Help Joey Move Forward and Live Fully in His Healing

Many know me as "Joey's sister," but my name is Geri Hocevar. He also answers to Joe, JJ, and Joey Bag-of-Doughnuts. I'm only one of his siblings though, as Angi Fuller Wildt, Ross Brezovar, and Danielle Azari also love him very much, as does his nephew Colin, his many, cousins, and his mother. Right now, we're all reaching out to ask for help in supporting him. Joey became very sick in mid-March and wound up at the ER on 3/21. He was in severe sepsis of the blood, which also spread to his bones. He spent 3 1/2 weeks at Hillcrest and underwent 6 surgeries, including 2 amputations, first to his left foot and then his left leg. His right foot still has infection in the bone but is being treated by IV antibiotics for the next several weeks. He has been moved to a Long-Term Acute Care Hospital where they can monitor and treat the remaining infection, and he will then need to move to an after-acute care facility. His surgeon and team say the fact he survived was nothing short of a miracle, and his case was one of the worst they've seen. Thank you, Dr. Most, for everything you've done, as well as the vascular surgeons, hematologists, infectious disease doctors and all of the amazing nurses and staff at Hillcrest!

Joey's spirits have been more positive than we could ever imagine thanks to many friends and family reaching out to share their love and visit. As he has said throughout, "I'm rich in one thing, which is friends and family!" Those who know him know his distinct laugh, and it is very much still there even though he has been in extreme pain and discomfort. I credit it to the many who have been there for him.

He has a long road ahead with recovery and learning to walk and adjust to his new norm. With that will come many expenses not covered by insurance, as he has short-term disability for some of it but not for all, and after that, he will have many additional expenses related to medical bills and needs associated with disability, including having to relocate to a place that will accommodate his disability. Because he is part time, he doesn't qualify for long term disability. Currently, his apartment is on the second floor up a long, narrow staircase and is just not possible for him to stay there even though he loves his landlord. He will hopefully be able to collect his pension, but it is a small fraction of what he was making and rent that we've seen is 3xs what he pays now, so there are a lot of expenses related to what has happened. This fundraiser will go directly to all of those needs beginning with his medical bills but carrying over to his other needs such as medical equipment, housing, and day-to-day needs.

While he doesn't want to burden his friends - his words, not mine - many have asked to help, so we are starting this GoFundMe to raise money for him. The more you can donate the better, but any amount is very much appreciated! We're also trying to organize a live fundraiser locally, so stay tuned for that. And, if you are someone we know personally and prefer to donate directly, please contact me or the sibling you know directly. Thank you!!