Its really quite an interesting story. Our friendship started when my family and I first moved to California to rebuild our lives. We met Joe through mutual friends and instantly considered him a part of our family. Now....THIS is where it gets interesting. One night, Joe came across my old ID and realized my maiden name was the same as his Grandmother's last name, Wheeler. After further research, we found out that we were actually related and essentially became "long lost cousins" in that moment.
Fast forward 4 years, our family was relaxing over Labor Day weekend when Joe kept complaining of numbing and tingling in his face and tongue. We encouraged him to go to the Doctor and thought it was most likely a pinched nerve.
On September 7th, Joe decided to go to the ER where an MRI was completed. This is when the innocent thought of a pinched nerve went south really fast. The conclusion stated the following: "Infiltrative T2 and flair hyperintense signal in the right thalamus and pons, suspicious for glial neoplasm. An inflammatory process is thought to be less likely. Close interval follow-up should be considered."
What does that even mean!?
A referral was given to see a neurosurgeon for further evaluation.
The next day at 9:30am Joe and his family went to see Dr. Duma who would be able to better explain what Joe was up against.
That day Joe was looking at a possible diagnosis of DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma). Diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPG) are highly aggressive and difficult to treat brain tumors found at the base of the brain. They are glial tumors, meaning they arise from the brain's glial tissue—tissue made up of cells that help support and protect the brain's neurons. These tumors are found in an area of the brainstem (the lowest, stem-like part of the brain) called the pons, which controls many of the body's most vital functions such as breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate.
Now, if you take it upon yourself to look this up, the results aren't very promising. It is most common in kids and rarely seen in adults. Only recently, biopsies are being performed at a very high risk, but provide promising change so that the medical field can continue to research such an aggressive brain tumor.
Currently, we are waiting for Joe's biopsy on Sep 19th and don't have  a solid treatment plan until we can verify what stage his tumor is at. Joe does not have insurance at this time and is looking at an uphill battle that is not only emotionally, physically, and spirutally draining, but financially demanding.
The purpose of this account is to raise money for Joe's medical expenses as well as support funding for research. The medical field is hopeful they can find a cure, but time is not on our side. A lot of people know Joe and the Lebon family, and undoubtedly see how caring and kind they are. If you can't support this cause financially, please keep him and his family in your prayers. Joe is a loving son, brother, grandson, and friend that would give anything to help anyone. God Bless and thank you for your time in reading about Joe's story.
I have added Joe's grandmother Gay Purcilly as the beneficiary for funds donated. We appreciate the generous donations!!!