Joe’s Story

(Sakura House was not yet built when Joe’s story took place)

Our work to gain community support for Sakura House has been inspired in many ways by Joe’s story. Joe was a promising young athlete, a beloved son, grandson and brother, and a steadfast friend. He greeted everyone with a smile that was almost bigger than he was.

When Joe was diagnosed with testicular cancer at the age of 26 everyone was devastated, but he was so determined to beat the disease that it was easy to believe he would live to a ripe  old age. Two years later, when the news came that Joe was going to  die, it was not something Joe wanted to contemplate or talk much about. He did enjoy hearing about Sakura House and thought the concept was a “pretty cool” idea.

In his last days, Joe came back to his hometown, family and friends, but was back in yet another hospital room. “Joe was  just so sick of hospital rooms,” says his father, Ed. As family and friends gathered to say good-bye to him, the idea of Joe  becoming part of the Sakura House campaign began to take  shape. Joe began his role as the Sakura House “Poster Boy” on October 21, 2006

Today, Ed and his family help to keep Joe’s memory alive by working tirelessly to ensure that Sakura House is there for families like theirs. Through organizing fundraising and awareness building events, they are making a difference! “I know that Joe is watching and that he approves. He would have been honoured to be part of this project. I hope his story helps others understand how important it is to support Sakura House.”  Ed was the Chairperson of the annual Hike for Hospice for three years helping to turn it into a major community event and the hospice’s largest single fundraising event to date.