Help the Lucarelli Family Support Joey’s Medical Journey

The Lucarelli family is facing an incredibly difficult season as their 14-year-old son, Joey, battles an undiagnosed condition that has left him with ½ of the bone marrow of a normal boy his age.

Since last summer, Joey has suffered from persistent fevers ranging from 101-104 degrees, often leaving him too weak to move around much. Riding bikes, running, and playing soccer are all things of the past in his current state.

They have had an incredible team of local Drs and specialists testing for everything imaginable, but at this point no exact diagnosis for the bone marrow failure has been discovered. Biopsies and tests have gone through many specialists including Mayo Clinic. Many things have been ruled out. The Drs can see the “What” that is wrong- healthy bone marrow cells, but WAY too few of them; however they do not know the “Why” as to what exactly caused it and why the cells aren't replenishing/ growing back in number.

Injections of medication one to two times a week is the only solution to build back the white count including marrow cells which allows the fevers to go away, however, the side effect of this drug takes a serious toll on his body—causing intense bone pain, fatigue and brain fog. At times, Joey can’t even walk up the stairs. Jeremy has had to carry him on a few occasions. Without injections, fevers go up and he feels weak and horrible. With the injections, the horrible feverish feeling goes away, but then Joey must endure the pain. Pain management options are limited and not very effective.

Making matters worse, due to insurance difficulties, and increasing doctors appointments, expenses have become overwhelming. While Jeremy and Becky struggle through the insurance process, Joey still needs this medication and additional therapeutic treatments to manage his symptoms.

After Joeys recent second bone marrow biopsy results, the next step is for the Lucarellis to go out of state to a research hospital and seek the expertise of new hematologists and oncologists who are also bone marrow experts in a larger research hospital setting. Their current Oncologist/Hematologist is working with insurance now to get that transfer of care approved.

How You Can Help

We are seeking $15,000 to help cover:

✅ Joey’s medication to support his bone marrow production

✅ Medical treatments and therapies to help manage his pain and symptoms

✅ Support for the Lucarelli family as they incur costs associated with appointments, labs, and now, traveling to see doctors for Joey's care.

Through all of this, Joey’s hope in Jesus has remained. Even in the midst of suffering, his faith has been steadfast and continues to grow. A recent small victory came in the form of an answered prayer during a snowstorm. As Joey’s siblings were outside sledding and playing, he was tucked away inside, in too much pain to join them. Sitting by his side, Becky suggested they pray, asking the Lord to ease his pain so he could enjoy the snow. A few hours later, Joey’s pain lessened, and he excitedly turned to Becky, exclaiming, “Mom! God answered our prayer!” He was able to go outside, play in the neighborhood for a bit, and—for that brief time—forget about the pain.

Any amount of a gift you can donate will help relieve the financial burden on his family and ensure Joey gets the care he needs.

If you’re unable to donate, please consider sharing this page with friends and family to help spread their story. Your support—whether through donations, prayers, or sharing—means the world to the Lucarelli family.