Joe's Wish To Have A Violin - Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida

The apple didn’t fall far from the tree when it came to Joe loving music. In sixth grade music became his entire life. He found out that his grandmother still had his grandfather’s violin and he developed a passion for it.
Because he had a natural talent for it, he was self taught. In fact, in the middle of a competition a judge came up to them and told them he needed a true teacher because his talent and technique were apparent.
Joe would play constantly. His mother would have to go into his room and remind him that he had school the next day.
Unfortunately, when he was 15 years old, Joe began to develop arm pain while playing. He would need frequent breaks and could only play for 20-30 min at a time. His mother took him to the pediatrician who diagnosed him with tendinitis and recommended rest from the violin.
Luckily for Joe, his mother’s intuition led him to the hospital. They went to get an xray and got the worst news imaginable. A team of doctors, nurses, and oncologists swarmed his room and said he had cancer.
The diagnosis of osteosarcoma came as a shock to the family because when you think of cancer, you think of elderly people. Not 15 year old children. It all became very overwhelming because the doctors informed them they’d likely be in the hospital for the next year.
For Joe, all he heard was that he was fighting for his arm, but he felt as though he was fighting for his life.
Cancer treatment took its toll on Joe, as it does everyone.
That’s when Make-A-Wish stepped in.
Joe says that Make-A-Wish saved his life. Even though everyone has a different wish, it gives you something to hold on to when you have nothing else. It gets you through the hell of cancer treatment everyday.
Originally Joe was going to wish for a family vacation, but his mother told him to make a true wish, not a wish for everyone else. That’s when Joe revealed his real want. A very special violin.
The violin that Joe wished for was not your run of the mill violin. It was a professional quality, amazing, violin.
Though it was 10 months before Joe could even hold a pencil (let alone a violin) his road to recovery was successful. Eventually he found himself on the world famous stage at Carnegie Hall surrounded by his friends and family.
Joe and his mother state that having a wish granted is better than any type of treatment you can get for cancer. It’s better than surgery, it’s better than chemo, and it gives families hope for brighter days.
Impact: wish.org/impact
Volunteer: wish.org/volunteer
Donate: secure2.wish.org/site/SPageSe...
#osteosarcoma #violin #makeawish

[@MicheleIngraffia]

This wish being granted is something that's given Joe great strength to persevere through his young life with vigor. I've known Joe for a few years as he's my daughter's best friend and I've never met such a wonderful young man. I remember the first time my daughter came home and said that Joe's playing brought tears to her eyes. The same thing happened to me. He's got a gift that the world may not have been able to enjoy had he not survived and been given this wish. Thank You Make-A-Wish!

[@KathleenWilbeck]

What an inspiration Joe is to all of us!

[@Lovephoenixx1214]

This video was played in Orlando to benefit the Central and Northern Chapter of Make a Wish several years ago. I want you to know that after Joe received his wish and recovered, that he has gone on to speak at many Make A Wish events throughout the country and has helped raise over 2 million dollars for Make a Wish. Considering the average cost of a wish is $7,000... that's over 285 wishes! Joe has a big heart and constantly giving back to the cancer community as well. He is a true inspiration and I am blessed to know him and call him a friend.

[@jscustoms5916]

👏👏👏👏

[@supernoob6]

Why is he crying... He lived...