Support Joseph Kozusko's Fight Against Cancer

Hi everyone, my name is Nikki Jensen. I am a family friend of the Kozuskos (more on that below). I have set up this GoFundMe to help them navigate the bills that are expected to be upward of $3+ million, and that estimate was before the news of the amputation, After insurance, they will be looking at several hundred thousand in medical bills in addition to normal costs of living, some retrofitting of the house for accessibility for Joseph, and a prosthetic leg which is typically an out-of-pocket expense. Joseph and the girls need our help and security, and you know they would never ask for it, so here I am asking you to donate generously if it speaks to you.

As you know, Joseph was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer late last year. It is a muscular sarcoma on his upper left pelvis (hip bone), a big baddie named Rhabdomyosarcoma - which is a chemo-resistant tumor that developed and grew quickly. This sarcoma then metastasized and showed up in Joseph's lungs. Despite the size of the sarcoma, the oncologist wanted to treat the lung cancer first to stop further spread. Joseph has since undergone 3 rounds of aggressive chemotherapy, which has not shown to be effective, and will be changing to a new cocktail recipe before round 4 in late February.

The surgeon has decided that the time has come to address the sarcoma on the hip to prevent further complications. This week, Joseph will undergo a hemipelvectomy, which is a full amputation of his left leg and pelvic bone. A massive life-altering surgery which the whole family is approaching with unfathomable bravery.

Not only do we need extra prayers and good energy, but we need actual help. I have set the goal to $100,000 to offset the medical bills and all of the unexpected costs with treatment and home care. Please share this page far and wide and tell Joseph's story. Let's help take some of the financial stress of this cancer off his mind, while he fights this fight, as he is so fiercely doing.

Joseph has been the epitome of health his entire life. From his football days, being vegetarian for 18 years, to running & cycling for countless miles every day of his life. Not only has he looked after himself as high-performing athlete, but he’s an amazing father to Elle & Isla (18, 16 years old), caring husband to Laura Lee, and has always been known to take care of those around him, and always sought to make the world a better place through his work.

Through the years, the Kozuskos have been so much more than friends or colleagues to me; they were a family for me while I've lived away from mine in Australia.

When I was new to the US, I began managing their business, The Bar Method, in Austin for nearly 7 years. I spent many, many afternoons and evenings a week with Isla & Elle doing school pick-ups, babysitting, and just hanging out with the family. Whether it was Easter, Thanksgiving, 4th of July….you name it, I was always welcomed. The girls are like my babies (who have now grown into incredible young women), Laura Lee was like the sister I never had, and Joseph a big brother.

Joseph leads with a kind and patient hand and is always thinking of others and how he could help.

I don't know what else to say, but please help! Donate, big and often. Let's fight this fight with them and send them all the love while we do it.