Whether you recognize him as the guy who makes the best deli sandwiches at Seaview Market, the person you call when you need anything fixed, Casey’s boyfriend or your friend, there’s no doubt that Joey is a Fire Islander that everyone knows. Last week, Joey unexpectedly found himself at Stonybrook Hospital on Saturday morning after experiencing extreme weakness and chest pain. After many days of extensive testing, it was determined that Joey’s (previously replaced) aortic valve was failing and that it would need to be replaced (again). Very fortunately, he will be operated on by the world’s top heart surgeons in 3 weeks time and will undergo an 18 hour procedure that should fix his heart once and for all.

During the interim, and for an approximate 4 months afterwards, Joey is unable to work and has been advised to rest and stay (as) stress free (as possible). Rest is easy, however keeping stress levels in check when no paychecks are coming in is a taller order. During this time Joey is planning to budget his savings to carry him through until winter when he will be able to work building houses again. As a way to help with some of the expenses he will incur during this time, we are hoping to raise some money to support him. Every bit makes a difference and no amount is too small!