In loving memory…Joey Bates

We are absolutely devastated by the news of Joey Bates passing on Thursday, August 5, 2021.

Joey was diagnosed with Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy when he was just 4 1/2 years old, and through the love of family and community, as well as so many amazing foundations who reached out to help make his life experiences more impactful, he lived a beautiful life filled with love and so much support.  

Yes, there was much pain and many scary moments throughout his journey, but Joey was a trooper through it all. 

The Bates family had recently moved to Cody, WY, where they planned to make memories of Joey’s love of fishing and hunting, provide a more impactful life for Joey, as well as his family, during the time he had left. 

Unfortunately, the time was far too short. 

At this time we would like to lesson the financial burden for the Bates family as they search to find the funds to cover the out of pocket expenses needed for traveling back to Oregon where they will hold Joey’s memorial service in the community that loved and supported them for so many years. There will also be the unexpected medical expenses not covered by insurance for emergency medical care in his final hours, and finally the expenses for End of Life services needed.

Here is a breakdown of the anticipated costs:

End of Life - $5000

Travel back to Oregon - $2,500 (5 round trip tickets Cody to PDX)

Memorial Service Expenses – unknown at this time

Emergency Medical Expenses (not covered by Insurance) - $6,000+

We ask that in lieu of flowers, if you’re able to do so, please send donations to the gofundme website established in Joey’s memory, which will help with the family’s expenses, or you may donate directly to:

The Jett Foundation https://www.jettfoundation.org/joey-bates which was so invaluable to the Bates Family throughout Joey’s life. 

We are so very grateful for the outpouring of love from our community in Oregon, as well as Wyoming, and for every donation received during this difficult time.

With love,

Amber, Steve, Jacob, and Michael Bates