In 2017, Joe went to the doctor for a bump on his throat that had been giving him some issues with swallowing. After bloodwork and imaging, Joe was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma (NHL). He received several rounds of chemotherapy and radiation throughout the following months. The initial scans after that treatment looked very hopeful - the tumor responded quite well to treatment. Late in 2018, Joe started experiencing really bothersome knee pain. He was seen by some doctors and told it was osteoarthritis and to take some tylenol when it was painful. After trying that method for a bit, it was clear there was something more to this pain that arthritis. Joe saw his Oncologist and underwent further testing - coming to the conclusion that the NHL was back and much more aggressive. He was, again, treated with several rounds of chemotherapy and while the tumor in that knee responded, additional scans showed a new tumor behind his other knee.
Because the cancer is now considered more aggressive, Joe's doctors decided the best plan of treatment is to also be more aggressive. Joe checked in to West Chester Medical Center on Tuesday, June 25th for the beginning of a month-long stay for a stem cell transplant. It's a long, complicated process, but essentially Joe's own stem cells were taken form his bone marrow, he will receive intensive chemotherapy, and after some time his own stem cells will be transplanted back to him. This procedure greatly reduces the risk of rejection of donor stem cells. Unfortunately, this process will take a great toll on Joe. It will effectively take his immune system down to zero, he will be knocked down by the intense chemotherapy, and is in an isolation area of the hospital. In the doctors words, "we're virtually killing you and then bringing you back" with the stem cells.
In order to be there while Joe is in the hospital (from now until the end of July), Janice is forced to stay in a local hotel. The hospital doesn't provide accommodations for spouses and is about 2 hours from her home. The cost of the extended hotel stay is only compounded by the fact that Joe's doctors have recommended he be off work as a Prison Chaplin from now until September. Those who know Joe and Janice know just how selfless they are. They've given their lives to ministering in the church and in prisons, sacrificed countless things for their family, and have never been unwilling to help anytime and and anywhere they can. We know they likely wouldn't want to ask for help during this time, but this has all been incredibly unexpected. The treatments, travel, and appointments have eaten away at their savings and retirement. We are asking, first and foremost, that you all join us in praying for complete healing for Joe, peace and comfort for our family in this time, and complete eradication of any cancer forever in Joe! If you're able, we ask that you also give to the campaign to help offset the incredible cost of treatments, hotel and travel. And last, please share this page and expand the family and friends praying for and supporting Joe and Janice.
Because the cancer is now considered more aggressive, Joe's doctors decided the best plan of treatment is to also be more aggressive. Joe checked in to West Chester Medical Center on Tuesday, June 25th for the beginning of a month-long stay for a stem cell transplant. It's a long, complicated process, but essentially Joe's own stem cells were taken form his bone marrow, he will receive intensive chemotherapy, and after some time his own stem cells will be transplanted back to him. This procedure greatly reduces the risk of rejection of donor stem cells. Unfortunately, this process will take a great toll on Joe. It will effectively take his immune system down to zero, he will be knocked down by the intense chemotherapy, and is in an isolation area of the hospital. In the doctors words, "we're virtually killing you and then bringing you back" with the stem cells.
In order to be there while Joe is in the hospital (from now until the end of July), Janice is forced to stay in a local hotel. The hospital doesn't provide accommodations for spouses and is about 2 hours from her home. The cost of the extended hotel stay is only compounded by the fact that Joe's doctors have recommended he be off work as a Prison Chaplin from now until September. Those who know Joe and Janice know just how selfless they are. They've given their lives to ministering in the church and in prisons, sacrificed countless things for their family, and have never been unwilling to help anytime and and anywhere they can. We know they likely wouldn't want to ask for help during this time, but this has all been incredibly unexpected. The treatments, travel, and appointments have eaten away at their savings and retirement. We are asking, first and foremost, that you all join us in praying for complete healing for Joe, peace and comfort for our family in this time, and complete eradication of any cancer forever in Joe! If you're able, we ask that you also give to the campaign to help offset the incredible cost of treatments, hotel and travel. And last, please share this page and expand the family and friends praying for and supporting Joe and Janice.
Organizer