Nancy Amaro

Three weeks ago, our dear friend, Rockaway Beach Autism Families board member, Joe Munisteri, otherwise known as “Joe Butterfly,” at just 35 years old was diagnosed with colon cancer. For those of you who have crossed paths with Joe, know that he is an extraordinary human being. He is on the autism spectrum, and also, passionately works as a direct support professional (DSP) for individuals with autism. In addition, utilizing his background in Peer Supports, he works as a mentor for individuals facing mental health challenges. So, much more we can list about Joe’s accomplishments. In a nutshell, he is an autistic superhero, who has overcome numerous challenges. He independently rents an apartment with his longtime girlfriend, Nancy, owns and drives a vehicle, and has a full-time job. However, now he is facing a formidable opponent— COLON CANCER. Because of this alarming diagnosis, Joe is limited in his ability to work. He does not get short term disability benefits, and most of his medical expenses are not covered as he only has straight Medicaid, thus limiting his healthcare options. And with the everyday necessities of life and not being able to make an income, Joe direly needs our help! *****Funds raised will go into Joe’s ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) savings account and "Special Needs Trust.” These special accounts will ensure that Joe does not lose his Medicaid or SSDI eligibility. Funds will only be used for qualifying disability related expenses. Anything you can donate will be truly appreciated. Also, please pray and surround Joe and his family with your love so he can beat this thing. Please spread the word. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. The friends and family of Joe Munisteri aka Joe Butterfly #cancersucks #autismcommunity #autismgamers #joebutterfly #autisticartists #butterflyinspace To learn more about Joe, please see the links below: Articles Featuring Joe: Passion interview: Joe Butterfly https://katharinelgates.substack.com/p/passion-interview-joe-butterfly Special Feature — Hear From Local Autism Warriors https://www.rockawaytimes.com/special-feature-hear-from-local-autism-warriors-2/ Special Feature — Reflections on NYC Comic Con 2025 https://www.rockawaytimes.com/special-feature-reflections-on-nyc-comic-con-2025/ Subscribe to Joe's YouTube Channel https://youtube.com/@butterfliesinspace?si=QNcpDYkNkxOoyR5V Follow Joe on Instagram https://instagram.com/butterfliesin.space_joe Follow Joe on X (formerly Twitter) https://x.com/butterfliesinsp Follow Joe on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dopplepopplelus/ Follow Joe on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@butterfliesinspacejoe Hackathon Projects Joe has created: 1) EthGlobal 2025 - ABLEfid https://ethglobal.com/showcase/ablefid-0agfc 2) NASA Space Apps Challenge 2024 - Butterfly Space Rescue RPG using GLOBE Program Datasets https://www.spaceappschallenge.org/nasa-space-apps-2024/find-a team/butterfly-space-rescue/ 3) EthGlobal Online 2022 - POAP Book Club V2.0 featuring: "Butterflies in Space" https://ethglobal.com/showcase/poap-book-club-v2-0-butterflies-inspace-qemkw 4) EthGlobal New York 2022 - POAP Book Club https://ethglobal.com/showcase/poap-book-club-tc3ea 5) Joe was the local lead for the NASA Space Apps Challenge 2025 - Long Beach https://www.spaceappschallenge.org/2025/local-events/long-beach/ Follow Butterfly Space Rescue card game Instagram page https://instagram.com/butterflyspacerescue Joe's Etsy Shop https://www.etsy.com/shop/ButterfliesInSpace Joe's Amazon Influencer Store Page https://www.amazon.com/shop/butterfliesin.space Joe's Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B09CDZB2GF