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Joe vs. Cancer; Challenge Accepted!

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Meet my friend, Joe.  He's a pretty incredible human being, and a real-life superhero.  Those of us who know him are lucky to have him.  If you're his friend, you know he's always been fighting to be healthy. He's dealt with Crohn's, intestinal resection surgery at 17, and nearly debilitating arthritis for most of his work career.  But, being Joe, he does it all with a smile.  Joe pushes through everything to be an amazing dad to his teenage son, Ben, a devoted husband to his wife, Mia, and someone who is always there with a word of encouragement or a helping hand.

This March, Joe was diagnosed with advanced Stage 3 rectal cancer that has spread to his lymph nodes. Right now, Joe is halfway through his first 6 weeks of chemo and radiation. In July, he'll have surgery to remove his lymph nodes, then continue with more chemotherapy. 

This means Joe is currently unable to work while he focuses on battling cancer, and treatment is EXPENSIVE!  When Joe's not getting treatment, he is at home, with his family, trying to recuperate each night so that he can head back to the hospital for chemo each day.  Mia has been his unfailing sidekick, always by his side.  She is currently working midnights each night, and trying to grab some shut-eye during the day, but she needs help.  I'm hoping this fundraiser can take some of the financial burden off this incredible family's plate.

Joe is amazing!  He has done a ton for his community by fundraising for charities and organizations that are near and dear to him.  He has assembled teams for Take Steps, a walk that funds the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, for multiple years.

 Additionally, he is a member of the Taft Foundation, and served as Chairman of the Taft Referendum Committee, which succeeded in securing tax funding and grants to renovate Taft Grade School in Lockport, IL, which both Joe and his son have attended.

Please, please help me in assisting this wonderful family.  If you don't have much to donate, even $5 or $10 helps.  And sharing is HUGE.  It only takes a second, and costs you nothing, so please, SHARE this campaign far and wide.  Joe has helped SO MANY....it's our turn to lend a helping hand.  Anything is appreciated <3
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Donations 

  • Anonymous
    • $20
    • 3 yrs
  • Jamie Patterson
    • $20
    • 3 yrs
  • Benjamin A Smith
    • $69
    • 3 yrs
  • Joe Birkbeck
    • $5
    • 3 yrs
  • joey hudson
    • $5
    • 3 yrs
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Organizer and beneficiary

Adrienne Skandera
Organizer
Lockport, IL
Joseph Ryan
Beneficiary

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