Hearts for Joe

Joe Taylor is a 2004 graduate of Westhampton Beach High school who married Nicole Winter, 2002 graduate of the school.  Nicole (Winter) Taylor is a teacher at Westhampton Beach High School and is very involved within the school community.  The two were married in October of 2011 and had many dreams and aspirations for their future together

Their life changed drastically in June of 2013 when Joe began not feeling well, and could not seem to get better.  He and his wife Nicole later came to realize was that Joe was in the midst of a major cardiac event known as congestive heart failure (dilated cardiomyopathy), and would need a heart transplant. 

 Joe spent most of the next two years living his life with a left ventricular assistive device (LVAD), a machine that kept his blood circulating.  During this time, Joe and Nicole lived life to the fullest and best of all: They became parents!  Their son, Joseph Brian (JT) Taylor, was born on June 18, 2014.

 On April 1, 2015 Joe received the news that there was a donor heart available and he would be getting the heart transplant he needed.  He was scheduled to remain in the hospital for 7-10 days after the life-saving procedure. 

 Unfortunately, after the transplant surgery, Joe faced many unforeseen health problems, including internal bleeding and multiple infections.  Joe spent the next two and a half months in the hospital, focused on gaining back his strength and getting well enough to return home.  After eleven weeks in the hospital, while undergoing a skin graft procedure, further complications arose.  On June 18, 2015, Joe lost his long-fought battle and passed away.  He will be missed by his family and friends, but remembered for his infectious spirit and undeniable strength and determination.  

 In order to help Nicole and JT focus on healing during this difficult time, we are hosting a fundraiser to help pay for mounting medical bills and funeral costs. Please consider helping this family in any way you can.