A message from Maddy ...

Dearest Joey,

You were truly one of a kind. Your radiant smile and positive energy brightened every room you walked into. Your outlook on life has always inspired me and everyone around you. You were the most genuine, kind, courageous, brilliant and beautiful person. You were the best brother and the best friend I could ever ask for. I feel empty without you, as you were such a large part of me, however I know that you will forever be watching over our family. Thank you for teaching me how to love so passionately. How to follow my dreams, and never give up, no matter how long or how hard the road may be. You have always been the strongest person I know, both physically and mentally. Even in your last months, in your weakest moments when times were the toughest, your larger-than-life spirit shined brighter than ever. You didn’t let your sickness define you. You never complained. You were so insightful and determined. I vividly remember one of the last nights I spent with you in the hospital. We were watching Harry Potter and you turned to me and said, “you know what Mad?” I replied, “what Joe?” You answered, “if something were to go wrong and I can’t beat this disease, I think that I’ve lived the best damn 26 years a man could live, don’t you think?” I choked back tears at the thought of life without you in it, and replied, “fuck yeah, you have Joe.” I find peace in knowing that you knew this to be true. My heart aches without you but our memories are as infinite as the stars. Every time I look up at the sky, I think of you and all the times we spent gazing at the constellations while lying on the driveway at the lake house. Although you are no longer physically here with us, your heart still beats in mine, our families, your friends, and everyone else who was graced by your presence. I love you from Chicago, to Wisconsin, to Cabo, to Greece, to Arizona, to Los Angeles, to Las Vegas, to Boston and back a million times. Losing you is the harshest reality I’ll ever have to face, but my passion and commitment to promoting health and quality of life through dietetic practice could not be more profound because of it. I promise to make you proud brother.