***6/24/25 update***

Hi everyone,

We wanted to share the latest update with you. Joey and Ashlee met with the neurosurgeon today, and the biopsy results confirmed that it is cancer. Joey was diagnosed with a lower-grade, stage two tumor called Oligodendroglioma.

The treatment plan is to begin chemo or radiation in about four weeks, with the course expected to last approximately six weeks. However, the exact timing may vary depending on several factors. The encouraging news is that the doctor is very confident this one round of treatment will be effective.

Although it’s never easy to hear the word “cancer,” we’re holding onto hope and strength, especially with the reassurance and optimism from Joey’s medical team. From here, we focus on treatment and are taking it day by day with an optimistic approach.

The Fistler’s are incredibly grateful for all the love, prayers, and financial support you’ve shown. It means more than they can say—particularly during this time of so much uncertainty. At this point, we still don’t know when Joey (or Ashlee) will be able to return to work.

As you can imagine, this has created a significant financial strain. Ashlee has stepped away from work to be by Joey’s side through every step of this journey, and the length of time they’ll both be out of work remains unknown. We are increasing the fundraising goal to help relieve the burden this situation continues to place on their family.

All donations go directly to the Fistler family and will help them focus on what matters most: Joey’s recovery. Thank you for being part of their support system.

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***Update from the Fistler’s***

We wanted to provide a quick update to all our friends and family. They were thankfully able to remove the entire tumor, and now we’re waiting on the pathology results to determine whether it’s benign. Recovery is slow but steady, and he’s working hard to regain strength on the left side of his body. He’ll be out of work for a while, but we’re staying hopeful and taking things one day at a time.

We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who’s been supporting us—your kindness means more than we can say. It’s not just helping us emotionally, it’s also easing some of the financial stress, and for that, we truly thank you. Please keep praying for the pathology reports to come back cancer free!

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We’re reaching out with heavy hearts to ask for your help and support for the Fistler family during a very difficult time.

Recently, Joey “Fizzle” was rushed to the hospital after suddenly passing out and suffering a seizure. What started as a terrifying moment quickly escalated into something no one was prepared for. Doctors discovered a mass on Joey’s brain and he was immediately transferred to Tristar Centennial Nashville for more advanced testing and care.

After undergoing an MRI, the doctors found a tumor the size of a golf ball . Joey is now preparing for surgery to have the tumor removed, and it will be biopsied to determine whether or not it’s cancerous. This is an overwhelming and uncertain time for Joey, Ashlee, their two boys Robert & Jacob, and their entire family.

Due to the seriousness of the procedure and the long road to recovery ahead, Joey will be unable to work for the foreseeable future. Ashlee, his rock and closest support, understandably does not want to leave his side.

We are asking for any support you can give to help ease the financial burden they are facing—from medical bills to lost income and unforeseen expenses. Every donation, no matter how big or small, will make a difference in helping this sweet family focus on what matters most: Joey’s healing and recovery.

If you’re unable to give, please consider sharing this page and keeping the Fistlers in your prayers.

If you prefer to donate to Ashlee and Joey directly , you can do so via Venmo to @Ashlee-Fistler

Thank you for your love, generosity, and continued support.

With Gratitude,

Melissa Montalto

* For those who don’t know me personally, I’m Ashlee’s cousin, and I’m organizing this fundraiser on behalf of her and Joey. Everything raised will go directly to them. Thank you for your trust and support.