On April 9th, 2025, while at work, Joey suffered a significant hemorrhagic stroke, which is the rarest and most deadly type of stroke. He not only survived several procedures to save his life but he has made remarkable progress after an intensive, inpatient and then outpatient, neuro-rehabilitation program in Chicago. Joey and Joan are now back home in Tampa, where they are navigating a completely new life. They continue to seek the best outpatient therapies for his ongoing recovery and are hoping to establish a viable, supplemental rehabilitation program in their home. Joey is clearly an outlier, and he has a remarkable memory and can speak quite well. His primary challenges are with left side hemiplegia and conversation initiation and dialogue. Although he's not as outgoing as he once was, he still remembers everyone, loves sports, comedies, music and nature. He's still essentially the old Joey we love!

I have been keeping in touch with Joey and Joan from the onset of their tragic event and was fortunate to see them when they were in Chicago. Although many of us have offered to help Joey and Joan in all ways possible, they have been so focused on his rehabiliation that they did not really know what their needs might be until recently.

We all know what an amazing person Joey is, including being a great teacher, athlete, scholar, leader, friend and family man. I have known Joey for nearly 50 years, since he transferred from Park School to Gilman, and he is one of the most remarkable people I know. While Joey has come a long way already, he still has a major journey ahead of him and a lot of work to do. Joan said that the only way she, Johnny and Jordan, can manage the enormity of the situation is to take it one day at a time. If they can feel blessed each day they get to fight and can appreciate at least one beautiful part of each day, despite whatever sadness or scariness they may be facing, then that day is a win! They started telling Joey, even before he began to speak again, that he had to win each day! And that became their family motto:

"Win The Day!"

Joan mentioned recently; "I wish everyone could witness how far Joey has come and what a warrior he has been throughout! He has been to the very, very edge, hanging by his fingernails and has found a way back! It is his strong will for sure, but it is also the will, the love and positive thoughts and prayers of so many, many kind souls who care about him and our family, and we are eternally grateful. From day one, my primary concerns have been how best to help him in the moment and then in the unknown future. My goal has always been to help him have the best quality of life possible as we navigate this unknown world. Although it's against our nature to ask for any help, so many people have shared that they really want to help and support us during this difficult time. We are blessed, we are grateful and we feel your love."

Win The Day!

❤️