Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Joe, 35, and Laura, 31, will be married 10 years this October. They have 2 wonderful children, Joey, 6 and Courtney 3. Just like many people right now, they are struggling to get though this hard time and raise a family on a limited income. Unfortunately in mid November 2009 Joe was diagnosed with testicular cancer.
The type of testicular cancer is nonseminomas and mostly effects men between the ages of 15-35. Nonseminomas tend to grow and spread fast. It normally spreads to the stomach, lungs, and brain. It is actually the same kind of cancer that Lance Armstrong, won his battle of cancer against. Over 7,500 men are diagnosed every year with testicular cancer; however it is 95% curable, if caught early.
If getting this horrible disease is not enough Joe does not have health insurance. Joe works very hard, he was employed full-time during the day and work part time in the evenings, however without any benefits. At the end of 2009 his full-time employer filed bankruptcy. So now, they are faced with fighting the toughest battle of their lives this far, with the constant worry of how they are going to pay for his treatments, surgery and continue to support their family.
Laura is a stay at home mom raising her children. Joey is in first grade and Courtney is in preschool. She has tried to get back into the workforce with no luck, but is not giving up. She would like to go back to college to receive a degree in the medical field. Laura is a very strong woman who is trying to keep her family positive and confident that they will make it through this hard time.
Joe has already had one surgery and two rounds of chemotherapy, where he spent 6 days straight in the hospital, just before Christmas and he just finish the second round last week. He is doing good, as of right now the cancer has not spread. He is continuing to do some chemotherapy in the form of a shot for the next couple weeks.
Joe and Laura are always the first people to step up and volunteer when anyone needs it or have always lent a helping hand. They have a very long road ahead of them plus I know they’re a strong family and with the continuous prayers and support of their family, friends, and very giving strangers they will get through this. Stronger than ever!
As you can imagine the bills are mounting, the day to day expenses are growing between medical bills, mortgages and other living expenses. So since all of this has happen I have formed a foundation in order to help them, she is my best friend and I need to do what I can.
The name of the foundation is “Friends Helping Friends Foundation, Inc.” We are going to have a benefit on February 21, 2010 in order to raise some money to help them get through this hard time. However I’m still working out all of the minor details, but it will be at Mixteca Mexican Grill & Tequila Bar, 1390 S Eastwood Dr., Woodstock, Illinois 60098, the owner has offered to let us use the restaurant for the benefit and all of the money raised on food will be donated to the family. We are trying to get donations in any form, monetary, gift certificates, sporting event tickets or gift baskets to auction off.
We would be so grateful for any kind of help at all. It would mean so much to a great family.
[...] on the family and the fundraiser by from the flyer I scanned when we got home, or at the web site for the event, hosted by the Friends Helping Friends [...]
Although my Wife and I haven’t had a chance to really get to know you Joe, If the company you keep has any indication on who you are as a person, then that makes you a great guy in my book.
I Have known the Finley Family my whole life, They have been like family to me, and not just see you on holidays kind of family. I mean give the shirt off their backs I’ll do anything for you family.
I’m sure the turn out will be overwhelming. We will be there on the 21st not only to support Joe, but also to celebrate his new health.
Your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Joe is my brother-n-law but brother in my heart. He is been such a positive person in my life since the day he started dating my sister when I was 13. There are no words to express my love and graditude for a guy who has helped me overcome so many things in my life. He is truly a blessing from god and he is such a wonderful friend, father and husband. When I learned of his cancer I thought no way not Joe. He is someone who works his butt off to support his family. Laura and Joe were always the couple that people wanted to be like. So cute and full of love still after all these years. They are the perfect couple and inspire so many people. I hope everyone can come together and do what we can to help them through this horrible time. Thank you for all the prayers and for what help anybody is able to do.
Hey Crazy anything we can do were here for you and Laura.Love you guy’s
Laura has been my BEST friend since High School. Which seems like yesterday, however it’s been awhile now and we have been through a lot together. We’re always there for each other, bad times and good times. But I think this has been the worst, not knowing what to do, say, or what she is going through. All I do know I will be here for her and her family the best way I know how. Joe is a very strong and hard working man and he will get better and be back on his feet very soon. My hope is that all of their family and friends come together and support them and help in every way they can.
Joe is my son-in-law and more like a son. He is married to my oldest daughter Laura. They have been together since Laura was about 13 years old. Needless to say I was worried about her being with someone who was a few years older. I did not know what to think about it so I had Joe come to my house and laid down the rules. At that time I did not know if I was making the right decision or the wrong decision. Yes I know I made the right one. Joe is a very loving guy. He always would leave little love notes for Laura and leave roses on her car. I used to think WOW what kind of guy does that. Well anyone who knows Joe can tell you what a great person he is. I could not have asked for a better man for my daughter. He also gave us two great grandkids that I absolutely adore. When I heard the news that he had testicular cancer I was speechless. Having lost a parent to cancer it makes you wonder what is going to happen. He does not deserve this. Laura was devestated and her mind wondered as anyone can imagine. I try to reassure her that things will be fine. We will take it day by day and do whatever we have to do to get thru it. As a mother, it was the first time in my life that I did not know how to help her. Joe is a strong guy and positive thinker and with all the prayers he will beat this. God picked him for a reason and I know that something special will come out of this for him and Laura and the kids. Keep the faith and know that I am always there for all of you.
I am Joe’s sister-in-law, however he is more like a brother to me. He has been with my sister Laura since I was 12 yrs old. Needless to say, my world came crashing down on me when Laura called me with the information that Joe had Cancer. My heart stopped…I just couldn’t and didn’t want to believe that Joe had cancer. Never in a million years did I think this would happen. I kept telling myself to be strong for them and for the kids but it is so much easier said than done. All I could do was cry on the phone when my sister, my best friend, needed me the most. Laura and Joe are one of the best couples I have ever seen. They are both wonderful parents and friends. Now they need our help. They would never ask for it, but we all know that with no jobs, no insurance, bills piling up, and 2 wonderful kids they need it. Please keep in your heart that this wonderful family needs our help and we can do it. Together with everyones help we can make sure they have a roof over their head and food on their table. Thank you all for your help, donations and prayers.