a pile of medical bills that is growing fast. Some costs are covered, but most aren't. That's why I have launched this GoFundMe—to help with everyday basic needs. These will include the following:

Joe's mind is as strong as they come, with a drive to heal that's unmatched. But he shouldn't have to worry about finances right now. If you can contribute, it would mean everything.

Can't donate? Sharing this far and wide helps too. All funds go directly to Joe and my niece Willow, for his essentials. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to read this. Stay healthy, mind and body—life can change in a heartbeat.

Other Info

My friend is not your average Joe. For over 20 years, he's been the one who'd literally give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. He chalks it up to his autism, but I know it's his heart of gold.

Through all of this, the risks were high. Possibility of a stroke, and death were on the table. But with no other choice, Joe went for it. During the seven-hour operation, his aorta collapsed and shredded, requiring a full replacement. Tragically, his lung was punctured in the process. But Joe's incredible strength and the surgeon's skill (we're eternally grateful) pulled him through.

The doctor confirmed: if he hadn't come in when he did, a rupture could have ended it all in an instant. Waking up in the cardiovascular ICU, Joe did what only he could—crack jokes like nothing happened.

Told he'd be there 8+ days, he defied expectations: sitting up, eating, drinking, and walking that very day. Then came more bad news: another surgery under anesthesia to extract five teeth, just days later. Yet Joe's positive attitude never wavered.

Nurses and doctors were stunned by his resilience, and he walked out of the hospital in only four days.