JoeStrong71 Memorial Fund

Joe had his whole life in front of him—plans, goals, and a future that should have been his to shape. Joe loved deeply—his family, his friends, football, hockey, and every moment of life he was given. He was the kind of person who embraced it all, who looked forward to what came next with excitement and purpose.

Joe didn’t want to leave. He wanted to go to college, build a career, get married, have children, and grow old surrounded by the people he loved. He had dreams just like anyone else—dreams that were unfairly taken from him.

On 3/23/23 the angels came to take him home - the reality remains difficult to accept. Years of missing his laughter, his presence, and the milestones he should be living. Years of connecting with other families facing the unimaginable. Years of witnessing both heartbreak and incredible resilience. And still—there is no cure.

But there is progress. And there is hope.

Each year, more than 400 children and young adults in the United States are diagnosed with DIPG, and treatment options remain heartbreakingly limited.

We cannot accept this as the status quo.

We are asking you to stand with us—to turn compassion into action. Your support helps fuel critical research and provides resources to families navigating this devastating diagnosis.

Thank you for standing with us, for remembering Joe, and for helping us continue this fight.

Donations made to Tough2gether Foundation are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. While funds raised in connection with this family will directly support them, all donations are made to Tough2gether Foundation and may also be used to support other families facing pediatric cancer, related programs, and charitable initiatives at the Foundation’s discretion.