Joe Scialabba's fundraiser

There is never a good time to hear the word cancer. Being 55 and still thinking that you have your
whole life ahead, having two children in college, two others still in grade school and high school and no
real income. All of this while being told that you have stage four lung and brain cancer is one of the
worst scenarios possible. That is exactly what Joe Scialabba had to hear. It wasn’t that he wanted to hear
it. It wasn’t that he ever did anything to bring this on. Joe never smoked and rarely drank alcohol. No, It
was that he had to hear it and then he had to come up with a plan that had him fighting for his life. He
also has four wonderful daughters ranging from 12 to 20 that he had to give that bad news to. He did it.
It wasn’t easy, as one can imagine, but he did it with grace and poise just wanting to be the strong dad
he is and has been for them for the last 20 years. They cried, as would any child hearing that news about
their dad. Dad isn’t supposed to be ill. He is supposed to be there for them always. Joe intends on doing
that and more. He wants to beat this illness and continue on the path he originally planned. Joe is a
fighter and that is exactly what he plans on doing.
Cancer has become more and more prevalent in the past few years. It seems that everyone has been
affected by it directly or a close family member. So when Joe heard those words he joined a club with a
high price tag, but one that no one ever wants to join. He never expected this. As previously stated, he
lived a very clean life. So hearing the news, Joe rallied with his girls and settled in for a momentous fight
that he didn’t realize would rob him of his energy and the ability to work. On top of the physical issues it
presented, it has also taken a psychological toll on him. No one goes through a death-defying battle with
this disease without being affected mentally and emotionally too. Joe is no different. Not only does he
have the tumors in his brain and lungs to deal with, but he also has to deal with the depression and the
anxiety that comes with this illness. Now, in addition to having to leave work and going on disability, he
has to deal with everything that goes with trying to beat this ailment. He has to balance every day things
like rent, utilities, groceries and now medical bills too. This is difficult on a regular salary, but nothing
short of impossible on the little bit that disability gives someone .He obviously hopes to return to work
one day, but for now that neurological issues he deals with, as well as the physical developments, have
left him in a very precarious predicament. He’s not used to asking for help, nor does he want to.
However, to better help him maintain some kind of life and not go into bankruptcy this is the path he
needs to take. He still pays for child support, he still has to pay for college, but he also has to live and
give the hospital and doctors the money they need to treat him.
Most of the people that went to school with Joe and know him well know that he is a great guy. Always
friendly and willing to help anyone that needed it. This is a dedicated family man and a pillar of his
community. He needs as much help as he can get from us. As already stated, Joe hopes to beat this and
return to a life similar to what he is used to. For now, however, he needs a helping hand. No one wants
to ever have to be in this situation because asking for help just isn’t in our nature. Unfortunately for Joe,
that isn’t an option. He wants to thank everyone who will help him. His little girls want to thank all of
you as well. They so appreciate anything that can be done to assist. Prayers are appreciated too. God
bless you and your families