Dear Friends and Family,

On July 6th, our worst fears became a tragic reality. Our beloved Joey gained his wings. It was a sudden departure that has broken all of our hearts as his struggle with drug addiction took hold and overcame his spirit, his will and ultimately, his life. We will never be able to understand his pain while trying to overcome his addiction. In utter desperation, we tried to help him many times throughout the last few years. His parents, Vilmarie and Louie, as well as his sister and best friend, Tiffany, fought diligently, and seldom slept well at night praying for his safety. We are eternally grateful for the generous help received just a few months ago for another suitable treatment option in our tireless efforts to never give up on him. For he was loved, cherished, and worth every pursuit to save him.
Joey lived in Florida. It was one of the first interventions carried out to get him away from the environment that brought about his sickness. He met wonderful people along the way. People who themselves overcame addiction and served as a guide to Joey. People who understood that this would be a long battle and would be there if he should fall. Joey did fall more than once, and the love and support he received never wavered. This last time he spoke with his mother was on Saturday. She had no idea that it would be the last time she would hear her son’s voice.
Joey’s wings were ready but our hearts most certainly were not. We are feeling the enormous loss of a son, a brother, a nephew, a cousin, and a friend. As we cannot even fathom or dare to even know where to begin in healing from this tremendous loss, there are the final expenses of laying Joey to rest. His parents and sister have poured every resource they have had to keep him safe up to this point. We are grateful for the continuous love and support from family and friends near and far. Right now we need endless prayers for strength, peace, and healing. Any contribution to this fundraiser will go towards providing the family relief of some of the financial burden during this difficult time.

They Say There is a Reason
They say there is a reason,
but neither time nor reason,
will change the way I feel,
or no one knows the heart ache,
that lies behind our smiles,
no one knows how many times,
we have broken down and cried,
we want to tell you something
so that there won’t be any doubt,
you are so wonderful to think of,
but so hard to be without.

-Author Unknown