Hey! I’m Joey, a 33 year old Father of three (7, 3, and newborn), Husband to an exquisite Woman, 4th generation cattle rancher, prior service Infantry Marine, Uncle/brother/Son etc.

Over the last decade I have frequently fought many “infections” and injuries. I have had countless ER trips, several Hospital stays, and 4 spine surgeries. The past two years things escalated until I was no longer able to work or move much for that matter. When my Son was born on Nov 23 2025 everything came to a head. I went to many specialists that couldn’t identify a single issue, one even assumed I was having a mental health crisis on Christmas Day and wouldn’t look me over, which I probably was but it was because of Him haha

I finally have a team, particularly one provider, that listened and figured it out and I will be needing some extensive treatment in order to conquer these conditions. It’s still early and I’m not sure for how long I will be down, but it is not going to be overnight.

The consensus is that I have Dermatomyositis with the Anti NXP2 Sub Type, Antiphospholipid Syndrome, and potentially Systemic Lupus. The primary concern at the moment is that I will go into a period of Rapid Vascular Armageddon, which is not a real term but that’s how I like to think of it. It is believed that the clotting antibodies I’m positive for are what killed my late Sister Rachel at the Age of 35. It hurts to realize her passing is possibly the only way I’m going to get treated in time, but I know she would have done it a thousand times over for me just like she did in many other situations.

It is rather uncomfortable and against my nature for me to reach out for help, but I want to live and raise my beautiful little DeWitt Clan on our little DeWitt Ranch like like my forefathers have before me (it’s actually just three Father’). Eventually when I’m back at it I want to be a good Husband ; taking date nights and a Mom & Dad vacation or two, I want to work beside my little guy to the point We almost both quit but he won’t know that because I’ll have my bluff on Him, I want to teach my Girls to cook and take them shopping, I want to do something with my own Dad that’s just fun and not work.

My hopes are to raise enough for me to get through treatment and provide for my family until I can work again. At that point I will switch to raising money to support other Parents fighting rare diseases while supporting their own families.

I’m also launching a small Brand and will sell hats, shirts, stickers, merchandise, and anything else you want to buy in order to hopefully help spread the name (I have to have some sort of work to do or I’ll start licking the windows).

While of course this fundraiser is for My issues, I am doing this for my Wife and kids. It’s been a hard few years (8) for us between me losing a 15+ year job and collapse of the oil industry, my Sister’s passing, the constant medical bills, We bought our first house with unidentified Flood damage, and just me being exhausted all the time or in pain and worthless. My Wife has had sooo damn much on her plate and done everything almost alone; though always with grace and love. If there’s anyway I can help her feel calm and joyful at this time I’m gonna sure try for it, and unfortunately finances are one area that will get difficult.

I have a STAT referral that is under review with the Mayo Clinic and Hailey, Myself, and little Lincoln will be headed to Minnesota very soon. The goal of this campaign is to raise funds to cover travel/lodging/copays/etc. for this phase. I sure hope it’s warm and we don’t get any flats.

I will do my best to post updates on Facebook. I have faith there is a Silver Lining to this and I can help others get on the right path. I gotta get myself patched first but if you are in a position like I was just last month and the years before, I will be coming to help you if at all possible. It may be crappy help, but you are gonna like it!

Joey