Nobody Fights Alone-Joseph Reilly

Just six months after the birth of his first granddaughter, Amelia, Joe began to feel discomfort in his abdomen after he ate. The discomfort got so great he went to the ER one night and had multiple tests performed. X-rays and blood tests didn't show any cause for concern to the ER doctors. They sent him home with Miralax.

However, the pain continued and worsened. Over the next two months, Joe shed nearly 30 pounds and had more tests and procedures to find the cause of the pain. An ultrasound on his abdomen showed lymphoma and he was referred to an oncologist.

The oncologist ordered a biopsy of the lymph node and an additional test to search for more cancer. It turns out the cancer was an "aggressive" lymphoma at stage 3 and located in Joe's neck, abdomen and pelvis.

And yet, there was hope. Aggressive lymphoma is more susceptible to chemo-therapy. 80% of patients with Joe's diagnosis survive with a strong course of chemo. Six courses every three weeks for over four months, taking Joe into 2016.

The main hurdle to making Joe part of that 80%, up front costs to reach his deductible now and after the new year. Even with good insurance provided by his employer, Joe's medical bills have been piling up. Chemo and the prep work is proving costly. Like all insurance, his deductible will reset at the beginning of the year. Any donation will help Joe with his medical expenses and help make him apart of the 80%.