In 2010, Joe Kelliher dealt with a family tragedy in the form of a disease, Multiple Sclerosis, (MS), which is a disabling neurological disorder. MS inhibits the signals from the brain from reaching the rest of the body, which results in a significant impact on an individual's mobility and daily functioning. Joe was diagnosed with the rarest form of the disease, Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS), for which there is currently no cure. This diagnosis changed the course of Joe and his family's lives forever. At the beginning of last year, Joe was faced with yet another obstacle, recovering from a nearly fatal wheelchair accident. This resulted in a ninety-day ICU hospital stay and classified him upon discharge as a triplegia; only being able to use one limb. Due to the unexpected extreme progression of his disease caused by this accident, Joe now requires 24-hour intense home health care. Joe’s daily care assistance includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, bathing, touting, transferring, dressing, cleaning, cooking, transportation, and more. Joe and his three children, Lauren, Natalie, and Brooke, have learned to face challenges in life with a mixture of courage, grit, and good judgment. They now understand life is full of adversity, but what matters is how you face adversity, for that is what makes you successful. They’ve also come to realize that the minor issues are just that – minor. Click the button below to donate in support of Joe and his family. Thank you! |
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