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Joe's Leukemia fight

I have started this fundraiser for my brother, Joe, who was recently diagnosed with leukemia.  About two weeks ago Joe was admitted to the hospital with very low blood counts, jaundice, an enlarged spleen, and swollen lymph nodes.  After a week of testing, IV antibiotics, blood transfusions, a positive result for a tick born illness called babesiosis, and a negative preliminary result of a bone marrow biopsy, the doctors sent him home on antibiotics and orders to follow up with hematology to continue to monitor blood levels.  He was relieved to be at home after a week in the hospital and hoping to be on the mend.  However after 2 days at home he developed a severe rash, fever, and was extremely weak.  He was brought back to the emergency room where they found his blood levels were extremely low, specifically his white blood cells at and his fever was increasing.  He immediately received transfusions and was admitted to the hospital again.  Shortly afterwards he received the news that the full pathology report of the bone marrow biopsy revealed that he has  Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL).  This type of leukemia is commonly found in children and adolescents and less common in adults.  
This has been devastating to our family, especially his wife Shannon and their 3 children.  Joe is currently in the hospital where he will remain for at least another 28 days once he begins treatment.  The plan is to receive 21 days of chemotherapy and then further bone marrow testing to determine whether or not he responded to the chemotherapy.  If he is in remission he will then have to remain on oral chemotherapy for years to come.  We remain hopeful that he will respond to treatment however if he does not there are other treatment options to explore.  
Joe is always ready and willing to help his friends, family and community at any time.  He is an active member of the Mastic Beach Ambulance Company where he volunteers his time as an EMT and board member.  Personally, he has helped me navigate through many trying times in my life and cheered me on during the best times.   I am sure that anyone who knows Joe can think of a time when he was  there to lend a hand, offer advice, take someone in,  or just listen.  He is a loving a devoted father and husband to his wonderful wife Shannon and their 3 children, Brandon, Makayla, and Isaac.  He is remaining very positive (in true Joe fashion) although his main concern in this situation is the well being of his children.  We do not yet know how long Joe will  be unable to work after all of his treatments.  As the main source of income for his family, he is worried about keeping up with normal bills such as mortgage, car, utilities, food and just everyday necessities for his children, in addition to all of the medical bills that will continue to accrue due to this health crisis.  It is my hope that this fundraiser will be able to relieve that burden a bit.  We need Joe to focus on fighting as it will not be an easy fight.  

Thank you all for your help.  I plan to update frequently.  Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers.
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Donations 

  • Nicole Cascone
    • $25 
    • 6 yrs
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Organizer

Krista Galizio Becker
Organizer
Center Moriches, NY

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