My wife and I are extremely hopeful that this stem cell transplant will help me gain my life back. Before the stroke, I had just begun a promising career as a chef. I was named sous chef at the Gaylord Palms after 15 years in the industry. I hope to become an executive chef and one day own my own restaurant. I long to play with my daughter effortlessly and relieve my wife of some of the burdens of caring for me.

This treatment is very expensive and unfortunately not covered by insurance. The average cost for stem cell therapy is $10,000, all of which my wife and I will have to pay out of pocket.

To help offset this cost, a fundraising campaign in my honor has been established with HelpHOPELive. To make a tax-deductible donation, click Donate Now.

I have come a long way in my recovery, but I still have much farther to go. I also feel especially blessed to have found my faith, something I had always struggled with. Now my family attends a wonderful church that supports us in so many extraordinary ways. Thank you for supporting me and my family as I continue on this journey.

With gratitude,

Joe Piscitelli