Joe passed on this evening
 

Hi, everybody. My name's Danielle, and I'm Christine and Joe's daughter. I might have met some of you over the past few years at many of the events our group has attended. And those of you who I haven't met, I just want to let you know how proud my parents have always been to be among a network of such amazing, inspiring, and forever enduring fighters. They've talked about so many of you like you're dear, old friends -- many of you they haven't even properly met!!

I just wanted to let you know my dad passed on tonight. He'd been fighting his own battle with stage 3 lung cancer, diagnosed in January, and as his primary caregiver, I can say the past few months have definitely been a battle. My father was always such a delightful and motivated human being, as if that weren't so evident by this group, and just know there wasn't a month that passed where he ever lost his smile. (The last time my family was all together was my mom Chris's birthday on Wednesday the 4th. Dad made an amazing seafood linguine, and it was so nice to have an afternoon with me, my mom, dad, and sister all together. And just a few days ago, during a home nurse's visit, he stuck out his tongue and mooned me!) And just know our lovely little dog, Belle, is trying her very best to keep our spirits lifted through such a difficult time. And that he died peacefully here at home with my mom, his sweetheart of 27 beautiful years, by his side. There's no doubt he's an honorary HER2+ angel.

Much love to all of you,
Danielle

Re: Joe passed on this evening
 

Danielle
I am so shocked and upset to read this post and I know everyone else on the board will be.
I had no idea that your dad was ill and fighting his own battle against this illness, but I suspect that would be the way he wanted it.
My sincere condolences are sent to your family at this very sad time. Your dad has left a legacy that will always be remembered. His work in our struggle against breast cancer will never be forgotten.Your parents have been an inspiration to so many in ways too numerous to mention.
I am sending prayers and comfort across the pond for our new honorary HER2+ angel and his wonderful family during this time of great loss.

Ellie

Re: Joe passed on this evening
 

Danielle, I couldn't sleep tonight so decided to check in on the board and my heart just sank when I saw your post. It's through tears that I write this. I am just taken back and in total shock...I had no idea Joe was fighting lung cancer. I just hate this damned disease...I lost my mother to advanced lung cancer 3 yrs ago so I know how difficult this had to be on you, Christine and the family. Your Dad put so much into this board for all of us...I don't know what I would of done without this board. Your father was an amazing man and loved by all of us. My heart is breaking and I can't stop the tears.

I just can't even begin to tell you how truly sorry I am. Joe always made us feel like part of the family...oh how I'll miss his posts. I never got the privilege to meet your dad in person--but he had such a big presents on this board I feel as though I knew him. I'd always hoped I would get a chance to meet him and Christine at one of the ASCO conference or other events. He was always there to help anyone that needed it. He has jumped in and helped me several times when I really needed it. He had his serious side and we also saw what a great sense of humor he had. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers at such a difficult time. My sincerest condolences to you, Christine and family. (Joe you will be missed!)

My Sincerest Sympathies.

Chelee

Re: Joe passed on this evening
 

Danielle,

I'm in such shock and had no idea your Dad was ill, when I saw your subject line I had hoped this referred to something else.

My tears are falling as I write this, I had never met your Dad or anyone on this site, but know in my heart a dear friend is no longer with us. I'm so very sorry, please give your Mom a ((((hugs)))) from me, and please know your dad made such an impact on so many lives across the world.

My very deepest condolences to you and all your family. xx

Re: Joe passed on this evening
 

Danielle. I also am so shocked and I am crying. Joe brought hope and strength to our HER2 community. He did so much for us. He defined himself as a "proud webmaster" but we were the ones to be honored to have such a guide. You can be proud of your father. We did not know what you and the family were going through. My thoughts are now with you and our dear Christine. Joe is our Chief Angel.
Michka

Re: Joe passed on this evening
 

Danielle - I'm just stunned and numb at reading this news. I had no idea Joe was ill even. He has been such an amazing advocate, support, kind and gracious and giving to all of us with this work on this site and fighting for better cancer treatments. And from your post it sounds like he was an amazing spirited funny and loving dad and husband. My deepest sympathy to you and to Christine and the rest of the family. Pam

Re: Joe passed on this evening
 

Danielle,
I can only echo what everybody else has already put so eloquently in words. I've only been a member on this board for a short time but your dad has created a great legacy, helping countless people. I think he can look down from heaven and say "yes, I've run my race well". My deepest condolences for your loss. May god comfort your hearts.

Re: Joe passed on this evening
 

Christine, Deborah and Danielle
I am so sorry to read this news....I just spoke to your Dad last week on the phone, I knew he was fighting the lung cancer, we spoke of how he had just gotten out of the hospital with pneumonia..he was so positive...not ever IF I beat this but when....his voice was raspy from the radiation, but he was enduring all the things most of us have endured like a trooper....and not wanting to share this with the group...not wanting to add his own burdens to ours...I think there were only a handful of us that he told, and he did not want everyone to know, so as not to disrupt the Her2 Community.

You Dad/Husband is a hero to all of us....and yes he is a Her2 angel, the leader of the Her2 angels....his presence and love for all of us will be sorely missed.

RIP Joe, you have earned peace after helping so many...tears will be shed everywhere for you today.

Re: Joe passed on this evening
 

Danielle,

I just don't know what to say...I am in total and utter shock. Your Dad was such a wonderful, caring and kind man. I can actually see why he would not have let us know what he was going through himself--just another selfless act on his part.

My heart breaks for you, for your Mom, for all of us and for all of the women who come here in the future who will never know what a great person he was.

Big hugs and much love,
Krista

Re: Joe passed on this evening
 

So sad to hear this! Thanks for your post Danielle. Your family is in our prayers of course. This website was a lifeline to me when I needed it most. I understand his keeping it to himself. He and your mom are so very precious to so many...
Celebrating a life of compassion - here's to Joe!

Re: Joe passed on this evening
 

Hi Danielle
He was a true gentleman and we will miss him dreadfully. He was such a rock for us all even all the way "down under". Did he have any words for us? You know tears will be shed for him all over the world. Praying for you all.

Jackie (down under)

Re: Joe passed on this evening
 

This is such a shock to read. Peace to you and your family during these most difficult times.

Love, Hope, Peace, Carolyn

Re: Joe passed on this evening
 

Stunned and sad. A hero to so many.

Love,
Dana

Re: Joe passed on this evening
 

Danielle and Christine,

Like almost everyone else here, I had no idea that Joe was ill, and am shocked and saddened by this news. His gift and his legacy to us of this community will ensure that he is never forgotten by those of us affected by this disease. I wish I had words to tell you how sorry I am that he was taken from us so soon. I hope you will find peace in knowing how loved he is by so many of us that he touched and never met. You are all in my thoughts.

Hopeful

Re: Joe passed on this evening
 

I feel so very sad. . .. Thanks to your father (and husband) that I found this site. It helped me more than you could ever know. It still does.

He was a God send. I type with tears for a man that I had never met but feel like I have known for years. . . .

My love to you all.

Kim

Re: Joe passed on this evening
 

Re: Joe passed on this evening
 

Christine, Danielle, Deborah,
I am so sorry to hear this terrible news. I had the opportunity to speak with Joe about 2 months ago and could hear that he was quite ill but remained full of a positive spirit. He continued to speak only of the multitude of future plans he had for this group. I hung up from the call truly inspired by his attitude. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you during this difficult time.

Re: Joe passed on this evening
 

"If you can't imitate him, don't copy him." - Yogi Berra

There will never be another Joe; he reached out and touched the lives of people all around the world. I am so sad to think that he is gone, but he will live on through his life's work - our community of friends.

Rest in Peace Joe. You will be missed.

Re: Joe passed on this evening
 

My prayers are with you, may the Lord bless all of you.

Re: Joe passed on this evening
 

Danielle,

I'm saddened to hear the news about your father. My deepest sympathies to you and your sister and your mom.

Re: Joe passed on this evening
 

I am so very sorry for your loss and for everyone here. Joe's love for Christine and the other women of her2+ bc was so very evident. RIP Joe

Re: Joe passed on this evening
 

I also spoke with Joe last weekend and had no clue that this turn of events would take place. He was positive and in excellent spirits. He seemed to have put his setbacks behind him. I have know since the beginning of the year that Joe had been diagnosed with lung cancer. He did not want to burden the group with his problems. He was like that, thinking of his family and his Her2 family before himself.

He was always there behind the scenes. He is one of a kind and his loss will be evident to all those who were touched by him. I am truly at a loss for words.

All my love to Danielle, Debra and Christine

Re: Joe passed on this evening
 

Dear Danielle,

Although I am new to this group, and being a male with this disease perhaps the oddball too, Joe welcomed me and answered my every question as if I was somebody important and worth the effort. He made feel like I was part of this family too. I am saddened to have lost his support and encouragement. But the loss I and the others in this group feel because of Joe's passing is so small compared to what you, your sister and mother are feeling today. Please know that my heart goes out to you all.

Phil (bird)

Re: Joe passed on this evening
 

I am so shocked and saddened by Joe's Passing. I had no idea he was that sick. I thought of him all week. He posted something about the doctor not wanting him to travel on Christine's birthday post after he wrote about what they had to eat for her birthday. He promised to write over the weekend and let us know what was going on with his health, but he never had the chance.
Sympathies and big hugs to Christine and their family.
Joe, one of our fearless leaders will be greatly missed, but his spirit will always be with us and this site.
He has always been loved by us and many others.

Re: Joe passed on this evening
 

I don't believe it...this isn't fair...

I hate this horrible disease, he always kept an eye for us, while he was sick with this own..

My toughts and prayers are with Christine and the girls.

Love,

Adriana

Re: Joe passed on this evening
 

Danielle - Thank you for your bravery in posting your father's passing. I know how hard that is having my father pass away over 2 years ago - it still hurts.

Joe had informed me as well of his illness. He did not seem too well last December at the San Antonio conference and I was keeping tabs on him a little. He called me about 8-9 days ago when he came home from a short hospital stay.

He had plans and was going to call me back with further info. Which now I wish I had followed up instead of waiting - but on the other hand - maybe he took a quick turn for the worse and it would not have been a good idea to call. We never know.

His upbeat attitude seemed to mask what was happening. He talked about getting in to a vaccine trial for lung cancer.

My first thought was for Christine. Joe has been such a faithful and loving husband for so many years. Chris is a realist and knows that cancers can have their own way, but this is such a terrible, cruel , ironic blow.

Chris - you and your girls have a whole extended family out here in the wide world who send their love and condolances.

As Joe told me recently: "The site is pretty well running itself, and, as I have had to step back, I am proud of the way the members are behaving and helping one another." The attitude and pride filtered through this forum from the top!

Re: Joe passed on this evening
 

The legacy Joe left is a considerable one. He touched many lives, and maybe even saved a few, by maintaining this site with such love and devotion.
My condolences to his family. Thank you for sharing him with us.

Re: Joe passed on this evening
 

I am just flat out heartbroken and numb. I had no idea Joe had been sick. Oh my heart hurts... Danielle and Christine, my love and prayers are with you. I don't know if this will ever really sink in. Angel Joe. We love you and will miss you beyond words.

Re: Joe passed on this evening
 

I am shocked, stunned and like many others I had no idea that Joe was ill. The "proud webmaster" has touched all of us. I had to read the news twice and then cry. I always hoped that Joe and Christine would come to France and visit and that perhaps I could show them a good time to try to show them how very, very much I have appreciated what they created, how amazing it is and how very, very much it has helped me. I am so sorry. I now have lost 3 good friends to lung cancer this year.
My heart goes out to Christine, Danielle, her sister and Joe's family and friends.
I am sorry I never had the opportunity to meet this exceptional man but I will never forget him.
Please accept my deepest sympathy and love.
Sarah

Re: Joe passed on this evening
 

Dear Danielle,

Absolutely devastated for









Danielle

I just do not know what to say.

What a wonderful dad you had and a wonderful mum you have.

Thinking of you all.

Janie

Re: Joe passed on this evening
 

I am in shock as I read your post. I can't believe it. I am so sorry for you loss. He was a wonderful man and helped us all immensely. Without your mom and dad devoting their time to this site to all of us HER 2 people, I don't know how I would have made it through.
May the Lord be with you and your family and comfort you during this time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ruth Ann

Re: Joe passed on this evening
 

Like all of us here I am absolutely devastated by the news of Joe's passing so suddenly. How like him to keep all his own struggles to himself! This website is a priceless gift he gave to all of us and there aren't words enough to express what it has meant to us. I know it brought him joy too and I hope all of you know how grateful we are and how much we also feel the loss of this very special man who was your husband and father --and, we feel, our friend and advocate. Please accept our heartfelt condolences and love and know that many, many prayers are being sent your way. Thank you so much, Danielle, for taking time in your own grief to let us know. God bless you all! Tricia

Re: Joe passed on this evening
 

I am so sad. I remember Joe when he and Christine visited New Jersey a few years ago. A small group of us on the Board got together at a wonderful Italian restaurant. Joe sat back and looked a little stunned while the women Her2 survivors talked, talked, then talked some more. I felt a little guilty afterward, because he didn't get much chance to say anything. I had no idea he was fighting his own battle with this rotten disease. God Bless Joe, Christine and their family.

Re: Joe passed on this evening
 

This makes me so sad. I don't really know what to say about this. My condolences to the family.

Amelia

Re: Joe passed on this evening
 

I am just shocked. I had no idea Joe was ill and am so very sad at his passing. I hope he knew how much he gave us by being there for us and providing us with this constant channel for sharing with each other.
Please accept my deepest condolansces and may peace be with you and yours.
Emelie

Re: Joe passed on this evening
 

I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Barb A.

Re: Joe passed on this evening
 

I am so very sorry to read this. He was such a fantastic person and devoted himself to our cause. He will be greatly missed. He was such a special man.
Hugs ~ Ruth

Re: Joe passed on this evening
 

Joe truly left a legacy that his family can forever be proud of. He and Christine have touched so many lives and brought hope to so many. I hope this gives you some comfort in you time of loss. My prayers are with you.
Sandra

Re: Joe passed on this evening
 

I am shocked, stunned and saddened by this horrible news of dear Joe's passing.

I, along with most everyone else on this board, it seems, had no idea that Joe was ill. How brave of him to keep it to himself...

My prayers go out to Christine and the entire family.

(:

caya

Re: Joe passed on this evening
 

I am so sad to hear about Joe. I am really depressed and feel pain in my heart. He was such a wonderful person, we didn't know that he had been going through all this pain.

I am so sorry and my condolences to Christine and the rest of your family.