I remember the first time I met Joe like it was yesterday. I replay that moment often because I never want to forget it. He made me laugh right away. He had this calming presence. He listened, he asked questions, he cared. He had strong hands, worked hard his whole life, and carried himself with quiet strength. What I admired most was how deeply he loved his daughter, how devoted he was to his mother and his family, and how he made everyone around him feel safe and seen.

When Joe was diagnosed with ALS, it broke all of our hearts. He had just retired. He was ready to enjoy the things he loved - golf, travel, time for himself - and it was taken from him far too soon. The disease moved quickly. In what felt like a blink, he was gone. One of the last memories I have before his sharp decline was him patiently showing me how to use a power drill, helping us install closets. Even in that moment, he was looking out for us, showing up with his hands and heart.

Losing him just weeks before our wedding was devastating. It’s still hard to accept. But if you knew Joe, you know he’d want us to keep going. Keep moving. Keep living. So a walk in his honor feels right - it’s movement, it’s togetherness, it’s hope.

Last year, we walked just two weeks after he passed. The love and support we felt from family, friends, and even strangers lifted us up in our darkest days. Grief is heavy, but it’s lighter when we carry it together.

This year, we hope to walk with even more people, raise even more awareness, and support families like ours still in the fight. Please consider donating, joining our team, and walking with us. For Joe. For a cure. For every family touched by ALS.