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The Fiolas

In 2008, Joe had his first grand mal seizure.  A neurologist in Lubbock determined the seizure was the result of multiple concussions during college football.  He was put on a seizure medication which has since controlled the seizures, that is until recently.

It was April 3, 2018.  One moment Joe was riding the train in the yard, and the next he was waking up beside the track. He had a grand mal seizure, causing him to fall off and nearlybget ran over.  The train wheels pressed up against his side, and even ran over his shirt. He had a burn on his back from sliding down the wheels.  He was lucky to be alive.  

Due to the seizure he was unable to return to work for 2.5 months, which meant he didn't get any paycheck for 3 months.  Once he was allowed to go back to work, it was on limited duty in the office. While he was thankful to return to work, his pay was reduced significantly. This position is also temporary.  So we need prayer that he will be released soon before the position expires.

It has now been 6 months since Joe's accident.  During this time, life went on and the bills continued to compound.  When the most recent seizure happened, Joe was slowly taken off the original medication, and eased onto a new one. This is a very slow process and causes major fatigue. In addition to the seizure disorder, Joe has recently been diagnosed with "A Fib" and high blood pressure.  These are definitely a reflection of the financial stress and worry of what the future may hold for his family.   On top of Joe's health issues, their daughter also had two knee surgeries and also totaled her car.  Needless to say these bills have caused Crystal and Joe's savings to quickly dwindle.  They have utilized all of their resources: from selling Joe's truck to refurbishing furniture from garage sales, to yard work and painting houses (call them if you're in the Amarillo area!).  They also are preparing their home to sell it in the spring if Joe has still not been able to return to work by that time.

Joe was hoping to get cleared to work again on October 3, 2018 at his 6 month follow up; however, his blood levels are still not what they should be.  He will NOT be able to return for 30 days AFTER his blood test show the medication levels have successfully elevated to where they need to be.  There is no way to know how long this process may take and if/when he will be able to return to his position with the railroad.  You can imagine how difficult this uncertainty and loss has been for them being that he has always been the primary source of income and his paychecks have literally been cut in half since the accident.  

Joe has always been a hard worker, and takes pride in supporting his family. Right now his health is preventing him from being able to do that the way he always has. It would be a blessing to him and his family if we could help them during this difficult time.  I know my sister and brother-in-law would never ask for help themselves, which is why we are setting this up for them. If anyone deserves a little act of kindness, they do! Thank you so much for taking the time.  We are so thankful for anything you would like to give them, and please keep them in your prayers!
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Donations 

  • Derek Hamilton
    • $100 
    • 5 yrs
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Organizer and beneficiary

Adam Stephanie Martins
Organizer
Amarillo, TX
Crystal Fiola
Beneficiary

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