In September 1999, Joe was diagnosed with a malignant form of a brain cancer called Medulloblastoma. Specifically, Medulloblastoma is a type of brain tumor in which the cancer (malignant) cells begin to grow in the lower part of the brain (and sometimes spine) and usually found only in children or young adults. Other than leukemia or lymphoma, brain tumors are the most common type of cancer that occurs in children.

Joe immediately underwent surgery and they removed approximately 95% of the tumor. He then went through 6 weeks of radiation therapy in order to kill the remaining 5% and the radiation was followed by one year of chemotherapy treatments. The surgery left Joe with some minor paralysis on his left side. With much courage, perseverance, faith, and support from friends and family, Joe came through the treatments with flying colors. By the blessing of a most precious home tutor and fabulous St. Peter's teachers Joe was able to keep up his schoolwork and advanced with his class for both the 2nd and 3rd grades despite numerous stays in the hospital and treatment related illnesses that kept him homebound. With the help of wonderful Physical and Occupational Therapists, along with terrific Coaches, he even continued to play baseball, basketball, and soccer through it all. He seemed to be doing remarkably well.

In October 2001, Joe had his regularly scheduled routine MRI and the results shockingly showed a new appearance of the cancer. Now called a recurring metastasis medulloblastoma this time it appeared in a different location in the brain. With this new development, we have been faced with many new decisions that must be made quickly. We are pursuing several opinions from different medical facilities to determine which is the best protocol and course of treatment for this type of tumor.

Joe's spirits are great and when his twin sister Mary told him that she was scared about the recurrence of his cancer and wondered if he was, his response was, "I fought and beat the cancer the first time and I'm going to fight and beat it again a second time." Russ and I have a much deeper appreciation for what a courageous and faith-filled young man we have in Joe. Please pray that his spirit won't be destroyed along with the cancer by the harshness of the treatments. We look to God for wisdom and strength and we will do our very best to take one day at a time with God in complete control of our lives.

Joe is very excited to have his very own web site and he loves to receive e-mails so if you want to make a little boy very happy, just drop him a line sometime. He will read every message received. However, with his treatment and trips back and forth to the hospital, he may not get to answer each one but he will try!!

Also, Russ and I want to thank all of you for the many cards and messages that we have received. We apologize for not personally responding to them but our time has been spent researching the medical options available for Joe, spending time at medical appointments with him, taking care of his needs and sometimes simply snuggling, "hanging out", laughing and having fun together. Please know that each message is appreciated and cherished because it shows the love and compassion that you all have for Joe and our family.

With a very special emphasis, we want to thank everyone for all the prayers you have provided during this most difficult time. Prayers are the greatest gift you can give to us! We know that our Precious Lord is "The Great Healer" and that He will continue to bless, love and provide for each of us during these trying times. God bless each of you!