Joseph Piscitelli

About 18 months ago, at age 36, two months after my wedding and two months before my daughter was to be born, I suffered a massive stroke. It left me unable to walk or use my left arm. This was totally unexpected, as I have been healthy most of my life. As I continue to struggle with the effects of the stroke, I have begun to research various treatment options.

During the course of my research, I found Stemedix, a stem cell therapy center in Tampa, FL. During the stem cell transplant, doctors will use my own stem cells to generate new, healthy cells to put back into my body. They have had great success in helping stroke victims regain movement in their bodies.

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