Hi, I’m Joseph, and serving in the U.S. Army was one of the greatest honors of my life. I left the military as a Specialist Promotable and was stationed at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. At one point, I was even considering Officer Candidate School. What I loved most about my service was having the opportunity to support soldiers and be part of something bigger than myself – the camaraderie, the discipline, the pride, and the deep sense of purpose that comes with wearing the uniform. As a child, I had been in Cub Scouts, so becoming a United States Army Soldier felt like a dream come true. During my service, I earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal for serving during the Iraqi Freedom campaign. I am deeply proud of my military service and the chance I had to serve my country and care for others.
After leaving the military, I earned my Master’s degree in Counseling Education and Counseling Psychology, which allowed me to continue a life of service in a different way. For more than ten years, I worked as a Military and Family Life Counselor, supporting military personnel and their families through some of the most difficult seasons of their lives. I now continue that work in private practice.
Helping people heal, grow, and find hope has always been at the center of my calling. There is nothing more meaningful to me than being able to walk alongside someone in their struggle and remind them that they are not alone.
I am married, and I have a beautiful, intellectually gifted daughter who is in high school. She is truly a “Daddy’s Girl,” and she brings joy, purpose, and light to my life every day. My family has been my anchor and my motivation, especially through this health journey. They are the reason I keep fighting and the reason I remain hopeful for the future.
I was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, specifically FSGS, in 2020. My condition worsened when I went into renal failure in Okinawa, Japan, while serving as a contractor working for the Marine Corps. I had to start dialysis there during a very traumatic and life-changing time. That experience ultimately led me to return to the United States so I could pursue a kidney transplant.
Living with dialysis has been difficult. The schedule takes precious time away from my family, limits my freedom, and makes travel almost impossible. But even in the face of those limitations, I remain hopeful and determined to get my life back and be here for the people I love.
My family and I love to travel, and one of our biggest hopes is to be able to do that again freely after the transplant. I also look forward to giving back more through volunteering with my church group, Bros and Brews, and continuing to support my fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc., especially the Guide Right Program. I believe in service, community, and purpose, and I want to use my life and experiences to encourage others whenever I can.
We need you to help us support Joseph. Whether through spreading the word on social media or considering becoming a donor, you can make a profound impact!
Living kidney donation has been proven to be safe. There are no long term consequences to the donor. After recovery, donors can live a normal life with one kidney.
DOVE will assist all prospective donors throughout the process and make sure they do not incur any out-of-pocket expenses related to the evaluation or surgery.
Please click on the link below if you would like to learn more OR call (551) 233-1611.