Joe Foley

Hello, I am Joes oldest daughter Veronica. I brought my dad back to Wisconsin from California, back in march of 2022. Earlier that year he had cut his foot. The cut got infected and went septic and he almost died. His immune system was severely compromised. Since he has been with me he had suffered with UTI infections, pinched nerves and lost the remaining four toes his left foot because the infection had gone to the bone. Every month or so we were in and out of doctors office or ER and was admitted to in patient care several times over the past year and a half . I had to call into work or leave early multiple times and was consequently laid off in October of 2022 believe because I missed so much work. I had been there for five years and really liked my job. I felt I couldn't look for a new job until he was better and I couldn't collect unemployment unless was actively looking and available to work full-time. I eventually had to give up the small room I was living in and move in with dad and his roommate. Instead of getting better he just became weaker and weaker every month that went by. We would get one thing fixed only for a new ailment to crop up and day by day he could do less and less for himself because the slightest task made him so winded and tired. Then, last month he stopped eating and I knew something was seriously wrong and I took him to the ER several times but now instead of admitting him they kept sending him back home until I called the pulmonologist that his next appointment was with and explained what was happening. He told me to take him back to the ER and there would be a doctor there to admit him as soon as he came in, which he was. Dad was then diagnosed with cancer of the spine and throat.

Dad had always said that if he ever got cancer or anything that would diminish his quality of life that he would not fight it and he had a DNR order put in place and choose to go into hospice at home. I pray that this truly was his choice because he actually had no other choice due to his fixed income.

Dad was apparently a little goofier than I ever thought he was in some ways, some might say irresponsible or short sighted. I just want to say, I know he was a dreamer, and death and the cost of putting his remains to rest was not something he cared to dream of or even think about beyond the decision of when it was his time to go, he would not fight or resist, but only succumb to his mortality. He had nothing saved or set up for this event and although I tried, it happened sooner than expected and I was unable to help him do so. I know it wasn't his intention to leave me in this sad predicament of not having the money to have his remains cremated, but never the less this is my situation and I feel sad and a little embarrassed because of how some people might choose to see through their assumptions, but to myself I can honestly say that I did the best I could because this wasn't the only rough situation I was up against that I won't begin to go into. I might have made this all to long already as it is, so I should probably wrap it up here,

I just want to say that Joe really loved all of his friends and deeply appreciated all the support you all gave him in his cat loving endeavors, for all of that he was very grateful. I know he loved me and he didn't mean to leave me in such a dire straights but here I am and I know that he would really for it to not be this way. so if there is anything anyone can help with the cost of getting his remains it would be greatly appreciated. thank you for your support.