Fundraiser

Joe has successfully finished his second cylcle of chemo. As the oncologist said last Monday, "the end is in sight." Due to his neulasta shot, Joe was able to go home for the whole week. Of course it rained most of the week, but what can you do. This weekend Jake and Snowden, put on two amazing fundraiser events. Saturday started early for the boys with a golf tournament in honor of Joe. Unfortunately, they had to play in the elements but still had a great time. Joe tagged along in a golf cart enjoying the company of is friends. After a morning of golf, a fundraiser was held at the Portuguese American Club on the Vineyard. Joe has always bragged about the island community and I ignored him like usual. However, this weekend I realized exactly what he was talking about. Over 400 hundred people attended and thousands of dollars were raised for Joe. It was quite overwhelming. I walked around with my cousin Lucia (who came all the way from NYC) totally amazed at the support, and love that was being shown by all those who attended. It was a true island event that friends, family and the community made possible. The best story of the day occurred at the drawing of the 50/50 raffle. Melissa (Joe's sister) did an amazing job running the silent auction, and 50/50 raffle along with many other helpers! As I said the island community is extremely close. Last year, Wendy an island nativedied of brain cancer; her son Wyatt won the 50/50 raffle. I had held it together the whole night, until this point. I walked outside to call Joe and let him know what happened (he loves Wyatt and Patrick his father), and saw Danny talking to Wyatt outside. As I walked closer I realized both of them were extremely emotional and I could not keep it together. It was an extremely special moment. There was a reason Wyatt won the raffle. I think if Joe could have personally picked the person who won, Wyatt would have been who he chose. Joe did not attend the fundraiser. As I stated before, I was extremely overwhelmed and I knew maybe 30 people there, he would have been bombarded. With that being said, Joe was very adament about seeing his friends following the event. The fun moved to back to my house where Joe was hanging out. I asked him what was the best part of the weekend and he being able to see his friends. Acting "normal" is crucial to getting through this whole cancer thing .It was a perfect night and we started a fire in the new fire pit and just hung out. Of course, things got a little crazy. Everyone had been drinking all day so things escalated.Somehow Willie and Matthew (my brother) decided they were going to shave their heads in honor of Joe. Again, they were both several beers deep and have long flowing hair might I add, shaved it alllllll off. It was a funny, sad all wrapped up in one.

I just want to thank everyone who came and donated your support is truly appreciated. Thank you to everyone who worked, Sue, Melissa, Lois, Tasha, Alex, Thayer, MV Hockey Boys, Ben, and everyone else I am not mentioning, without you the event would not have been able to happen so successfully. A special thank you to Jake and Snowden who put everything together. You guys are truley amazing, much love to you both.