First post:
Dec 20, 2021 Latest post:
Sep 29, 2022
Hello!
As you may remember, Joe had Vocal Cord Cancer in 2014. He was recently diagnosed with "Stage 5 Myelodysplastic Syndrome" (aka MDS Anemia). His physicians are trying to ward off Leukemia with a chemo shot regiment - 1 week on/3 weeks off. He has also been referred to Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit where they are waiting to hear if he is a Stem Cell Transplant Candidate. Since his family members aren't young enough to help with a stem cell/bone marrow donation, they will be searching a worldwide donor base for a donor.
Thank you so much for visiting today! We will be using this Caring Bridge page to help keep family and friends updated as often as we can. We appreciate your prayers and encouragement during this time. Please feel free to make comments below and even share some fun memories of Joe and any pictures you may have! This would really encourage him!
You may also reach out to Sandy via phone. She appreciates the calls! She'll call you back if she can't talk right away. You may text Joe as he's been pretty much voiceless since this started. He'll respond when he can.
Thank you again! - Andrea Stephens (Joe's Daughter)
PS - If you'd like to help! Please consider GIVING BLOOD to your local Red Cross chapter! Our country is at a dangerously low blood supply right now. Joe was limited to the amount he could receive last month when he was in the hospital. You may not be able to help him specifically, but know that whatever, wherever you give will help someone in desperate need today!!