Joe Whitesell Glioblastoma
Donation protected
On October 14, 2020 Joe woke up to go to work and went about his normal routine which always started with eating breakfast at Joe's Pizza. He ordered his normal meal of eggs and scrapple. On his way to the job he suddenly vomited on himself while driving. This was very alarming to him to so he called his daughter Jamie who is a new PA to ask for advice. She said it could be from a virus or maybe food poisoning but recommended staying home. He was feeling better after 24 hours. He also had a headache that seemed to worsen and he kept feeling weak. He reached out to Jamie a few more times and she recommended for him to get a COVID test. His primary doctor also said he would need to get a test before she could see him in the office. Joe went to Main Line to get a COVID test and his results were negative. Jamie finally asked Joe to come to her urgent care so she can do a full workup to figure out what could be causing these symptoms.
Joe was tested for COVID, influenza, lyme, he was given a chest xray, EKG and had a full panel of bloodwork but everything came back normal. With no clear diagnosis, Jamie prescribed Joe a steriod and antibiotics to treat him for sinus infection in hopes that he would get some relief but there was no change. Finally on October 18th, Jamie urged Joe to go to the ER for more testing. It was concerning her that he was still having headaches and his weakness was getting worse. He told her "I feel like I'm going to fall backwards when I am walking up the stairs."
After some convincing, Joe went to Bryn Mawr ER with his wife Terry. After another round of tests, the diagnosis was finally made and he was told he has a large brain tumor and that he needed to be transferred to Jefferson or Penn as soon as possible.
Joe was transferred to Penn where we underwent brain surgery. He was told that his case was very complicated. The surgeon told him he must operate or he will die. He told Joe that he wanted to do this surgery because he was so young and otherwise healthy.
Luckily the surgeon was able to remove >90% of the tumor but Joe will still need both chemotherapy and radiation. Joe decided to stay with Penn for this therapy and he will now need to travel to the city Monday-Friday for the next 6 weeks. Due to left-sided weakness in both his arm and leg, Joe will need to be transported via ambulance in a stretcher. The ride is usually about 30-40 minutes and it's not very pleasant. Because Joe needs to be transferred by a lift he will have to remain in a stretcher throughout the duration of his therapy every day. Having to rely on the transportation company to get Joe to and from the appointments daily is very stressful.
This account was created to hopefully help Joe and his family to afford a van that can allow Joe to be driven to the City by his wife or daughters where he can remain in his wheelchair and not have to rely on a transportation company for service. Given that most of his freedom has been taken away so quickly without warning, it would help him in this journey.
Joe was the sole provider to his wife, daughters, and sister-in-law for over 30 years. He built his own business from age 21 with the help of his wife who has been with him since they were just 14 years old. This diagnosis has changed life for the Whitesell family and they were not prepared. Any donation to help with medical supplies, medications, therapy, doctor visits, home health, hospital bills, etc would be so helpful!
Thank you to everyone for all of your love and support. Keep the prayers coming!
Joe was tested for COVID, influenza, lyme, he was given a chest xray, EKG and had a full panel of bloodwork but everything came back normal. With no clear diagnosis, Jamie prescribed Joe a steriod and antibiotics to treat him for sinus infection in hopes that he would get some relief but there was no change. Finally on October 18th, Jamie urged Joe to go to the ER for more testing. It was concerning her that he was still having headaches and his weakness was getting worse. He told her "I feel like I'm going to fall backwards when I am walking up the stairs."
After some convincing, Joe went to Bryn Mawr ER with his wife Terry. After another round of tests, the diagnosis was finally made and he was told he has a large brain tumor and that he needed to be transferred to Jefferson or Penn as soon as possible.
Joe was transferred to Penn where we underwent brain surgery. He was told that his case was very complicated. The surgeon told him he must operate or he will die. He told Joe that he wanted to do this surgery because he was so young and otherwise healthy.
Luckily the surgeon was able to remove >90% of the tumor but Joe will still need both chemotherapy and radiation. Joe decided to stay with Penn for this therapy and he will now need to travel to the city Monday-Friday for the next 6 weeks. Due to left-sided weakness in both his arm and leg, Joe will need to be transported via ambulance in a stretcher. The ride is usually about 30-40 minutes and it's not very pleasant. Because Joe needs to be transferred by a lift he will have to remain in a stretcher throughout the duration of his therapy every day. Having to rely on the transportation company to get Joe to and from the appointments daily is very stressful.
This account was created to hopefully help Joe and his family to afford a van that can allow Joe to be driven to the City by his wife or daughters where he can remain in his wheelchair and not have to rely on a transportation company for service. Given that most of his freedom has been taken away so quickly without warning, it would help him in this journey.
Joe was the sole provider to his wife, daughters, and sister-in-law for over 30 years. He built his own business from age 21 with the help of his wife who has been with him since they were just 14 years old. This diagnosis has changed life for the Whitesell family and they were not prepared. Any donation to help with medical supplies, medications, therapy, doctor visits, home health, hospital bills, etc would be so helpful!
Thank you to everyone for all of your love and support. Keep the prayers coming!
Organizer and beneficiary
Jamie Whitesell
Organizer
Marple, PA
Teresa Whitesell
Beneficiary