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Joe's Story

Joe was diagnosed with Erdheim-Chester Disease (ECD) in 2015 and fought a valiant fight until his passing on March 11, 2023, due to complications from this disease. Below are some words from Joe, written himself for his Histio Ambassador introduction. 

"Over the past six and a half years since my diagnosis, I have fought the disease. Knowing this ultra rare blood cancer can kill me at any time, I have committed myself to be one of the world’s leading awareness educators and advocates of this histiocytic disease. 
 
I have been to two Continent’s and numerous states discussing the disease with the world’s leading doctors and educators, patients, and caregivers. 
  
Before ECD, I was an author of a book, an award-winning sports information director at the University of Tennessee at Marin. An award-winning editor at the Weakley County Press newspaper". 

   
Joe loved people and was the type of man who earned the respect of anyone that had the honor of meeting him. He was a leader, a husband, a father, a teacher, a warrior, and goal achiever. He was God-fearing, selfless, passionate, hardworking, strong-willed, and ambitious.
Joe was a die-hard New York Mets and Notre Dame fan.

Joe loved meeting new people, had a passion for sports, photography, writing, and so much more. He was profoundly loyal, would do anything for his friends, and loved his family fiercely.

Joe made an impact on the lives of countless people and his work will continue in Heaven. Joe would
tell us “Keep your chin up and watch for me in the sky!”.

If you'd like to make a donation to this event in honor of Joe, please click on the donate button below. Thank you.