Joey was born January 15, 1989, and was diagnosed with Duchene Muscular Dystrophy at age seven.  The doctors told us he would not live to be a teenager.  Our family was devastated. We could not imagine our lives without Joey.  He was such a fun and loving boy.  His smile could light up a room. 

Joey was a home body.  He liked to be at home surrounded by family and friends.  He loved to draw.  Joey wanted to become a cartoon artist.  His other hobby was collecting pens.  He liked to get on eBay and purchase unique pens. Joey’s disability didn’t stop him from dreaming and believing.  He taught us all how to keep moving forward because if he could persevere so could we.  His humor taught us about having empathy and not sympathy because he was always concerned about everyone else while we were worried about him.  He taught us to never set boundaries or be afraid of chasing our dreams.

The Muscular Dystrophy Family Foundation ensured that Joey had “No Boundaries”.  They assisted with the purchase of equipment while advocating to assist Joey in living his abilities and not his disability.

Joey passed away two weeks before his nineteenth birthday.   It was very sudden.  Although his passing has left a hole in our hearts, we feel blessed to have had Joey in our lives for the short time he was here.

Living with this disability is hard enough without knowing where to turn or what to do.  And this is what the foundation provided for us.  This foundation is there twenty four hours a day seven days a week – they are there whenever you need them.  This is why we want to pay it forward, so they can continue to assist other families.  I don’t know how we would have done it without them. 

 Joey's Journey

is a carnival held every summer

in Connersville, IN

to celebrate Joey's life.

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