Hello Everyone, 
     My name is Joyce and my family and I humbly ask for your help and support for my brother Joe.  Joe was recently  diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.  It is a rare type of head and neck cancer located in the nasopharynx, the upper part of the throat behind the nose.  For a period of time he was having a hard time breathing so a septoplasty procedure was performed. The procedure helped but the problem was not completely resolved.  The next attempt was an adenoidectomy.  It was then that his doctor noticed discolored tissue.  The discolored tissue, together with his complaints of neck pain were suspicious, so his doctor sent the tissue for biopsy. Days later he got the news noone wants to hear, "it's cancer". 
     Keeping his head up with an optimistic attitude he and my sister-in-law traveled from Guam, where they reside, to the Phillipines for a second opinion.  The cancer diagnosis was confirmed.  The doctors there have been very thorough and he is confident that his best option for treatment is to remain in the Phillipines. He will receive both chemotherapy and radiation 5 days a week, for 7 weeks, and expected to be out of work for one year. 
     Joe is hard-working  husband and father of two beautiful daughters ages 10 and 14 years old.  He is a mariner, a U.S. Merchant Marine.  Unfortunately, his employer does not provide income protection benefits for long term leave, nor does he qualify for unemployment because he does not reside in the continental United States. 
     He will be off island away from the support of close friends and family during this difficult time.  Please join us in supporting him during his time of need.  Funds raised  will be used to help him and his family with medical costs and living expenses. No donation is too small.  All donations, messages of encouragement, and prayers are greatly appreciated!  Thank you!

Joe and his daughters Shaianne and Vinetia. 
His wife Millie Ann and daughter Vinetia. 
Early Father's Day celebration before Joe left for the Phillipines.