Joe turned 40 on June 29th, celebrating with friends and family in Chicago. Just days later, on July 4th, he went to the ER with abdominal pain and was admitted for further workup. By Wednesday, July 9th, Joe received a devastating diagnosis: Stage IV metastatic colorectal cancer, specifically high-grade poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma (HGNEC). HGNEC is a rare cancer, accounting for less than 1% of colorectal cancers. Due to its aggressive nature, Joe’s oncology team urged him to start treatment immediately. Two days after diagnosis, Joe started the first cycle of his rigorous chemotherapy regimen. Moving forward, Joe will receive 3 days of outpatient chemotherapy every 2 weeks - 1 day at the Packnett Cancer Institute and 2 days at home. Joe’s oncology team explained that HGNEC may not respond to conventional chemotherapy and can carry a poor prognosis, however, the possibility of enrollment in a clinical trial could give Joe hope to beat the odds and spend more time with his precious family. Joe and Helen married young, moved to Chicago with baby Jules, and built a full life of friendships, education, career, and welcomed Louise to the brood. Eventually, they returned to Joe’s hometown of Fort Wayne, completed their family with Johanna, and settled in - surrounded by the love and support of his hometown family and friends. Through every season - career shifts, COVID, homeschooling - Joe and Helen have stayed strong and grounded in love. Joe’s passion for teaching his daughters, especially as he embraced homeschooling, shines in everything he does. He’s a devoted father, beloved friend, and loyal brother. As Joe now faces a serious health challenge, we’re asking for help, so he can continue caring for his beautiful family while focusing on healing. Ways to help: - Prayers, novenas, masses, and blessings - Donate to the GoFundMe page - Sign up for driving the girls to and from school / various activities - Send / Deliver meals - Stop by for a morale boost - Peruse the Wishlist for something the girls or we need for school, hobbies, or house - Send gift cards that we may use for as-needed expenses