If you work at the Decorative Center of Houston, you've probably had your day lightened up with some good belly laughs courtesy of Joe. There had yet to be a day that seeing Joe didn't instantly lift my spirits. Between him and his fellow security guard Ray, it's nothing but smiles when you enter the DCH building.

Sadly I found out that day would come when Joe called me telling me of his terrible situation. He didn't ask for sympathy or for financial help. He was at a loss of what to do because he would be out of work for at least 3 months, per doctor’s orders and without pay. He hates asking for help, but his family had offered and he knew I was a "nerdy" guy who could help him set up a GoFundMe. Even in the worst times he found a way to make a funny jab lol.

What I found out was that Joe had gone in to the ER on July 4th, not to celebrate the holiday, but because he woke up in the middle of the night and couldn't breath. It turns out his gallbladder needed to be pulled out. It was supposed to be an in-and-out procedure, but his lungs collapsed and it took him a week to get out of the hospital.

It would have been fine if it was just that because his sick leave and vacation had it covered. However, complications arose and he ended up with a hernia that he had to go back in for mid October, but when he came back to work he was in great pain. So after a visit on the 21st, he was told that he has kidney cancer. Though they seemed to have caught it early, the growth is small and he will make it through. Joe will be out for at least 3 months and he just does not have the money to cover all living expenses in addition to helping his parents.

(Still going to send to Joe to verify that I relayed this correctly)

We worked it out to about $7,150 that would keep him out of debt, and I adjusted for the processing fee and $0.30 tip of GoFundMe. Anything would greatly help this man who's always so full of laughter and love

Please help Joe