Joe’s Journey

For those of you who don’t already know I am being honored by Hofstra University on February 6th, at a benefit to support their “Save our Scholarship” fund. Monies raised from this evening will help Hofstra attract the best students, regardless of their economic ability to meet the high cost of a Hofstra education.
One of the evenings biggest sponsors is Jim Metzger. A friend, classmate and teammate since our footbll and lacrosse days at Half Hollow Hills High school, and then again at Hofstra. Jim is a very generous contributer to Hofstra having supported the efforts to upgrade the sports facilities, the website and the establisment of a database that will make all information regarding the sports program, both past and present, accessible online. Jim is also the founder and CEO of The Whitmore Group. More information can be found regarding Jim at www.jamesmetzger.net
For information on the benefit you can email me at joecorcoran@att.net or call Lisa Compegna at Hofstra at 516-463-5338. Be in touch
Love
Joe

I am happy to say that things continue to move n the right direction in regard to my health. Have gone from getting scans every 2 months from the time I finished my treatment, to 3 months, so that’s good. Not sure of my next appointment but I will post it ahead of time. Should be sometime in early March. Thanks for your continued prayers and good thoughts. It’s working….

Unfortunately I haven’t been  making regular postings, but I am trusting that everyone understands that we all get pre-occupied….. and the time just gets away. My next scan is Wednesday January 6th although I won’t know the results till I see the doctor on January 8th.  I have every reason to believe more good news is coming.  Although  I feel strong and healthy,  in the back of your mind there is always the  possibility of getting another curve ball.  Please keep Michael Morgan, Jack McGetrick and Pete Habdza in your prayers. They too are fighting cancer and need your positive thoughts. I have begun drafting another story for the joesjourney site which recaps all I’ve been through in 2009, including several close friends who have not been as lucky as I, and have since passed.  Hopefully it will be up soon.  In the meantime,  my blessings of health and happiness to everyone in this coming year.
Love
Joe

PS  I am being honored by my alma mater, Hofstra University, on February 6th.  Will be sending invites with details to everyone with the hope that maybe you can join us for a mini-reunion

Merry Christmas Joe, and to everyone else out there

Donna Murphy

just wanted to say hi and let you know I am glad to hear your great news. I also wanted to let you know we have all learned a lot from your experience. I myself have and this blog connection. Thank you for sharing your experience. Keep up the good work. Love always, Jeannie xoxoxo

I’m happy to report that the results of my latest scan October 2^nd  have come in and all is still well.  My uninvited guest continues to shrink and I continue to feel well.  It’s been a while since I posted anything the blog, but happy to see people are still visiting and posting messages of good wishes.   Life since “the news” and my apparent recovery” continues to stabilize.   Though it does seems as if  I am establishing a new, more fluid definition of what my new “normal” has become…… or will end up being.  I must say, I’ve been operating out of my comfort zone.  I’ve been worrying less, trusting more and generally making better good choices.  Including leaving things behind, that I previously allowed to drain my energy and my spirit. 

I’m about 5 weeks into a writing group which I am really enjoying, and expecting it will result in my first book.  Appears that my latest experience has prompted a need to express myself in ways I had never really done before.   But it’s all coming out and the process of documenting my thoughts has been really rewarding.  If I had any idea how great this could be,  I would have started doing this long ago.  But I guess that’s one of the gifts.  At least for me,  facing my own mortality has pushed me to accept the fact that all the rules are changed.  The only constant now is everlasting change.    

Since my diagnosis I have heard of several  people who have been stricken with cancer, many of whom have been friends, some of whom who have since passed.   As I write this almost ten people come immediately to mind.  I won’t mention their names in respect for their own process……. but if you hear or know of anyone who is ill please don’t hesitate to make a call, write an email or post a message.  This phenomenon of establishing connection through the internet is a tremendous tool in keeping people apprised of others’ well being, their families and friends.  It wasn’t that long ago that what happened as a result of joesjourney was not even possible.  Yet I can truly say it has been a tremendous influence on my process, knowing so many people were out there who cared and wished me well.  These days I make a point to reach out and connect with others when I hear they have become ill, like some did for me. Feels like I’ve become part of an exclusive club  whose members carry on a responsibility,  and a gift that must be offered to others.   To let them know I once stood in their shoes……….

I believe gratefulness and appreciation has been very powerful in my healing process.  I wake up every morning now,  truly appreciating everything and everyone around me.  This new found perspective is helping me to not sweat the small stuff anymore, or at least most of it.   When I left Dr. Pietanza today I told her I was writing a book, and will be crediting her personally for curing me of cancer.  She knew I was half kidding,  but in the same breath she appreciated the recognition.  She said it made her day. 

At least from my experience doctors work hard and do their best with all their patients,  but sometimes it just doesn’t go the way we all hope. For me it was  a mixed bag containing good luck, timing, prayer, and lots of other undeterminable events that cannot be measured.  I have seen others with similar attitudes and support lose the battle,  so I am not so naïve to think that despite everything I had going for me….. things could have turned out differently .   Thus, it is the mysteries of life that has really opened a door to a new limitless world for me.  Having said that, I am going to sign off now, but stay tuned.  There is much more to come.

Much love,

Joe

Well hey, 24 hours was better than nothin’ right? I’m so glad I was able to see you guys while I was on the east coast. Joe and Karen, what a delight: Joe to see you again for the first time since Men at Work and Depeche Mode were climbing the charts, and Karen to MEET you (and the kids), for the first time ever! Wow! I’m kind of in shock that it’s already been a whole month since I was there. THANK you for driving all that way to cart my butt back and forth from the train station! Next time I’ll stay a week and make it really worth your while!! Sorry I never got to walk the poochies (saving that for my next visit). Stay in touch you two, and keep those musical suggestions rolling in .. whatever inspires you, or whatever you think needs to be heard more widely, for whatever reason. Music, comedy, spoken-word, it’s all good. Next show is Sat. Oct 3, from 5 to 7 pm Eastern Time, only on KMUD.org. I’m off to Earthdance @ Laytonville (Mendocino County) tomorrow for 3 days of music and dance in hundred-degree temps, oh boy. All the best! and much love and respect .. Dougie T / Dj Jack Frybulous

Hi Joe,
It’s been a while since I last checked in. So glad to hear that you are continuing to heal. With a team effort like you have it couldn’t go any other way. Please know that I think of you often and pray for your complete recovery. God Bless you and your family.
Carmela

Great work Joe!

You keep fighting, we’ll keep praying.

Gerard, Mary, Grace & Harry

Today I got the results of scan #3. I’m happy to say that all is still good and things continue to go in the right direction. I was told today by Dr. Pietanza that my tumor has been continuing to reduce, and at a pace that makes them very happy. I could only imagine what it would feel like for a doctor to see one their patients responding so positively to the treatment they prescribed. It’s for those feelings that I believe they became doctors in the first place. When I asked how much is left before its all gone Dr Pietanza showed me with her ruler what 2 x 2.5 centimeters looked like. And I must say……. it is significantly smaller than where we started. Besides great medical care I believe there has absolutely been some major divine intervention in play here, for me to be where I am today given my initial diagnosis.  I continue to count my blessings daily, including my deep appreciation for all of your prayers and good thoughts.  Thank you all again for everything you have done for me so far.

Much Love,
Joe

I took some pictures from the “Corcoran blast” pics here and re-did it.  See….it’s that simple if anybody else wants to be added to it.

Dearest Joe and family,

Greetings from soggy Toronto, just saw the ribald festivities that took place for your parents’ 50th, what a blast , spectacular! i don’t have to ask if everyone had a wonderful time… a candlelight conga line says it all.

Happy 50th Eileen and Joe!!!!

Hope you’re having a spectacular summer.

Much Love

Carolyn and the Brood

Gosh, you guys know how to have a party!

It looks like you all had a great time, fitting of course for the celebration. We would’ve loved to have been there. Everyone looks great – not least George with his goatee! Anyway we just wanted to wish the fantastic couple a very happy 50th wedding anniversary. If we all make it as far and as well we’ll be doing ok!

Chat soon,

Lots of love, Daire, Donna and Eoin.

I, Joe/Eileen, take you Eileen/Joe, to be my (wife/husband), to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part.

Joe and Eileen, your two people who took those vows very seriously. 50 yrs and still  happy, still having fun and in love. God Bless.

That said, I’m so &%%$#@# bummed I missed your party. I knew it was going to be a blast and heard, saw and was informed that it was that and more.  Congratulations. I toast you from afar.

I wish you all the best and thank you for creating the greatest friend a guy could have.

Mark N.

We have just watched the video and it’s fantastic. We can only imagine what the atmosphere was like there. It was great to see so many faces of cousins that we know. Having visited with us on a few occasions we know the type of couple Eileen and Joe are and how well deserved this celebration is. It truly is incredible to reach such a milestone in life and a blessing to have so many family and friends to share the occasion.We still have thirty five years to go!!!

We want to take this opportunity to wish the ” Happy couple” God’s blessing and every continued happiness in the years ahead. What more could you ask for? Fifty years together and a caring and close knit family forged through that relationship  bearing witness to their love.

Enjoy the rest of the celebrations leading up to the special date and we wish ALL our American cousins and friends many years of health and happiness.

Gerard, Mary Grace & Harry Mc Mahon

Burren Co. Down

Ireland

What happened this past Saturday, a surprise celebration of my parents’ 50th Wedding Anniversary, is a true testament of the tremendous love  they have attracted in their lives. To see all our cousins, aunts, uncles, family friends, from near and afar….all at the same time, honoring our Mom and Dad was just amazing. I know my parents are still out of their minds/ excited about what transpired those 10-12 hours that the party went on. Out of hundreds of family members and close friends there were very few who were unable to be there. But regardless we felt them with us, in our hearts and in our minds. Our parents have been a tremendous influence on not only their own family, but so many others who they have touched. And they deserved every bit of love they got that day. In fact it’s still overflowing many days later, and I suspect will never ever stop.
The video you are seeing here on the blog was created by Donna Powers Murphy, one of our first cousins and one of several who took pictures and video that special day. I want to personally thank Donna for not only doing such a great job, but doing this in such short time…….. And encourage others to post their own videos and pictures to allow this day to live on, and on and on. I know the video Lauren did, that was shown at the party, is in the process of being posted so that will be coming soon. We all know love has a profound effect on us. It has helped me through my journey and I know that this past Satrday July 25th  has undoubtedly added years to the lives of everyone who was there. I cannot say enough, and I speak for everyone in our family, that we all truly appreciate the efforts everyone made to be there in support of our parents. We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts. Feel free to contact my Mom and Dad directly via email at 2april@optonline.net to wish them congratulations.
Love,
Joe, Eileen, Dan, John and Tim, our spouses Karen, Rob, Barbara, Niki and Molly and the grandchildren Robert, Brendan, and Lauren, Lydia and Jack, Tyler, Ryan, Hannah and Megan, McKenzie and Gavin.

Joey C., wattup buddy! Dougie T here, just dropping a line or two while sending powerful vibrations of love and joy to you and all those around you.

I’m enjoying lying low a bit during July after a strenuous month of travel to Egpyt, ten days in the Gaza Strip and six days in the Netherlands in June. Gaza was a trip, man! I was really bowled over by how friendly and hospitable Palestinians were, even to me as an American, and even in spite of so recently having undergone the trauma and tragedy of the Israeli massacre of last Dec.-Jan. A new report just published by Amnesty International is pretty damning, and the United Nations Human Rights Council has a fact-finding mission underway, under Justice Richard Goldstone, whose report is due in early August, and time will tell what will result.

I’m attempting to scare up the funds to return in time for what I’m calling “the mother of all demonstrations!” on Jan. 1. Imagine Jimmy Carter, Mary Robinson and Desmond Tutu at the head of tens of thousands of Palestinians and internationals, marching to demand an end to Israel’s and Egypt’s illegal 3-year-old siege of Gaza! If only John Lennon were alive to see this …

I’m in Humboldt for another ten days or so, before taking off July 29 for a month of teaching English to a couple of Italian nuns in New Jersey. The Salesians are flying me out there, providing room and board, and paying me a stipend, and it’ll be nice to get to see my sister (who set up this gig for me), who’s a nun with the Salesians, for the month of August. But it’s been eight years since I’ve stepped foot (as a teacher) in a classroom, so I’m spending these days on lesson-prep, review and research.

Then before flying back west, I’ll spend the Friday before Labor Day driving in car with a buddy from first grade, his wife and their two kids from the Bronx to our home-town Rochester to spend a few days with them, and with an old high-school buddy and his family.

Just for the record: contrary to what most Islanders assumed while I was at Hofstra: I really did not grow up on a farm, and my father retired from the post office; he did not drive a tractor! Geez, you guys thought anything north of Yonkers was farmland!!

All right Joe, that’s gotta hold ya for a while. I’m so near the coast here in Humboldt County that when the sun shines like it is now, we run for the outdoors while it lasts! Even in the summertime it can be pretty gray and cool. Best wishes in all things my friend! Love, love, and love, and

shalom

salaam

p e a c e

Hi everyone-
This past weekend Joe’s cousin’s children Richard Straub and Bridget Ulrich swam a mile in support of Joe. Swim Across America (SAA) was started to fund cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSKCC) and it has grown to support other hospitals throughout the country. Joe was tx. at MSKCC and this is a nice tribute to the care he received and the beautiful doctor on his team! If your interested in making a small donation to this wonderful charity you can go on-line to http://www.swimacrossamerica.org/Page.aspx?pid=472&frsid=3467 and under team New York Athletic Club donate to Richard Straub OR Bridget Ulrich, although the funding is important we are more interested in creating awareness and interest in support of SAA. Thanks again for your support for Joe and if anyone is interested in swimming next year please let me know.
All the best-
–Terri

Just a short message to tell you that I am very glad to hear about the treatment results!

My thoughts are for you and your family,

and I am also glad that you had such a great time in Ireland.

By the way, Danny and I, we’re going to NYC on July 21st for 3 weeks. I hope we can get together. Otherwise life is great here in Barcelona. It’s very hot.. now.. and people here are getting ready to go on vacation en masse.

Jordi

ps:

Here’s a poem from a Catalan writer (Joan Salvat Papasseit), I hope you like it:

Nothing is paltry (Res no és mesquí):

Nothing is paltry

nor any moment barren,

nor is night’s fortune dark.

And the dew is clear

as the sun leaps out, stuns

and delights in his wash:

that mirrors the bed of all creation.

Nothing is paltry,

all is rich like wine and a flushed cheek.

And the billowed sea laughs forever a river,

Spring in winter — Spring in summer.

And everything is Spring:

and every leaf ever green.

Nothing is paltry,

for the days do not pass;

and death does not come even if called.

And if you have called he hides like a hole

for to be reborn we must first die.

And we are never grief

but a delicate smile

which opens like the lips of oranges.

Nothing is paltry

because the song sings in every flake of things.

— Today, tomorrow and yesterday

a rose will wither:

and to the youngest virgin’s breast comes milk.

Back from Ireland. What a time we all had. Karen and I, Lydia, Jack as well as my Mom and Dad. Nice to be home, but it sure was hard to leave. We were lucky to have almost no rain, which is unusual for Ireland. As one of my cousins said…..Ireland would be a great place to live if it had a roof. Lot to write about, and too tired to do it now, so I’ll just defer the full story till later. More to come. Happy 4th of July weekend to all.
Love,
Joe

Great News Joe
All the best
Neil, Lea & John

Brilliant news! You look so good, I’m not a bit surprised. All of our love is travelling to Ireland with you and your family. Can’t wait to hear all about the trip. We love you and are celebrating with you. xoxo Craig and Rich

Congratulations to Jim Bicknell and his co workers !

THE WINNING TICKET --February 2009

Very excited to hear the latest news. Keep up the good work.  Enjoy your trip with your family, Hope you have lots of sunshine.  Love always,  Jeannie

Congratulations and God bless!
Thinking of you always,
Pat & Paul

Joe,

I am so happy for you and your family about the news on June 6.     I’ve been following through the blog here.  I really appreciate the updates .   It certainly has been a wake-up call for many of us.     Continued best wishes and have a great trip to Ireland!

Mike Powers

Joe, great news buddy, glad to hear it. I am in Ocean City with Katie at a Lax tourni and of course I couldnt help but think of you and your Dr’s appointment. This place brings back good memories when Pete Garcia use to work down here and we would do a road trip. I went out to the ocean and threw a big stone in the ocean for good luck, came back to my hotel room and logged on to your site and read your post. It’s all good brother. Lets plan the party. Love ya, Gary and the gang

Hot off the presses.  Had my scan Thursday and met with Dr. Pietanza today (6/5) regarding my results.   It appears,  at least at this point,  that the chemo/radiation regiment they originally prescribed for me was the right one.  My scan showed continued disintegration of my tumor, which is exactly what we were all hoping for.  All the good wishes are working miracles.  I will speak more about this in another post but wanted to let you all in on the good news sooner than later. 

Love.

Joe

All the best today Joe.   We have had a number of talks about attitude, spirituality and healing over the last few months.  Of course the doctors figure greatly in all of this and I would never be the one to underestimate or negate their value. At the same time they are only a part of the whole equation.  So whatever the report is today we will redouble all aspects of this challenge.  It was an honor to be at Lydia’s graduation on Sunday and seeing you was a joy as always.  You were healthy, strong and as always, in good spirits.  We can only go from there.  Onward and forward.  All positive energy and prayer is coming at you from every direction. 

Mark N

I just finished reading a great book, full of heartwarming stories and humbling antidotes on life. The authors name is Maria Serois, a clinical psychologist and current Berkshire resident, called “Every Day Counts”….Lessons in Love, Faith, and Resilience from Children Facing Illness. Maria writes of her experiences counseling children with cancer, at the Dana Farber Institute in Boston. Its not only how the cancer affects these children but more importantly how it affects everyone around them. If ever there comes a time when you’re feeling overwhelmed and need a reminder of how lucky we all are I suggest you read a few passages from this book. One recent morning, I found myself tossing and turning not able to sleep….spinning out in my mind about a business situation,  that had to be dealt with the next day. I got up out of bed, still dark outside, picked up Maria’s book and started reading. Within a few pages the issue that had been keeping me up had dissolved to mere frivolousness. Though it is easier to be conscious of perspective when you’ve had a life changing event, it is a wisdom easily taken for granted, and difficult to get your arms around. But when fully understood and nurtured, it will influence every decision, and how you react to any situation….forever. There is one particular word of advice that Maria received from a more experienced psychologist in which I felt was worth repeating “The antidote to fear or loneliness is not courage, its connection” This was the essence of their work.  By keeping children feeling connected, and in the moment, they dealt much better with the treatments and the realities of their own disease. I can relate.  Given my circumstances I work hard to stay aware of what’s really important in life so I don’t waste another moment. It’s not easy. But reading stories such as the ones I read in Maria’s book help keep you in a place of appreciation and gratefulness. I recommend it to everyone.
Love,
Joe

First off I will start off by saying I am doing well and feeling as if I’ve fully recovered from my treatments. It’s amazing to me that it was less than 4 months ago, that I was on a daily schedule of chemotherapy and radiation. It’s almost like another lifetime, a dream or somebody else’s life. I’ve said before that this experience can best be described as “surreal”, and especially now that time is passing by. Though it is important for me to understand and continue to remind myself, that it’s not a dream or somebody else’s life. As tomorrow (June 4th) approaches and I go in for my next scan I am abruptly reminded of that awful growth that was discovered in my sternum last December. This is my life and this is very real.
My last doctor’s appointment was this past May 11th, with my radiologist Dr. Rosenzweig. I have not seen Dr. Rosenzweig since prior to getting the results of my first scan, so obviously I was interested as to his take on the results. Fortunately he confirmed Dr. Pietanza’s (my oncologist) opinion, so all is still good. But as good as I feel and as positive as I am now……… for the first 47 years of my life it never occurred to me I could get cancer. Dr. Rosenzweig told us straight out when I was initially diagnosed that I was a very unusual candidate for lung cancer, given my age and my medical history. And suggested I chalk it up to “bad luck”. Considering I always saw myself as a lucky person I guess my job now is to turn this unfortunate situation into a good one. I certainly have every intention of doing just that. But I guess the moral of the story is that one never knows what is in store down the road…….not only for me, but any of us for that matter. The important thing I keep reminding myself is that whatever happens, I’ll be able to deal with it.
Next scan is coming up very fast, tomorrow in fact, June 4th. When I called to confirm I was told I also had an appointment scheduled for the next day, with Dr. Pietanza. Hadn’t realized I had this appointment. Last time I didn’t see my doctor’s for almost two weeks after my first scan. Not a problem since I will be in town…….. But not long after hearing of this appointment I realized that Dr. Pietanza will probably have the results of scan #2, from the day before. I must admit, I was caught off guard and I am a little nervous……
I did have a lot more written which I will wait to post another time. Namely the recent passing of more than one dear friend and two others who were recently diagnosed with cancer, who will need our prayers.
I need to leave now and don’t want to save this to be sent another time. So I’m sending what is ready to go now. I promise to let you know how it goes and stay in touch.
Much love,
Joe

Joe, Karen et al  it has been atleast 6 weeks since my last post Yipes,

I’m sorry but it’s not like i don’t think of you every day cause you’ve gotta know I do.

I went to career day at the eldest boy’s school the other day and the other actress that was doing the presentation with me asked me what the highlight of my career was  and of course I blurted out Tony and Tina’s Wedding then tried to explain to a group full of 13 year olds what the premise entailed and that it was mostly about crackin the other actor up,(okay, on my part ) and what a spectacular labour of love it was on the creators part and yada yada yada. and of course I started to get all teary eyed and blubbery, knowing that it was absolutely impossible to try to explain something so personal…then of course the buzzer rang and they had to move onto listen to someone else .

 then I realized…Had ta be there.

Love ya, all the best on June 4th, great vibes comin your way from the Northland

Love Carolyn and the Brood

Dear Joe: My reaction to this news was immediate sympatico and empathy BUT I was battling through some physical problems at the time and shamefacedly admit it’s taken me this long to get to you with a basket of hugs and bartrels of concern. Please keep this blog open to keep all of us awaiting news satisfied. To you and all your family, I send top energies and hopeful best wishes. We know more now, there are different treatments, the knowledge and techniques are better every day. Let HOPE be your constant, let ACTION be your password Do not concede to this malicious attacker. I am sending to my favorite cloistered Dominican nuns in the heart of wicked Hollywood to put you on their prayer list…and believe me, heaven listens! Just take each day as it comes, the way we all should, and know that the energies coming to you from everywhere spell LOVE and FRIENDSHIP….Pat Carroll

Joe it was great to see you and feel your strength and hear your strong voice on your old stomping grounds today.  I hope you enjoyed the atmosphere of family, friends, and college sports.  I know I felt pretty vibrant today!  Maybe next year we can meet at the NCAA Championships!  Keep doing what you do.

Tom Farrell

hope you are feeling well. just wanted to let you know you are thought of often, and prayed for daily. haven’t been on in a while. sending you good vibes and hugs xoxoxo love always, jeannie

I just read Mark’s blog and Joe’s update about the feedback after the scan.
I am touched, moved and very affected. Mark, your eloquence about staying positive and readjusting and being aware really hits home to me, and I appreciate your insights. Joe–your incredible generosity, which was always apparent anyway, in sharing your journey with your friends and family is like opening up a universe of calm, love, empowerment and positive energy which I know is radiating towards you, and back around full circle. You are in everyone’s thoughts, and it’s wonderful that things are getting better every day.
love,
Sue Varon

Hey Joe…. I hope this note finds you doing well and feeling much better. Carmelina has mentioned a few months back of your unfortunate situation and I wanted to write since, and believe it or not, was lost for words as it is not much better now either ; ) Needless to say, my thoughts and prayers were with you then as they are now as well as Karen, Lydia and Jake.

My mom, (a.k.a. Ms. Marco ; ) ) told me you, Karen and the kids were visiting last month and it was great seeing you all and that you and the family look GREAT, she was soooo happy that she had you all visit.

I was at Carm’s this past weekend and she was telling me about the girls weekend at your (FABULOUS) house during their visit with you and Karen… annnnd whatta BLAST you all had especially Saturday night….. I am sure you must have experienced a once in a lifetime audition … lol :: )))

Hopefully you and your family will still be up to taking the shore route this year and relaxing with some fun in the sun. Saving up some jokes for ya’ll…. and I need an audience, so you gotta be there.

Love and God’s Blessings to you, Karen and the kiddies (bigger than me now ;;)

Joe!!!
Just touching base to let you know that you are constantly in our thoughts. Would love to see you soon – maybe I can catch a ride with Dan down to NYC one of these days!! Stay strong!!!

Tommy Barnard

It’s taken me some time to report about Margate, since the trip was in mid March, but I guess it’s better late than never. First of all let me explain what my parents and their friends created for themselves, which should be a lesson to all of us. As you know, as we get older we have a tendency to gravitate more to our loved ones and friends. This is a natural progression once you realize that you’re not going to live forever. Thewe should all be asking ourselves is , who would we most want to spend time with…………Now that you’re retired, the kids are on their own and you finally have some flexibility in your lives.
Several years ago a friend of my parents got a job in an apartment complex in Margate Florida. Nothing fancy but it had a pool, a clubhouse and the weather was a good alternative to the Northeast winters. Because she knew everything about the complex she knew when apartments became available, and naturally began offering them up to her friends. What has occurred now several years later is a complex of people, now over 120 of them, mostly from the South Bronx, living together again just like the old neighborhood. Though most only spend 3-4 months a year down there it has added years to everyone’s lives. It has also given them control of the board and the rules of the club. So as you can only imagine, almost anything goes. Unlike most other senior communities in Florida they love and welcome kids. And life is easy. There is always room at the table for a few more and visitors are welcomed with offers to be picked up, and dropped off at the airport. They offer their cars, their apartments and would give you the shirts off their backs if you needed it. I never met such an amazing group of loving people. By the way, most of these people are also very diligent church goers. In fact, my parents had their local priest from back home staying with them (Father Kaiser). At 88 years old he played golf and joined them for all meals. But most importantly Father Kaiser said mass every morning in my mother’s apartment. Over the past few months there sat a group of close family and friends, praying that not only I, but others they know, would be OK. So when I came down with Karen, Lydia, Jack and Jacks friend David I was greeted by over a hundred people, usually in pairs, telling me how much they were praying for me and how happy they were to see I was doing well.
It was one of the most heartwarming experiences I have ever had, which again brings me back to all the things I am truly grateful for. And to see my parents thriving in this environment brought total joy to me. They are well loved and it was obvious. One of the most important lessons I have learned from my parents, through their own example, is that nothing is more important in your life than how you affect others. Because at the end of the day, nothing else really matters.
For several years now I have been talking about taking a trip to Ireland with my immediate family and my parents, while they are still mobile and still a lot of fun to be around. Having to leave LA so quickly we had to cancel many flights, since we never did return to California once I was diagnosed. With those airline credits we were able to book all of us to Ireland. The plan is to stay with family and do some sightseeing. We have lots of relatives in Ireland, especially since when you’re there………everyone is introduced as a cousin. For several years now I have wanted Lydia and Jack to be there at the same time as their grandparents…….To meet everyone and allow the legacy between our families, living both in the US and Ireland , to live on. Now that I have a new found appreciation of each day, the trip had to happen now. We leave June 16th and arrive home on June 29th.
There is nothing better than big families. While we were in Margate we participated in the St Patrick’s Day Parade. An event my parents and their friends created for themselves three years ago, which is getting bigger every year. The Grand Marshall this year was my Uncle Mickey. Married to my dad’s sister Eileen they moved from the Bronx to our town in Dix Hills, many years ago, and raised 8 children. All of those kids were in attendance in Margate this past March 17th, cheering on their Dad and helping with the set up. I can’t tell you how great it was to see them all. Makes me remember what is was like seeing cousins, aunts and uncles every day. We all looked out for each other. Hilary was right when she said “It takes a village”. Things are different now in so many ways that I could write for days about the differences of my kids’ childhood as opposed to mine. But the beauty of Margate is that with a little effort, the culture can be revived. My parents have it all now…….Their childhood friends from January to April in Florida, and to be with their families for the rest of the time. I don’t know if Margate will be the place…..but it is my hope to experience what my parents have done and be around my closest friends and family in the years to come.
Love,
Joe

Hey joe finally read the mega thing about
pass word Daaah… It all sounds good to me kid
it’s up to you and us…remember my anuyerismsot
story… not to beat a dead horse.. but still
rubbing pink stone… EVERY DAY.. love n
all that stuff..

I can’t imagine a better way to put it.  Robi’s quote  - “We’re in for the A. ”  And that’s what it will be. Full on positivity. Joe and I have talked about staying on a positive plain – in general – which is easier said then done because it is more than an idea. It’s a discipline.  To stay positive, to think of what we have and what we’ve been blessed with instead of how we’ve been wronged and hurt,  is difficult. The best week I’ve had all year  is the week I spent with Joe when he was going through treatment.  I was able to spend more time with him than I had in a while and that was great.  I was able to spend time with Lydia who I adore. I saw college friends which is always a  blast.  But it was the positive vibe that we needed to have under the circumstances that lifted the whole week.  I couldn’t come to Joe with all my complaints and bullshit.  So I stayed on this higher level and it had power and it lasted for a while, but stupid petty life did creep back and I had to regroup.  I told Joe something like,  ”Ya know, I don’t know what happened. But I haven’t been able to stay on that top level of  positive outlook .”  Not about Joe.  Just in general. We both concurred that it takes work and discipline to look at things on the bright side.   But you have to get on it and stay on it. The cliche – “you can’t afford a negative thought”, is a little over the top, but has a truth to it. We can’t stick are heads in a hole, but – let’s reach for that higher ground. There is power in it. On this blog, it’s about Joe’s healing. But it’s about all our healing. Think positive, look at what’s good in the world and the people in it… look away from the petty and stay in the light and when you think about Joe, send that power his way and he’ll send it back and we’ll all be okay.  Joe, you got great news period! It’s all good. And I can’t wait to see you next week.

Mark N.

Dear Friends- As most of you already know, I received the results of my scan last Friday, and I’m happy to report all is as good as it can be. Dr. Pietanza did do, what seemed to us, a little beating around the bush at first…….. But eventually we got the information we were looking for. She went on to explain that the tumor was reduced, bad cells were being replaced by good ones, and that the targeted cells actually compress due to the treatments, leaving a honeycomb like residue which may be evident on all future scan results. Her tone was positive yet still cautious. As we tried our best to follow her we hung on every word and pressed for more specific answers. My sister Eileen finally just came out and said “So can we see this as a happy day or is it a sad day”? When she confirmed “happy” we were all relieved. As usual the doctors are very cautious…… so as not to give any information that could potentially lead to misinterpretation/litigation So like what a lawyer does we had to ask the right questions with the hope of getting the most specific answers. And even then, they try to be as vague as possible. Not that I don’t understand this. I’m certain both the doctors and the staff are trained by corporate lawyers in regard to how to protect themselves as well as the hospital. This tug of war for information is one we practice at every doctor’s appointment. Especially when I’m fully staffed with my own personal medical and legal associates.
Given there was no real anticipation in my mind for the “report”, I had little to no reaction to the news when it finally came. I actually would have been shocked if it was anything less than “excellent”. This was based primarily on how I had been feeling the past few weeks. I felt in my body and I knew in my own mind that the tumor was dissolving. I guess my own self proclamation early on in this process, that I was prepared to do whatever it took to get well, didn’t hurt either. As Robi Nedboy used to tell her teachers on the first day of school “I’m here for the A”. I never did that when I was in school but thought it wasn’t too late to adopt this strategy now, some thirty years later.
Still a long road ahead from what I’m told, and reluctantly believe…… at least for now. The medical community says that not until you have been cancer free for 10 years do they finally declare you cured. Now I can’t afford to be worried for the next ten years. So my plan is to continue to be more conscious of my diet, exercise more and continue to remind myself of all of my fellow cancer survivors. At the same time I will absolutely be more grateful and appreciative for all I have been blessed with. Great family, friends and overall a pretty good life, which I only expect to get better. I am scheduled for another scan in 2 months, with other doctor appointments in between. By all means I will keep everyone informed.
Love,
Joe

Hey Joe,

I’ve been out of touch for a while for a few reasons. One is I finally made the move from southern up to northern Humboldt County, California; I’ve found a really great house-share with the friend of a friend in the county-seat, Eureka. I’m really gonna miss the weather I left behind: here on the coast it’s a lot grayer and damper. Down in the Garberville/Redway area an hour south of here (where the radio station I DJ at is located), it’s frequently blue-sky sunny and 10 to 15 degrees warmer. But there’s a lot more going on up here, socially as well as economically, so that’s cool. I’m trying to reduce my carbon footprint further by parking the pickup, so bought a bike and some running shoes, and am thinking about training for my second Humboldt Redwoods Marathon, in October. (Notice I did say “thinking about”!)

Also, in the first half of March, I did another (my second) ten-day silent meditation, about 400 miles southeast of here, at a Vipassana Meditation Center in a little town called North Fork, couple hours drive south of Yosemite. I joined 54 men and 55 women for the ten days, during which time we were completely segregated: separate dorms, separate eating halls. When we meditated together, we entered this large hall from different doors, and sat on opposite halves in the space.

Our day began at 4:30 with meditation either in our rooms or in the great hall — there was a total of about ten hours of meditation each day, interspersed with breaks and rest periods –  and ended about 9 pm. Our meals (basic though delicious vegetarian fare, lovingly prepared) were provided at no cost, as was the accommodation, which was simple, although comfortable. Those who feel they get any benefit from their time there are welcome to donate in consideration of students yet to come, but there was no coercion to contribute.

I had some of the same issues I did last time (six years ago, at a center in Belgium): quieting the mind, and keeping it focused (for the first three days) on the breath. There’s an old metaphor that compares the normal state of the mind’s natural (untrained) tendency to be in continual search for something new to a monkey in a tree, swinging from branch to branch. But I feel fortunate to have had a couple of .. I guess “remarkable” is the best word .. experiences while there, one of which happened during the last session on the last day, a particular kind of sensation that had been discussed and explained that had, until then, always eluded me. I would be willing to share more about it if you and I were face-to-face, but it doesn’t seem appropriate to go on about it now.

Although the teaching comes from the Buddha, religion does not enter in to Vipassana. Learning the technique is seen as good for humans, and what one believes about God, Allah, Yahweh, gods/goddesses, dogmas, beliefs, etc. is totally beside the point. So people of all faiths (or no faith) are welcome, and there is no question of any attempt to convert. There is nothing to convert people to, except the value in learning to still the mind, in order to go within.

Anyway Joe, the reason that I mention all of this is: some people, I’m not sure of any percentage, find out about and approach Vipassana because of a medical crisis in their lives. In fact, S.N. Goenka, the Burmese guy (now in his 80s) who has popularized Vipassana, first came to it as a young man due to his suffering from severe migraines, that doctors in several countries were apparently helpless to deal with. I hasten to add however, that the purpose of V. is not to cure disease; I would say that it’s to learn how to be happy (first, through waking up from suffering) through practicing balance (equanimity) and awareness.

Now if I were to say one more word on the subject, I would certainly sound like a proselytizer, or worse yet, a salesman. (Just kidding, salesmen!) So I’ll close by saying if you’re interested to find out more, check out the website.

Oh, there’s lots more going on Joe, but it’s late. And I may be back in touch shortly with news of something big. But before announcements are made, I’m sitting still (hmmm, wonder where THAT comes from!), listening to my intuition, and thinking too about who might make a good mentor to help me with this enormous project I’m thinking of tackling. Hell, I guess I wouldn’t have said this much if I weren’t keen on advancing it! Anyway Joe, keep me in your prayers, as I do you and your loved ones.

Couldn’t resist this one too

Joe – Thought this would bring you a belly-laugh!  (Seems like yesterday.)  The boys may protest though   Love, Mike

To those of you who have not yet heard……. the results of my first scan was good. More details to follow, when I have more time.
Love,
Joe

We know you are going to have the best Easter this year with the family ! You deserve it ! All the best and God Bless ! Stay Strong !

Congratulations! on the great news. I knew you would show us all how a posative attitude can make anything happen. enjoy! love always, Jeannie xoxoxo

I hope you have a great Easter surrounded by your loving family. Always in our prayers. The Bicknells

Glad to hear that you’re in a strong mental space and I am glad to see a new and inspiring post from you. I think about you often and I know all will be alright for you. Love Justine

Hey Joe, I took this photo some time ago and rediscovered it today; it felt inspring   It reminded me that both YOU and KAREN are an inspiration to all of us.

Notice the radiant light around the bird’s wings and body.  I see that same light around you these days…

Keep on healing!  Your friend always, Michael Mah

Dear Joe, Karen Lydia and Jack,

Just wanted you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers, with good vibes 

and healing apple pies baking, all will be well.

love Carolyn and the brood

Hi Joe,
Wishing and praying for you!
X0! Eileen and Mike

Joe,  I read your update and of course as always,  I am impressed with your approach. Glad to hear and read you are feeling great. Dianne and the girls send their love and positive vibes as usual. I am looking forward to hearing about Margate and the Corcoran clan in full swing. I am  looking forward to the Hofstra vs UNC game, which as you know is Saturday April 18th at 7:00pm.  Pre game prep will be at my house on the 17th which I fully expect to see the usual crew.  Joe, spread the word, I am looking forward to spending some time with you breaking chops and having a few laughs. We can promiss that with Lonergan in town!!!! Nasar, come on brother, its not that long of a flight….Cheers from Bay Shore—-Gary and the gang!

Saw Kim and Bill this past weekend…they told me all about that fabulous lobster bash!  Also talked about how great you look and feel…that’s awesome!   The power of prayer and positive thinking always comes through.   We will continue to pray and I have faith that the upcoming spring season which brings us beauty and new growth will also bring a new beginning for you…filled with all good things…Keep up the good work….Love, Elle  (Kim’s Mom)

Hi Joe,
Thinking about you and visited the site to get your update. You are a strong man and incredibly admirable. Jessica and I have nothing but positive and well wishing thoughts and hope for your speedy recovery.

Warmest regards,

Jeff & Jessica Gitlin

Hi there! just wanted to say your still thought of and prayed for daily. Wishing you well wishes. Good luck for friday. Only good news will come your way. stay posative. Love jeannie XOXOXO

Hey Joe.  Just checking the site to see what’s new.  Keep up the great work.   MB

I’ll be sending positive, healing thoughts your way while you wait for your test results. I hope you are feeling well and look forward to seeing you sometime soon.
Mary Nash

Dear friends- First I must apologize for not being in closer touch. I have heard from many that they were looking for an update, only to find nothing posted. Been hard for me to write the past few weeks which I will tell you more about next time.
Yesterday was my first scan since finishing my treatments on February 13th. I must say it was a strange to be back there. Just like when I first heard of my illness, and even went through the treatments, the feeling can be best described as surreal. Fortunately the person in charge of starting the IV was skilled and was able to access my port with very little discomfort. The scanning machine is a little scary though, which I deal with by closing my eyes and visualize being someplace else. The technicians (my guy this time was a Russian named Boris) operate these massive machines, scanning dozens of people a week, all with varying degrees of cancer, with a casualness that shouldn’t surprise us……….. but it does. The stakes are huge for the patients, yet for those who are around it every day it’s just another day at the office.
But to get to the point, I will not know my results until I see Dr Pietanza next Friday. I’m sure I could call ahead and find out sooner. But given I have no control over any of this, other than to continue to do what I’m doing, I can wait. Sorry to keep everyone in suspense but my feeling has been all along that my body is healing. I feel good now, my appetite is back and so is my hair.
I have a lot more to share, namely my trip to Margate with my family, but it will come sometime this week, in the next posting.
Thank you all for your continued love and support.
Love,
Joe

hey guys—just wanted to check in and say hello, so here i am.  think about you all the time and keep checking out the site to see what’s new–i feel like i’m eavesdropping half the time (but in a good way….)  love to everyone from everyone here—marcy, steve, beau and eden.

30 minutes after arrival in Daytona, we saw this, thought of you.

It was AWESOME!!!

Carolyn and the Brood

Arrived on tuesday back to frozen Northland of Toronto, after an incredibly impromptu trip to Florida over the March break and being so close to Joe and his family I could taste it.

Joe and I were in constant e-mail/blackberry contact for days, he and his family in Margate, my family and I in Daytona.

(For those of you familiar with the sunshine state you’ll know that it’s about a 4 hour drive as the crow flies even if you speed like everyone else down the I-95.)

Well unfortunately after being in the car for three days there and three days back, it was a bit too much for us to fold up Grandma Pearl into the car to go to the part of the state that had rain for most of the days that we were there.(She had a wonderful sunny time in Daytona albeit, a bit windy off the Atlantic.)

Till finally, last Wednesday Joe gave me a call on the cell as I sat by the pool with a rather large beverage in hand.

Well,to hear that distinctive voice on the other end of the phone help dissolve 20 years almost immediately,Joe you sounded great, even though you couldn’t figure out WHY you’d be driving to the beach in a torrential downpour (I can only hope you found a bar with a VIEW of the beach)in our conversation we talked, of course about the original T and T’s Wedding at Carmelita’s and that it was a miracle that everybody survived the location alone, amongst other things.We talked briefly, it’s hard to cover 20 years in a short amount of time, with Joe showing his concern that we’d be driving  through the wild Appalachians and he thought it best not to take any wrong turns or too much time at any one place.( Joe it’s okay, we had fabulous weather and West Virginia is quite spectacular, as is the rest of the region) As an added note I did have grits and turnip greens in North Carolina and ya know they were kinda good.

So now that the family and I have survived 6 days in a car together to go all the way to Florida and back… driving to see Joe and the family in New York will be a walk in the park ( Now I’m looking forward to seeing what culinary treats the Adirondack’s has to offer)

Just give me the word Joe.

Hoping your recovery is speedy, the best to Karen,Lydia and Jack,

Love always, Carolyn and The Brood

Hello my friend,
Got your email, Hope you all enjoyed the FLA vaca.We are staying put in the windy city for break. It is supposed to be spring and there is 1-6 inches of snow predicted to fall this weekend. Go figure! Remind me again why I live here? Seeing Mark was great, we had some laughs. Tom is set to see you whenever that is in April. Lady V and I will be in NY end of April through May 4 and I hope to be out in the Berkshires with the kids sometime in June. Karen and I will plan that one. I hope you are feeling strong. You are always in my thoughts and prayers. Miss you much!!
Love to you and yours
Lourdes

…and how great it was to have those 7AM coffee and bagel deliveries while he was visiting Joe.

Hey Joe, just wanted to send you some cheer. Thinking of ya and can’t wait to see you back here. Tony O

Hey Joe,

Thanks to knowing you I had the best seat in the house at the St Paddy’s Parade.  I sat next to 2 nuns in the first row of the bleachers who apparently taught at least half of the NYFD in grade school.  So in case those firemen are wondering… it wasn’t me screaming “stand up straight” and “move along now”.

Love,

Robi

Just wanted to say hi, hope you enjoyed your margate trip. Getting together with all those great people down there could only put smiles on your face . I know I always enjoy myself when seeing all of them together enjoying themselves.
Did you march in their parade. Take care, love always Jeannie xoxoxoxo

http://www.digitalcity.com/2009/03/19/snuggie-pub-crawls-the-blanket-with-arms-also-has-legs/

Cheers brother! I hope you are enjoying St Patricks day with your family. I am looking forward to seeing you and the rest of the gang at the North Carolina game. Very happy to see Hofstra step it up against Princeton…of course I mean no ill will toward the the other half of your family that may have been rooting for the Tigers.  Hope you are feeling better, you sounded great when we talked on Saturday.  Let me know when you are in NYC again, and we can get a few folks together.  Cheers Joe!  Looking forward to seeing you soon —Gary

Joe,
Just spoke to Mark, I wasn’t aware of your situation. I was touched, but not surprised by this site. I’ve always appreciated and valued your friendship and it is obvious that there are many people who feel the same way. I just wanted to send you out my vibe. My thoughts are with you, Brother. If your up for lunch give me a buzz when your in Margate.
All Good Things,
Patrick

Joe,

This is an extraordinary website.  I am moved by the comments of so many friends that we seem to share in common, particularly from the Tony ‘n’ Tina’s Wedding Days.  I have particularly enjoyed Mark N.s’ comments – boy,  some of those descriptions of the old apartment really took me back.  Regards to all of our TnT compatriots out there – I miss you all and sure have enjoyed reading your comments.   And thanks, Joe, for allowing us a pure and unfiltered glimpse into your extraordinary journey.  The sincere thoughts of so many well wishers and the positive energy contained in these pages can only be healing – it is a testament to your life, your spirit and your many wonderful accomplishments… and I know there are so many more to come.

I hope this post finds you in good spirits – You are in my thoughts and prayers and I look forward to the time I can give you a hug and congratulate you for licking this thing.

All my best,

James A.

Hey Joe,

Howie sent me this link.  I think you know he’s  my accountant now. I emailed him a tax question and I got a crazy automail response and this link to one of his lectures. (to remind others – from an earlier post – Howie was a guy Joe and I went to see in a performance art piece where he came dressed in a groom’s tuxedo playing a guitar and finished wearing nothing but the guitar. he was also the original band leader of Tony n Tina’s) Anyway this is the new Howie lecturing on economics. It was taped a year ago but is very astute on what eventually  transpired. Of course it’s filled with his lefty points of view. He has been predicting doom since the early eighties. Finally he is vindicated.  

Lydia should take note here.  This is a Sarah Lawrence Graduate.  And even in his suit, tie and talking economics – he is one of a kind!

I didn’t embed because it’s a bit long(16minutes), but here’s the link.  Stay with it because he really goes off toward the end and shows the real Howie.  I think you’ll enjoy it.

Mark N.

Hi Joe, Karen, Lydia & Jack,

I just wanted to say hello and see how you are all doing.

If there is anything I can do to help you guys out, let me know.

XOXO

Anel

Joe,

It was great to get out with you a few weeks ago.  I enjoyed the laughs and company.  Every where I go I feel like I’m surrounded by The Snuggie.  One of the former Governor’s business ventures is “Green Consulting.”  In order to reduce his own carbon footprint, he now has ordered the heat in his office to be turned down and all his employees are wearing Snuggies.  Rumor has it that the wait staff and bartenders at S&W are now going to be wearing snuggies for their uniform. 

I know you’re looking forward to visiting your parents and everyone else down in Margate.  I was just down there and as you know that place is definitely magical.  It’s full of life and the laughs are non-stop.  It’s more like a college campus without classes and RA’s, then a Florida condo (Although it’s not as crazy as that Century Village place – See NY Post last month.)  The row our parents live in (Fraternity Row) is definitely one of the best.  It overlooks the pool and the clubhouse (The Quad). 

The Flagpole – Well in case you haven’t heard, theres a new Flagpole in Phase III.  You can see it from the plane as you approach Ft. Lauderdale Airport.  While sitting in my parents condo I heard a loud commotion outside.  I ran out and everyone was looking up.  I was hoping it was a shuttle launch up in Cape Canaveral.  Nope – they were all looking up at the newest addition to the Quad – The Flagpole.  It wasn’t even up 5 minutes before the first controversy erupted over what other flags could fly besides the Stars and Stripes.  I stepped in and mediated and a settlement was reached.  It would operate like the Empire State Building – Different Flags on Different Holidays.  I’m sure they will have the tricolour flying for the 17th and the St. Pat”s Parade.

The Palm Trees- Another new addition is the palm trees.  It was decided to upgrade the landscaping and a collection was taken up to purchase new palm trees.  My father took charge and collected money from all the residents in the building.  That evening most of the crowd was heading to the Elks club for the prime rib dinner.  Since I was in town my parents decided we were going to head out for our own dinner.  We ended up going out pretty late that night – 8 o’clock.  Well the next day word got out that Marie and Jim didn’t go to the Elks with everyone else.  Rumors quickly spread and people were asking, “8 o’clock?  Who goes to dinner at 8?  Why didn’t they come to the Elks? Where’s the Palm Trees?  Where’s the money?”  Jack Klompus was calling for an investigation.  “Palm Gate” could end up swinging the next board vote.  Fortunately the Palm Trees have since gone in and the next election isn’t for a while.

 To truly appreciate these stories you have to watch this Seinfeld Episode.  I was trying to find clips from “The Cadillac” and “The Wiz” Episodes but they are not online.  If someone finds them please put them up.

I know you’re going to have a great time down there and I look forward to getting out again when you return.  I’m sure you will have a few Margate stories to share as well.  All the Best,

Jim

Joe:
Here is a link to a beautiful short video about the global consciousness that is in process right now. Your blog is part of it!

http://www.youtube..com/watch?v=EmjgARqEKY4

Peace and Healing
Harriette

Joe, Karen, Lydia and Jack

Now that you’ve been through radiation boot camp and are on the road to recovery,I’ve been slacking off ,so my apologies.

It was 18 celsius here in Toronto, so of course everyone momentarily lost their minds and ran around without coats and now I can hear the 

Mancub downstairs starting to get the cold that I forsaw, time to make some soup.

Just wanted you to know that you are always in my thoughts

and prayers and hope that everyone is well where you are.

Love Carolyn and the Brood

Healing love from Carrie Harper

AN IRISH BLESSING

MAY THE LIGHT BE ON YOU

LIGHT WITHOUT AND LIGHT WITHIN.

MAY THE BLESSED SUNLIGHT SHINE

ON YOU AND WARM YOUR HEART

UNTIL IT GLOWS LIKE A GREAT FIRE,

SO THAT A STRANGER MAY COME

AND WARM HIMSELF AT IT

AND ALSO A FRIEND.

MAY GOD ALWAYS BLESS YOU,LOVE YOU AND KEEP YOU.

HOPE YOUR FEELING BETTER!

LOVE BARBARA ,JACK AND GIANNA

Hi Joe:
Always thinking of you and your family. Knowing you are continuing in your healing path. This is a link to the most beautiful rendition of Amazing Grace that I have ever heard. Sung by 4 tenors at night in the Colisuem in Rome.

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid271552717?bctid=1913313052

Enjoy!
Much love and healing
Harriette

Dear friends-  Below is a letter from Mark and Krista Boland.  Their son Matthew is celebrating his 6th anniversary being cancer free.  Every year at about this time the St. Baldrick Foundation raises money by asking people to shave their heads in return for donations.  I always donate to Matt and his group,  and will just may be doing my own next year.  For those of you who can, please make a donation..  As Marks letter says, no donation is too small.  Every dollar will go directly towards finding a cure for this horrible disease.  The link is below in the body of the letter I got from Mark and Krista.   They know they can count on me to make a donation every year,  and I’m hoping you will too.  I thank you very much on behalf of myself, Matt and the Boland family.  

Love,

Joe

Dear Joe & Karen,

We will be thinking of you Joe, especially this year, as the boys & Mark go bald for St. Baldricks…

Thank you again for your generous 2008 donation  to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. Mark and the boys were able to raise $4,525 last year and we dare to hope to be as successful this year when they say goodbye to their hair and hello to a bald head!

St. Baldrick’s always coincides with the anniversary of Matt’s bone marrow transplant. For the last 6 years we have counted our blessings as he has remained cancer-free. With your help and the boys’ willingness to give up their hair, the reality of finding a cure for all childhood cancers gets closer and closer.

We know that these days are financially challenging for most everyone. Please know that no amount of money is too small. Our goal is to keep the issue of childhood cancers a priority. The 160,000 children worldwide who will be randomly diagnosed with cancer are counting on us to help. Money doesn’t solve all problems, but there are some problems that can not be solved without it – all donations, no matter the size, help and are appreciated.

On March 14th, the boys will have their heads shaved here in Northport. As you can see from the photo, Matt has not had a real haircut since last year’s St. Baldrick’s event and even he is beginning to complain about taking care of all that hair!

Click on the following link and make a tax deductible donation in their name at:

http://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/shavee_info.php?ParticipantKey=2009-60779#

You can contribute in one of four ways:

1. Donate Online at the above link by credit card.
2. Donate by check through the mail by Downloading a Donation Form from the link above and mailing it to the address noted on the form.
3. Donate by phone by calling 888-889-BALD
4. Send a check made out to ‘St. Baldrick’s Foundation’ and mail it to us at 164 Highland Ave. Northport, NY 11768 and we’ll take care of doing the paperwork for you.

Thank you for your loyalty, support and encouragement…we appreciate your generosity.

The Boland Family
Mark, Krista, Michael, Matthew, and Kathryn

Hi Joe, was on the phone with Karen this morning and was so happy to hear that you were feeling better and went to dinner last night and on your way to Barnes and Noble today. I’m sure it did you a world of good to get out and be back in the game.I had a great visit with you Karen and the kids and hopefully I will be back with Darlene this week. If you think you are ready for a Philly cheesesteak just say the word. I know Karen won’t want you to put such unhealthy food in your body but you deserve it! I must say I have never been more impressed with any two people in my life than you and my sister. What team work. Just wish so much you were going to be with us in Wildwood but I’ve been around you long enough to know nothing get’s in the way of Corcoran Lacrosse as well it shouldn’t. Have a great time in Florida and send my love to Uncle Brian. Love Kate xo

Dear friends- Seems like I’ve started the last few letters saying how I wish I had written sooner. But now being more than 8 weeks into my process I have realized that it’s  been a bigger chore than I had originally anticipated.  Let’s just assume now that I will be on as often as I can. 

In the past three weeks my nausea has finally subsided.  As you may remember from my last post it began at the beginningof week 7, my last week in NYC.  With the exception of one pretty bad night,  the nausea has been pretty manageble.  I’ve been taking daily mediacation to help keep it in check.  I have been  able to eat, but did very little.  What I have found is that you just have no appetite.   Having been storing up the first six weeks with steaks and other fine foods while doing my treatments,  I still have plenty of gas left in the tank, even after not eating much these past 3 weeks.  

As of yesterday I am now officially off of  pain medication. and I already feel clearer in my head.  As doctors warned my throat would be sorest at the end, and that was no lie.  I was taking painkillers every 4 hours for the past 3 weeks, so I have been in somewhat of a daze lately.  Now that its over I’ll remain home here in the Berkshires for the next two weeks, with massages and healings scheduled, books to read and family time to catch up on.   On Monday eve March 16th the family leaves for Florida to be with the gang from Margate,  for the St Patricks Day parade. But before going, we’ll first see Robert (son to sister Eileen and Princeton lacrosse player) play against Hofstra.  Hoping Robert scores 4 goals but Hofstra still wins.  

This week I saw a medical doctor named Elizabeth Boham, associate to Mark Hyman, from the Ultra Wellness Center in Lenox, Mass. People from all over the world travel to the Berkshires every year to be treated by Mark and his team of specialists. I look forward to working with Mark and Elizabeth in creating the best treatment for me going forward, now that the more traditional treatments are behind me. For more information go to www.ultrawellnesscenter.com or google search Mark Hyman. In addition to seeing Elizabeth this week I will be revisiting with some of my other trusted healers to help me identify and subsequently change old patterns. Patterns not conducive to my healing and future health.

I did read a good book this week.  A cancer story called  ”The Red Devil-The Hell With Cancer” by Katherine Russell Rich.  Having read this story, to hear of her experience with doctors, the affect of the treatments and her overall experience reminds me of how grateful I am.   This was a story to one persons desire to get well, who lierally went thrpugh hell to save her life.  When speaking of her experience with her treatments Katherine says “Normal time cycles vanished.  No night, no day, just being in the dense perpetual present. After what I’ve been through there is no tme for things I don’t cherish”.  Great inspirational story.  

Now that I’m home it has been Karen and our Berkshire friends carrying the extra weight. (and I’m heavy) With me not driving Karen and our friends up here have been on double/triple duty. I know I have expressed by gratitude  to most of you that have helped me while  I was in New York. The list is long but have included my parents, my sister and brothers, cousins, neices and nephews, my Tony n’ Tina family, high school and college friends as well as friends and loved ones going back many years, and from all over. Your generosity of time, dinners, support and companionship have been greatly appreciated and will never be forgotten.

As a tribute to you all………….. I intend to extend myself, when fully well, and make helping others a much bigger part of my life. How this manifests in the real world, and where this takes me nobody knows. But like you all have given me unconditionally, I will give unconditionally to anyone and everyone I can help. Being on the receiving end of so much love and support has been nothing short of overwhelming. Is it just a coincidence that we are living in a time when the leader of the free world is reaching out to us all, asking us (or at least the ones who can) to help our fellow man? I know our family and friends have been blessed with so much opportunity, often with the help of others.  You can count on me Mr President!!!
PS Congratulations to Brenden Engelke for winning the scholar/athlete of the month award on Long Island. On his way to U Penn next year. You go boy!!!

Free Hugs for Joe From Margate

Lots of hugs were collected on Valentine’s Day for you. With each hug came warm wishes for good health and a speedy recovery.  With lots of LOVE – Mom and Dad

Hello My Friend,
How does it feel to be “unemployed” for 2 weeks now? I’m sure you miss your doctor and your new friends from Sloan but too bad. It must feel great to be home with Karen and Jack. As you know, you and yours are always in my and Tom’s thoughts and prayers. I hope you are feeling a little stronger than when we spoke last. You will have a great time in FLA. The boys and Lady V were reminiscing last years spring break, and you are in their thoughts as well. We are visiting Tommy this weekend for his frats “Meet the Brothers and Family” cocktail party. We get to have dinner in the frat house followed by a silent auction so they can suck yet more money out of us. It should be a real great time! But really, it will be fun. Thank God, there were no frat houses at Hofstra we would all probably still be there! Keep up your strength. keep eating right, meditate, take your medicines,say a prayer here or there and please follow “Nurse Karen’s ” advice. We need to get the families together again this spring, Lets see what we can come up with. Big hugs and kisses to Lydia, Karen, Jack and to you of course,
Much Love,
Lourdes

Joe, I have been thinking about you and praying for you every day. Hope you are doing well and looking forward to one day meeting for lunch in NY at Cellini’s Resturant with Karen. Will call you soon. Take care of yourself.
Your friend,
MaryAnn

Just wanted to let you know that I am thinking about you everyday!  This blog is so amazing,

it must be so inspiring for you to know how many people love and care about you. I am sending

all my good wishes to you for a speedy recovery.

Love your cousin,

Theresa Morgan-Victoria

Joe,

I have been going over  the blog and just to scroll through and skim it takes quite a while.  We have been talking about positive images and how they can effect a person’s life . This blog is one very very long positive.  It really brings out the grace, generosity and humor of so many people who have been touched by you and your family.  It must be stunning to go through this, being I would say, that you are for the most part,  a humble individual.(except that you think you’re everybody’s favorite cousin)But, really this blog goes on and on and is a true measure of the wealth you have in your life.  You have given of yourself in such a generous way. When people meet you they are immediately put at ease and sense that you not only accept them for who they are but have an affinity for the nuances of their personality.  Joe Corcoran has never met a person he doesn’t like. You see the good in people. You love people and love being around them.  Even the challenge that has been put to you in these last few months,  in turn, and through this blog,  has became a gift to so many – a place  to see the good in people  and to see an example,  through you, of what it is to be a true human being.  

Mark N.

Joe and all,
One of the investors in my company gave a talk at Harvard 2 weeks ago about how the discoveries in molecular biology are changing the world. It is only about 15 min., and well worth the time. There’s a little financial stuff in the beginning, but after that it gets very, very interesting, hopeful, and even scary. Go to:
www.ted.com and click on the lecture by Juan Enriquez. Great stuff! Kathleen Basile

Joe, wanted to drop in and send you a note. Hope you are doing great. I will try you again tomorrow on the cell but I have been getting the voicemail and then for some reason when you call back, it goes right into my voicemail. I think it may have something to do with the snuggie. By the way, now all my kids want one of “UNCLE JOES” snuggies. I may have to send one to Australia for Kelsey. Wanted to let you know I went to the Hofstra- Umass game with the girls. Hofstra started slow but finished strong. They can shoot canons. Once they get a few more on cage and a few less pipes, they are going to be fun to watch. Seth is a class act, your nephew is going to love playing for him. Let me know what games you plan on attending. The Princeton game may be tight for me, we have our annual St Patricks day parade in Bay Shore and if I wasnt on my usual corner, people may wonder if I left the country. A lot of locals depend on the back of my pickup filled with cold ones to get by the day. Of course the truck never leaves the corner. Always fun to pick it up the next day wondering what it is going to look like. If you do plan to make it down for that game, let me know and I may set everything up and come by for a half. Perhaps you and few of gang may want to join us at the parade. The cabana is always open for you! I hope and pray you are coming along. Not a day goes by I don’t think about you. Continued positive vibes from Bay Shore.—–Gary and the gang.

PS I saw Eddie Wallace, Jim Watson and Quinny, they all send well wishes. Cheers brother!

hey joe, it’s jimmy toes. I heard about tyler going to hofstra. that’s great. I’m sure the corcoran family is looking forward to seeing him wearing the “Pride” jersey. Spring is coming, which means another season of lacrosse. So, get better soon.

Peace…Jim

Dear Joey,
I just want you to know that I’m thinking of you and sending healing thoughts.
Love,
Joan

Hi Joe and karen,

It’s Robin Morse here. I wanted to say how remarkable and inspiring your journey truly is, both of you. Your courage, Joe, is a lesson to us all. I just wanted to say hello and that I was thinking of you, and will keep you in my prayers and thoughts. If there’s anything at all I can do, please let me know. Your children, by the way, are BEAUTIFUL!
Sending you a whole lot of love. xxxxx Robin

I’ve been looking through your blog for quite some time. When I over read the story about the night you are your college buddies had a party in city, with homeless man working the door I was laughing out loud for a good 5 minutes. The other day me and my buddies stumbled over this funny video of room mates pulling a very clever practical jokes on each other. If your not ready to waste your time laughing for hours don’t watch it!

Best Wishes,
Gene

The snuggies thing is good, but I promise, I will download the recession workout real soon. I know I promised it weeks ago.

I wish you were here in San Fran today. I was writing and working out down by Chrissy Fields. Got done around 2:30 and I’m heading over the hill to Nell’s place when I get a call from Pat Copeland, who by the way always asks about you. He tells me he’s at Gino and Carlos(bar in North Beach) for another hour. What the hell. I wasn’t far and took the detour. I get a half a block away and run out of gas on a jammed Colombus street. Nell’s car has a weird gas gage but still- I’m an idiot. Besides being extremely embarrassed I started to get worked up, cursing at myself and what not, but I quickly checked myself and chilled out and even had a laugh. I call Copeland who’s literally a hundred yards away in the bar. I try to push the car myself – no go. Copeland shows up in his preppy clothes with a buzz on and tells me to stay put, he’s got a Triple A card. I tell him we need to get the car off the main road. He’s says, “I’m fifty-eight years old… give me a break.” We are holding up tons of traffic. So I make him give it a shot and we start moving the car. Some tourists run out and help us. Some wise asses yell from the corner, “Hey can we get a ride?” I yelled back, “Yeah well, it’s an idiot contest already. Why not?” We make the turn onto Green street and actually find a parking spot with a busted meter right across from Gino and Carlos. Copeland calls Triple A and we have a cocktail. Guy comes fifteen minutes later and puts in gas. The whole thing cost ten bucks for gas I would have had to get anyway and I saved on the busted meter. It was goofy, fun, stupid and easy. I said to Copeland, “I wish Corcoran was here… he’d still be crackin’up.” I gave you a call. You weren’t around. But it was a Joe moment all the way. Lots a laughs and nobody missed a beat.

Mark N

Wow Joe….where do I get a snuggie? This piece of Cloth has special healing powers. I see a nation full of people wearing Suggies…you have started something here…where can I buy Suggie Stock? Perhaps you and Dan should consider an IPO?
really pal..this site is great..I wish you continued good luck as you recover…I look forward to seeing you soon.

Your Friend
Phil

First of all Terri, don’t think for a moment that I was not appreciative of your gift. It sure is a practical one, in regards to its warmth and that you put your arms through it, unlike a traditional blanket. Plus, as a bonus, it makes you look like a monk. If only it came in brown. I was wondering all night long of your infatuation with this product. When you seemed disappointed that I wouldn’t wear it during the entire dinner, it made me wonder…..does Terri have some sort of financial interest in this snuggie? Maybe she wants me to call all my friends and make them buy one based on my recommendation? And wasn’t taking a picture wearing the snuggiie in a packed bar, embarrassing enough? I must say I almost had a little accident the first night I brought the snuggie home. Put it this way, don’t let the snuggie get too close to the fireplace. Made me wonder, is the fabric in the snuggie fire retardant? But out of respect for you, and despite the cries of my family, I have taken all of the cashmere blankets out of the living room, and replaced them with the snuggie.
In regard to the extent you had to go in order to actually aquire one of these precious items I thought…..Are they really that hard to get? Lydia says everyone at Miss Hall’s has one…. Maybe they were available in the northern areas before New York? But even assuming the difficulty of getting a snuggie before May, to choose to write four long paragraphs about a snuggie when you were one of the closest people around me over the past seven weeks, with insights into every aspect of my treatment, makes me wonder. Are you insane?

I thought for sure that you would have told everyone that YOU were the first person I called from LA when I got back from the doctor…..not my mother, not my sister…..but the real head of the family when it came to medical issues…..you.

Or, that you were one of my most frequent dinner companions
Or, that you had several nurses, fully accountable to you, checking up on my progress during my treatments
Or, that you were able to arrange for me to get tests in a moments notice at Sloan Kettering, that would have taken anyone else weeks.
Or, that you were able to arrange for me to become a patient of the prettiest doctor at Sloan
Or, that you were able to arrange for one of my doctors to be a Bobby McArdle look-a like, just to make me laugh
Or, that you guilted me into showing up at a Christmas party, saying your parents would be there, only to find out they weren’t.
Or, that you are the queen of “suck it up” and had no patience for my screaming when they were drawing blood
Or, that you personally arranged to have each one of your sisters spend at least one day with me, whether they were working, had to take care of children, or not.
Or, that you and my sister Eileen went to Florida with Nana and none of us others did.

Now, this could list could go on and on but quite frankly I don’t want my comment to be longer than your initial post. This also warrants front-page coverage, not just in the comment section. A special thank you to Dave for running all over town trying to get that snuggie. Dave, did it cross your mind “What the hell is the big fuss about a snuggie? But I guess I already know the answer to that question. When it comes to carrying out Terri’s orders, it really doesn’t matter what you thought. It was about getting the job done. For that I thank you. Oh, and one more thing…. The reason I didn’t post the first time was because it was a blurry picture. (Did you notice the difference in quality next to the Today show picture?) But now I can see you took it personally and assumed I was unwilling to post it. It wasn’t the picture I was embarrassed about. It was the fact that they were taken in a crowded bar, with a flash, and it took you no less than ten shots to get what you now have posted. By then a crowd had already gathered, probably wondering why anyone would be taking pictures of a bald monk with a blue robe. I must say, reading your post was nothing less than sheer entertainment. Please post again the next time you have a moment.
Love,
Your favorite cousin,
Joe

Joe Showing off his new Snuggie to the Former Gov

The Cast of the Today Show following Joe's Trend

Hey Joe-

I never seem to have time to write and assure you that I am thinking of you 24/7. That said, I have been working quietly in the background to assure you have the greatest comforts. Then I hear you whine to me and insert teenage embarrassment drama into our relationship, after I gave you the coveted “Snuggie” to keep you warm. This Snuggie, took months of research and calling in favors to get for you. This after my sister Maureen spent hours on the phone and on-line negotiating with the sales people telling them about her cousin Joe and how desperately he needs this gift, she thought she succeeded in December only to find out weeks later that it was on back order until May. So out of desperation in an effort to make you comfortable and at the risk of severing relationships with my brother-in-law Dave and putting his job in jeopardy, Maureen and I interrupted his meeting to tell him we located your gift and he had to leave his meeting immediately and head to the As Seen on TV Store in the Galleria. They were holding your Snuggie for one hour if we paid a premium! We were initially met with some resistance from Dave, we knew the risk was high but we had no choice we resorted to desperate measures and pulled the extended family trump card with Dave “family first, everything else can wait, family will be there when you need them! Joe is not just a cousin, we consider him to be more of a brother, my mother would be so disappointed that you didn’t take immediate action on behalf of our brother Joe’s well being.” That went so far with him, we heard a few “but, but, but,” and we realized this negotiation was in jeopardy so as much as I hated to resort to my best negotiating line to date, I felt compelled to use it. After all this was about Joe, our cousin who is like a brother—poor Dave was then confronted with “ok, don’t go, it is now between you and God!” To Dave’s credit, he read between the lines, declared a family emergency, and high tailed it to the As Seen on TV Store to get Joe’s Snuggie!. So finally after two months of endless searches I had your gift in hand, thanks to Dave. I carefully guarded it as I took it to the city to make plans to meet you. I secured a place it in my office on a ledge for my colleagues to admire and one-by-one as they passed my office they stood in amazement, I could see they were intrigued and somewhat envious that I had successfully managed to get a coveted Snuggie!!!!! Joe’s Snuggie! The excitement was building and the thought of your reaction to this gift to you was overwhelming. In fact I had images in my mind of you jumping up and showing it off to everyone around, shouting “look at how much my family really loves me!”

A few days went by, I emailed you and hinted I wanted to see you but no invite, every night you had an entourage for dinner. I contemplated calling your mother to see if she would intervene on my behalf but thought that should be a last resort. So I waited and anxiously checked emails every hour. I told my assistant, if my cousin Joe calls track me down and don’t let him hang up until he speaks to me. As I waited for the call, the Snuggie sat in my office. I feared it would be stolen, I tipped the security staff to look after it and promised them a Christmas gift if I successfully delivered the Snuggie to you. Finally, the email from you, meet me at S&W, your brother Jim will be there. This was it the moment I had been anxiously anticipating, what would the crowd at S&W think? In fear of getting mugged as I made my way across town, I called my brother Jim to pick me up and drop me at S&W. As we drove across town, I noticed Jim enviously looking at the Snuggie, thinking wow, Terri got me a NY Giant’s Blue Snuggie, then the ball dropped. I told Jim it was for Joe, he graciously accepted this but made me promise that I would think of him in the future! Jim dropped me off and went to park the car, As I entered S&W I took a deep breath, the moment I had been waiting for. I enter S&W only to find you with two of your “closest friends” huddled in the best seats in the lounge area. After cordial greetings, you drop the big question, where is Jim, he can get us the best table, he is coming? Terri you know Jim has a special waiter, and he often even gets “free wine!” Hmm, I thought, maybe I should give the Snuggie to him now before Jim arrives and takes all the glory away by getting us the best table. Quietly deliberating on how I make this unselfish presentation of the Snuggie, I decided to grandstand and just go with it, after all the Snuggie is now a commodity.

Joe did you know, as the traditional commodity market tanks, I have seen a surge of interest across the country in the latest commodity, “the Snuggie”. Rich or poor, folks have been demanding the Snuggie. In fact many attribute the plunge in oil prices to be a direct result of the mandatory use of the Snuggie in many households. Most recently the BBC reported the Snuggie has been banned from all of the oil producing countries. I have also heard rumors reporting that the Snuggie has allowed those who have been “fortunate” to procure one, to actually keep warm while continuing to have a cocktail, use the blackberry , remote control, and phone—their hands never have to leave the Snuggie! Finally, it has come to my attention that the most recent Federal Government “Stimulus Package” provides a significant tax rebate for all Snuggie households.

That all said, Joe, I am fascinated by this recent demand for the Snuggie, but more importantly I am perplexed by your Snuggie resistant behavior. Are you an anti-Snuggite? You indicated, you Joe”y” Corcoran, master of building relationships, friendship, family, generosity, and fame would be embarrassed to use a Snuggie. Joe Corcoran, embarrassed, are you are fraud? Where is the real Joe Corcoran? Quite frankly, I took your resistance to the Snuggie as a personnel reflection on my taste and sensitivity in dealing with a “sick” cousin. I then thought, Terri, “shake it off”, this is about Joe, not your gift. In the meantime, I am thinking how this Economic Stimulus package could work in your favor! It then came to me that the bill should include earmarks for all Snuggie users, that includes dinners with Joe at S&W, five star rated Italian restaurants, and fresh home made meals.

So Joe, I now have to apologize. Although we all lobbied on behalf of Snuggie owners the most recent economic stimulus package continues to fall short of our proposal. We also have to apologize for asking you to wear the Snuggie in Smith and Wolensky’s and assuring you no one would see you. Who knew the former Gov. of NYS and his staffers would see
you in your Snuggie!

So tonight I sit thinking about the Snuggie I unselfishly gave to you, and how bad I feel that it embarrasses you.

All my love-

Terri

PS- This looks like a party you would have thrown.

http://www.snuggiepubcrawl.com/Locations/NewYork/

Mr. Corcoran, I would like to send you well wishes from Australia. I have followed your journey thus far through the blog and my dad’s updates. We are all glad to read you are done with your 7 week treatment schedule and relaxing with your family back home. I will miss this years Hofstra Lacrosse season because I am studying abroad so I won’t get to see you at one of the games. However, I will be back in late June, early July and my dad tells me he plans to have a little party to celebrate your recovery. We both know my dad doesn’t have little parties, so I will make sure I am home for that. I am told he learned that from you! Australia is a beautiful place and you should put this down on your list of places to visit. Stay strong, stay determined and most importantly, stay surrounded by family and friends. Love Kelsey, Gary’s oldest daughter.

By the way, my dad asked me to toast to your health when I visit my first pub here….don’t tell him but we did that on day one!!! LOL.

Joe, sending my good wishes and greetings from Barcelona, Spain. The picture above is one of the prettiest cathedrals I have ever seen! I have a lot more cool pictures and funny videos coming soon…

Gene Murphy

Happy recuperation time.

We were at the cottage on the weekend ( Haliburton Ontario) taking fabulous pictures of bluejays and chickadees and such and now we can’t find the jeezly camera to share them. Brian took this picture out West when he was on the shoot from Hell last February, so I guess it could be as cold as this so I won’t complain(but I still love this shot)

Regina in February

Our thoughts are with you always and are hoping for your speedy recovery looking forward to visiting when the weather’s better.

Love Carolyn and the Brood

May the magic of life bring you peace and healing.

Anel

Joe, The Menri Monastery-in-exile in Dolanji India is the spiritual home of the Bon, which is the oldest spiritual tradition of Tibet. As Abbot, His Holiness Menri Trizin 33rd Lungtok Tenpai Nyima oversees the Menri Monastery and is the worldwide spiritual leader of Bon.

We are blessed that our friend, Jon Kramer, is a personal physician to His Holiness, a contemporary of the Dalai Lama. When Menri Trizen recently visited, we had the privilege of having him here in Pittsfield, where he stayed with Jon (and his wife Maria Sirois) at their home. I had the good fortune to photograph His Holiness during a prayer ceremony last year (see below).

Jon told me that the monks who tend to His Holiness conduct a special ceremony that blesses the bed on which he sleeps. Among the things placed on his bed is a silk scarf woven by the many nuns at the monastery. Jon gave me this scarf to bring to you.

I’m looking forward to draping it around your shoulders, and helping deliver healing energy. A photo that I took of the scarf is shown below.

Most importantly, the scarf also surrounds a very special medicine that came from the Abbot. I’m told that the medicine contains remnants that date back to the 11th Century. I have no idea about how this medicine is produced, but I understand that many monks prayed over it for many many days – if not weeks. We have some of this for you – two precious grains. I will have to defer to Jon to tell you more about what is in this medicine, which I know he will do soon, hopefully on this blog.

I will bring this to you tomorrow, friend. There is more love and healing coming your way!!

(For more about the Tibetan Bon religion, see www.bonfoundation.org)

Your friend, Michael (Mah)

Syd & Kate, the apple doesn't fall far...

Bill & Mark celebrating Bill's 'retirement'

Joe & Karen,

Sorry we missed seeing you while we were in Lenox.  We took these at a local hangout I”m sure you have been to.  We enjoyed visiting with Kim, Bill and the kids…would have been better if you were around Joe.  Next time.  Thinking of you and sending good vibes your way.  

Love,

Mark & Krista

We have been following your progress every step of the way, always with best wishes and lots of prayers!
You are one of a kind and should be proud of you!
Hi to Karen, Lydia and Jack. (family beauties!)
The best is yet to come!!!! Stay Strong.
Love, Eileen Morgan Katz

Hi Joe.  It’s Kate.  Hope you’re feeling better today.  Was on the computer all day yesterday for the first time in my life trying to send you a greeting.  I don’t think it worked.  Getting ready for work now.   I’ll try again tonight.  Love ya and I’ll see you this weekend.

JoyOnEarth
ChristOfRighteounessCreatorOfResourcesAlwaysNeeded

JoyOnEarthChristOfRighteousnessCreatorofResourcesAlwaysNeeded

Joe,

On this day especially, if not for the other 364 days, you should know that we all love you.

Lee and Lily

Dear Joe,

Today you are on your way to full recovery, back in your beloved Berkshires with your incredible, lovely family. For 7 weeks I had the unique perspective on your journey to wellness as you stayed with me in New York. What a gift for me to be included in your world, your devotees whizzing around you with jokes, laughs, steaks, wine, medical expertise, prayers, stories, pictures, wishes, memories, parties, coffee (decalf), bagels, massage, healing energies….LOVE!!!

So many great connections made between your friends and family…just try to keep me away from a Corcoran family gathering!

I’ll keep the pod warm…and remember the NY Post still has 10 months left of delivery.

You are our CHAMPION–if Mohammed Ali was here I am sure he would say YOU ARE THE GREATEST!!!

Your friend for life,

Robi

as soon as your appetite is back...the cookies will be waiting

Because these things
Will change
We can see it now
These walls
That they put up
To hold us back
Will fall down
It’s a revolution
It’s how we’ll become
Who we’re
Supposed to be
We’ll sing hallelujah
We’ll sing hallelujah
Oh

So you’ve been
Out numbered
When you’ve been
Out cornered
It’s time to find
What you’re
Fighting for

You’re getting
Stronger now
From things
They never found
They might be better
But we’re faster
And never scared

We’ve got the ways
That we can beat this
There’s something
In your eyes
Says we can beat this

Chorus:
Because these things
Will change
We can see it now
These walls
That they put up
To hold us back
Will fall down
It’s a revolution
It’s how we’ll become
Who we’re
Supposed to be
We’ll sing hallelujah
We’ll sing hallelujah
Oh

Tonight we’re
Standing on our feet
To fight
For what we worked
For all these years
The battle of long
It’s the fight
Of our lives
We’ll stand up
Champions tongiht
And it’s the night
We changed
We can see it now
When the walls
That they put up
To hold us
Back fell down
‘Cause it’s a revolution
Throw your hands up
‘Cause we never give in
We’ll sing hallelujah
We’ll sing hallelujah
Hallelujah

It really saved my throat and kept up my wieght eat alot stay strong you are almost done. Dan Els

michael-rapposelli-nicey-nice

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Heres Nellie and I saying hello.

Thinking of you daddy and looking forward to seeing you tomorrow!  XO Lydia

The Corcorans are in our thoughts and prayers through this time.  The kids even found some songs to send next week.    Many rosaries are going your way.  The Blessed Mother has never failed us yet.   God bless you all.  xo,  the Navarras

Eat pastina it’s small and easy to swallow I ate alot of it when during week 7-8 and alittle extra maalox/lidocain/diphen almost home Joe stay strong

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Joe, so sorry to hear that you have been feeling the effects of treatment. Know that everyone that I come in contact with knows your journey and is sending positive vibes.  I laughed at your comment about Lydia wanting a belly button ring. Reminded me of one of our family barbeques where Dianne, Kelsey, Kayla, Kaitlyn and myself were eating burgers in the backyard. Like you, it tends to be my most enjoyable time when I have all my kids together. Kelsey was home from Loyola for the weekend so the gang was all excited. I looked down to the ground only to see a round bandaid on Kelsey’s foot. Naturally concerned, I asked what happened to her foot and she turned bright red and Kayla and Kaitlyn took off from the table.  Of course dad was the only one that didnt know Kelsey got herself a tatoo of a sundial on her foot. I really didnt think it was that funny then but I do laugh about it now. In the grand sceme of things, so many of us are blessed with great kids. What’s a small sundial or belly button ring. But don’t tell my other two girls that. Cheers brother. Much love Gary and the gang.

you are the master of your fate, the captain of your soul.

Hey Joe:
You are in the home stretch! Stay aligned. This sweet video is for you and your wonderful world. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rooyt3ptNco

Much love and healing,
Harriette

Joe,

I have been following your journey from the beginning.  I figured if I ever had a chance for a part in the movie I better start writing.  I am sorry that the side affects of the treatment has caught up with you, but you will pull through with all the love, prayers and healing thoughts sent to you daily.  You have been in our thoughts and prayers and my daughter Mychala lights a candle for you every Sunday after mass.   Congratulations to Lydia getting into Sarah Lawrence.   She will be close to family if she needs us, just 5 minutes.  With all the talk of your new haircut don’t you remember the worst haircuts of all from the barber in Edgewater Park?  My mom loves this story.  The  McArdles and  Corcorans were visiting us.  Bobby needed a haircut so he was sent the barber in Edgewater.  The haircut was so bad that all the boys came home laughing and making fun of him.   Of course your mother wasn’t going to let you all away with this, so she marched all of the boys back to the barber for a hair cut.  Can’t you just picture your mom marching you through the streets of the Bronx for a haircut?   None of the boys were laughing when they got back to my house.   Wish we had a picture of that crew.  Stay strong. Love Maureen and Family

Hey there Mr. Handsome Head… : ) Please forgive me for taking way to long to post. You are and have been in my thoughts and prayers everyday since I received you voice message. I actually was recently performing Sister in Salt Lake City Utah, whole separate story… anyhow I raised a ton of money for a convent full of nuns there and recently received a letter that they will pray for me my family and friends every Tuesday for the next year. I was quite sure they would exhausted praying for my crazy ass so I have asked them to focus on you : ) Here is a photo of you and I it was taken just about a year ago today. I can only imagine what nonsense I was mumbling in your ear… miss you, going to be on the East Coast in Easton PA performing the role of Sister at the end of March hoping to fly in a little early and get the opportunity to feel that fuzzy head of yours. I love you Joe… Love to Karen, The Kids and that the entire Corcoran Clan : ) Denise

Hey Handsome -
We think the new doo is pretty sharp! We’re trusting that we will still love you and still find you “hot” when that hair comes back in!!! We’re sending more love and good thoughts than ever and certainly hope that you’re handling all this love from your “old fag” cheering section in upstate New York.

Love, Craig and Rich

Dear friends- I did have a long note drafted late last week that was almost ready to post, but it never did make it up onto the blog. It was all about me entering my 7th and final week with relatively little side affects, compared to the many others I have spoken to…… who dealt with a similar treatment. But since last Friday it seems the treatments have finally begun to catch up with me. This weekend at home was a difficult one, not being able to eat and nausea setting in like I have not yet experienced. Also found myself much more tired than I had before. My daughter was kind enough to come home from school and rent a DVD for us to watch, but I was told I slept through the whole movie. (Sorry Lydia) Now this should not have come as a big surprise. In fact doctors were surprised that I had gone this long feeling relatively minimal side effects of the chemo or the radiation. What they were describing and warning me of all along, as the treatment being cumulative, had finally begun to have some resonance of truth. I have eaten very little these past few days, not being able to keep anything down, but this too will pass. So despite me having a lot to talk about, I am going to defer that to next week or the week after, until I am feeling a little better. Taking a lot for me right now to just write this…….. but felt it was important to let everyone know that although I have hit a temporary rough patch, I will get through this and come out of it fine.

I continue to be humbled by all of the people who have come out of the woodwork to support me in this, and ask that you take your prayers and good intentions up a notch these next couple of days. As I come down the home stretch. I know for a fact that all of this positive loving energy has helped me tremendously so far, so please give me a higher dosage of the same. Every post has been a blessing. So although it is sometimes difficult to write something as often as I’d like, I do read it every day in wonderment and gratefulness that I have so many friends and family who love me and are supporting me. I cannot anticipate when this cloud will be lifted and my sore throat stops raging. Doctors say 1-2 weeks after radiation is over. (March 1st?) Not that I necessarily take anything the doctors say for fact, especially when it’s something I don’t want to hear. But since what they were warning me of has now actually happened, I guess I must admit that occassionally they are right. My body at he moment has been feeling very acidic, so very few liquids or solid foods are agreeng with me. One of good things about eating so may steaks these past few weeks is that I’m sure I have lots of fat stored, and could easily survive an extended fast, if necessary. Kind of like a bear in hibernation, except I suspect I will still be a little chubby even after this is over. Fortunately Karen came into town with me this week and has been great, along with Robi. Giving me my pain killers and other medicines, in addition to lots of TLC while I go through this rough patch.

I know I will be fine and be writing, speaking and using my blackberry again real soon.
Love,
Joe

“Forever Young”, Bob Dylan

May God bless and keep you always
May your wishes all come true
May you always do for others
And let others do for you
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young.

May you grow up to be righteous
May you grow up to be true
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you
May you always be courageous
Stand upright and be strong
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young.

May your hands always be busy
May your feet always be swift
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift
May your heart always be joyful
And may your song always be sung
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young.

“Hope is a driving factor in helping us stay on course in life, it may feel as though it comes and goes, but in reality there is always hope, there is always a chance for something else to happen, and you need to have faith that it will.”

“I know God will not give me anything I can’t handle. I just wish that he didn’t trust me so much.” – Mother Teresa

Good Luck.

Wishing you God’s Healing Light
to mend your body through the night.
I’m saying a prayer to God above,
to wrap you in His Healing Love.

May the Healing Light find its way to you,
may any gray skies blossom into ones of blue,
and I’ll ask my angels to come to your side,
to join with yours, in their comfort abide.

Picture yourself wrapped in the embrace,
of our Father, Know that you’re loved by Him every day.
May His Healing Light melt your troubles away.

Written by Ellen M. Dubois

Dedicated to Joe from Anel.

Keeping you in my prayers and asking for a complete remission by God’s healing  power

Joe,
How is the steamer working? Better than the pan of boiling water and the towel? You do have the added benefit of opening your facial pores and releasing all the impurities you’re picking up in the city!
I have a book for you I will drop off soon. It’s called the Survivor’s Club and it details aspects of one’s countenance that determines their survivability in crisis -and how to acquire that if you do not have it. You have it…but it will be a good read on the commute. As soon as I figure out my survivability I will pass it on to you. Looking forward to your next update. All our love,
Kathleen & Dick

He folks.  Joe has a few days left of his treatment.  The blog has been humming throughout.  It’s amazing to say the least, but I think it is important to have a big push at this point.   I know there are a lot of people who read the blog and are sending their prayers, good thoughts and healing vibes , but don’t  write for one reason or another.   Whether you consider yourself a writer or not… make a contribution.  Even a few words mean more than you can imagine,  because while you write,  your thoughts are on Joe and  you are sending out the healing energy that is so important to his recovery.  This blog is an act of love that resonates in the universe. It’s a positive push in a world so focused on the negative.  Joe has given so many good vibes and good wishes for people and the world in his life that it is coming back in spades for his healing.   The true measure of wealth is the amount of love one can inspire – given and received.  Joe can feel content that he is a very wealthy individual.   In the face of great adversity he is true to himself and continues to give in spirit with great generosity.  It’s not a chore, but a blessing to be in his presence at this challenging time.  I ask all who have read and contributed to this blog to reinvest in prayer, thought and expression.  Although, I am very confident that we have beaten this opponent -  we don’t just want to win, we want to rout it.  Send the love. Send the love.  Send the love.

Mark N. 

Hey Joe, Thought you’d love this David and Jack picture taken this weekend at Okemo.  They both wish you love and laughter tonight to help keep you going! Hang in there my friend. All is good with the boys; they just finished their homework   We can’t wait to give you a big hug when you return home on Friday. Only four days to go!!  Love and Light…  Michael

Caroline, one of Joe’s great nurses in the chemo “suite” just wrote about Joe being the best with his Urine output, and it made me think of another funny story…..

Joe was having his chemo treatment and because of the hydration, the nurses are very specific to measure and record all fluid taken in and that which goes out. Joe was getting out of bed make a “deposit” when he met up with a women in the hallway on her way to the same place. They both looked at each other to see who should go first. There was a moment of silence and then Joe said, “you go first; you’ll be quick; you don’t put out a lot”.
Not only is Joe competitive with himself, wondering how much his urine output was last time compared to this, he is also challenging the other patients in the unit. Each time they come out of the bathroom, he asked them, “How much?”
Keep up the good work Joe!
Eileen

Hey Popsta

Here is Nancy, me and Karen as little babies!

Anel

I’ve been trying to find an archival image for a show I’m doing in June and stumbled upon this image and thought of you.

All the best this week BladderMan!!!(i knew you’d win).

Love Carolyn and the Brood

This is Joe's nurse Caroline... She says joe's been her "best pee'er yet"

Great job with a truly difficult regimen (I’ve seen them all so there is no BS in that statement). You are proof that good friends, family, and laughter can get you through anything. Best of luck in the future…and if it doesn’t make you feel sick to walk back in the chemo unit please come and visit just to say Hi! Caroline

Joe – I am one of those people who, ever since you started this web site, have quietly logged on and been a silent participant sending you many positive thoughts and prayers. I feel like now is as good a time as any to tell you that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers and I wish you a speedy recovery. What an inspirational web site this is and what an amazing journey your life has been so far! After reading all these stories I can’t help but think that this will all make an amazing book (or show) one day.(Can I play the pretty nurse??) All the best to you. Noreen Slevin

Look who has the guitar!

Joe,  I reached into the archives for this one.  What a great time when everyone joined us for our wedding.    This particular photo was taken during the band’s break.    Lockport, NY and the City of Buffalo have never been the same since!     We think of you often and wish you the best during these next two weeks.   With Love,  Mike & Sue

One of the greatest parts of doing Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding was traveling and performing in some of America’s greatest cities. Joe would usually collaborate with a local producer and I would be called in to play Tony. We met so many amazing local families and ate at their homes. We went to the finest restaurants and were treated like Kings. If you wanted to be treated like a celebrity you’d just say, “Yeah, I’m doing that show… Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding”. There was usually so much publicity that everyone knew what you were talking about and we got amazing treatment. It was like being a semi-celebrity.

In Los Angeles. the co-producer, Doug Urbanski loved to go to the track. He would pick us up in his Rolls Royce and take us to Santa Anita Racetrack – arguably one of the most beautiful in the country. With it’s art deco style and driving in a Rolls we were having a taste of what Hollywood once was.

In Chicago , our picture is on the wall at Gibson’s steak house. We loved the Lake , the Italian Beef and the local families who would stuff us on any given Sunday.

San Francisco, one of the most beautiful cities in the country was also a blast. The action and hospitality were beyond. One day Joe got a call from the San Francisco Giants- they were arranging for ”Donny Dolce”, the bandleader from TnT to sing the Star Spangled Banner before a game at Candlestick Park. Michael Raposelli played Donny D. and he was very excited to sing it. Anyway, Joe and I are in the apartment I was staying at and he got a call. The Giant organization was calling to ask Joe if his singer could sing acapella. Joe answers, “Acapella? I don’t know if he knows that one, but he has the National Anthem down cold.” I fell over. It still makes me laugh. You couldn’t make it up.   Joe has come a long way for sure.

Mark N.

Thank you from Joe’s Mom and Dad:

The many weeks of Joe’s healing journey Blog has been just terrific. It is certainly a great support system for him and for his family. We have seen so many of Joe’s friends from near and far contribute some great stories, and some great photos. During our visits with Joe during his chemo and radiation has also been a learning experience for us.  He certainly knows how to deal with this 7 week journey taking one day at a time. Our tears have certainly turned into laughter as we did a lot of that during our visits. He has certainly made it much easier for all of us.  Joe has accepted this disease as just a bump in the road. With all the family support, very dear friends and most of all the prayers and cards he has received from so many kind and caring people.  Joe had friends who traveled by plane to be with him. He has so many really great friends and family and so have we. We want to take this opportunity to thank all of you who have been our special angels during this process. We are so extremely grateful that words cannot tell you how appreciated we are. Please continue to pray that Joe’s journey will continue to be a very positive one.  With his great attitude and your prayers this journey will soon be a memory.  With much love Eileen and Joe.

Now that Joe’s chemo cycles are finished, and therefore my “acute job” is completed, I feel I can finally join his other healers and contribute to Joe’s Blog.  I really wasn’t going to write anything since I am seeing him on a regular basis and there is nothing I believe I need to say to Joe that I haven’t expressed to him in person.  I am blessed to have a wonderful, loving, compassionate and especially funny brother.  He knows how I feel, since I have been in awe of him my whole life.  Anyone who knows both Joe and I can attest to that.  But what I forgot is… I have much of the “inside scoop” of Joe’s Journey, and I promise I will share some of these stories in time. 

The one I chose to share first is the one most recent in my mind.   Yesterday, Joe was scheduled to have his last dose of “Cisplatin”.  It is the most potent of the chemo drugs he is taking and requires a long day in the hospital because of all the hydration required prior to it’s administration.  It’s the chemo drug that causes the majority of side effects that many of you are familiar with…nausea, vomiting, weight loss, metallic taste, mouth sores…. And the list goes on.  Hydrating prior and after has been shown to decrease these effects; hence the long hospital stay.   Last Tuesday we arrived at the hospital by 10, following the radiation session and was escorted to the chemo “suite”.  We didn’t get his usual BED and Joe was placed in a lounge chair.  We reminded the nurses at Sloan that this was Joe’s long day and we needed a BED.   They reminded us that a BED was not available.  I of course checked out the situation and true, true, no BED.   After a brief question and answer period we found out BEDs are on a first come first serve basis.   OK, still learning the system.   Make note of that!

Now it is Tuesday morning…, emails to Joe confirm his early morning appointment with radiation tech, Raymond (still need a picture of him; will get to him at a later entry).  Obviously, our concern is getting there first (2^nd or 3^rd…would be OK too- THREE BEDS).  I reminded him that I had to go into work for an hour but would be on an 8:30 train, be at 53^rd street by 9:45 am.  All morning I am worrying about the BED.   Maybe I wouldn’t get there in time, what if he got the recliner again?  No way, I called into work, got on the next train 7:30 and  blackberried (is that what you say-or can I just say emailed?) Joe to let him know I was on my way.  He emailed back “did you reserve a BED?  I tried to   call the office but all lines are closed until 9:00.  I called my assistant Rob (husband), for Sloan’s main operator.  Somehow got the nurses station at the chemo suite and “reserved” a BED.  Tried anyway.  They said “You can’t reserve a BED”.  Somehow we believe we are above the other cancer patients.  I’ve hit my all time low, taking a BED away from someone maybe “sicker” than Joe.  I mean “who do we think we are?”  WE GOT A BED…. He wanted a BED his last day, and at all costs he got it!  He was even at radiation, before the building was opened.  They asked him, “Joe why are you here so early”…”I want a BED at chemo!”.  

So there he was, in his bed, reclined with warm blankets family and friends at bedside, requesting extra chairs, harassing the other patients about their urine output.   “How much did you go?” 

More to come…as long as you have the time…Eileen

Dear Joe, I know we haven’t seen you and your family in a while, but we’ve been following your journey very closely. Jack has been paying attention too. As I tell him, “It’s your Uncle Joe”, then I show him some pictures on your sight, he says, “Oh, Uncle Joe from down the shore”, he remembers the Laurie Hotel and the times we had. I remind him how when he was 3, he had a big crush on his cousin Lydia and he smiles. We wanted to tell you that we pray for you and we know you are going to be alright. Someone once asked me if I was living my life on just existing, and you are definetly living and most of all, your teaching me and I’m sure so many others, to have hope and faith. But most of all there is light at the end of every tunnel!! Thank you for sharing your journey with us.
—- Love, Barbara, Jack Reid and Gianna.
—-Love to Karen, Lydia and Jack too

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgHuOnrqmEo&NR=1)

Our youngest is a bit of a railfan and thought you might like the video(“Momma,

you should send this to Joe”) I thought you’d like the song.

Halfway through week 6…

Yeeehaw.

Love Carolyn and the Brood

Hi Joe and Karen,
Life has been busy, so though I haven’t written in a while I have been thinking about you. Reading your site is inspiring and funny (at times). You sure have a great group of friends. You look good in the pictures and it’s nice to hear from the stories from your friends which helps keep the rest of us up to date:)
Keep up the good work!
Love and light,
Lisa

Hey Joe,

Just wanted to write and tell you that I think of you and Karen often.  Hope all is progressing smoothly and beautifully.  Will be headed south soon to see family and so just so you know, you are not only in my thoughts and prayers, but you have the largest chain of southern baptists praying for you as well…

Much love,

Arthur

Joe,

Had a great time last week.  I’m looking forward to our next visit.  Big thanks again to Robi for all she does for you and everyone one who visits, she’s an angel.   I think your much different than most people in that this busy schedule you keep during the week would knock out the average person.  You’re far from average,  I’m tired just reading Marks recount of last week.  I also know from staying with you that you are getting your rest and you are extremely disciplined.  So keep up the good work and continue to share your journey.  Love to Karen, Lydia & Jack.

TL

Hi Joe: I saw all these great photos of boys and thought you must have been one of them as a little kid! Laugh hardy!
Much Love and Healing!
Harriette

Why boys need parents…

!

And you also find out interesting things when you have sons, like…
1.) A king size waterbed holds enough water to fill a 2000 sq. ft. house 4 inches deep.

2! .) If you spray hair spray on dust bunnies and run over them with roller blades, they can ignite.

3.) A 3-year old Boy’s voice is louder than 200 adults in a crowded restaurant.

4.) If you hook a dog leash over a ceiling fan, the motor is not strong enough to rotate a 42 pound Boy wearing Batman underwear and a Superman cape. It is strong enough, however, if tied to a paint can, to spread paint on all four walls of a 20×20 ft. room.

5.) You should not throw baseballs up when the ceiling fan is on. When using a ceiling fan as a bat, you have to throw the ball up a few times before you get a hit. A ceiling fan can hit a baseball a long way.

6.) The glass in windows (even double-pane) doesn’t stop a baseball hit by a ceiling fan.

7.) When you hear the toilet flush and the words ‘uh oh’, it’s already too late.

8.) Brake fluid mixed with Clorox makes smoke, and lots of it.

9.) A six-year old Boy can start a fire with a flint rock even though a 36- year old Man says they can only do it in the movies.

10.) Certain Lego’s will pass through the digestive tract of a 4-year old Boy.

11.) Play dough and microwave should not be used in the same sentence.

12.) Super glue is forever.

13.) No matter how much Jell-O you put in a swimming pool you still can’t walk on water.

14.) Pool filters do not like Jell-O.

15.) VCR’s do not eject ‘PB & J’ sandwiches even though TV commercials show they do.

16.) Garbage bags do not make good parachutes.

17.) Marbles in gas tanks make lots of noise when driving.

18.) You probably DO NOT want to know what that odor is.

19.) Always look in the oven before you turn it on; plastic toys do not like ovens.

20.) The fire department in Austin ! , TX has a 5-minute response time.

21.) The spin cycle on the washing machine does not make earthworms dizzy.

22.) It will, however, make cats dizzy.

23.) Cats throw up twice their body weight when dizzy.

24.) 80% of Women will pass this on to almost all of their friends, with or without kids.

25.) 80% of Men who read this will try mixing the Clorox and brake fluid.

Dear Joe and Karen- just wanted to let you know that we shared a great Superbowl evening with your three sweet dogs.  Everyone- including the very manly men of the group enjoyed Darlene and Carmelina on their laps and in their arms.  They got VERY spoiled. Seymour demanded very little attention but was the center of discussion regarding  his interesting mix and unique look.  He is so cute.  Barb and Dan got several offers to take them if they are in need of  sitting.   Please know that there are very many people here in Simsbury thinking of you all the time and sending positive healing waves to you.  David and I did meet both of you last year at the reading of Dr. Z.   Your new “do” looks great on you! Stay strong and push forward to a cancer free future!  Cindy Burr

I’ve been hanging with Joe for the past week- in from San Fran.  Karen was in LA wrapping things up, so I came in to give a hand until her return.  At least that was my excuse. I just really wanted to hang with Joe, but I wasn’t actually necessary. Karen still runs and over sees everything by phone. Sometimes I felt like I was in a Verizon commercial with the thousand people behind the one guy.  I must have run into,   through Joe,   40 to 50  people.   Family, friends and professionals.

The most important thing I can say is that Joe’s treatment is a disciplined one.   Joe is dedicated,  on time,  clear headed and bullish.  It’s a no joke operation and it is contributing to his strength and health.   And make no mistake,  Joe looks very healthy.  He has great color and put on 15 pounds this week. I put on ten pounds walking next to him… and by eating everything put in front of me.  His strength of character and unrelenting good spirits are having a profound effect on his recovery. 

He stays in a penthouse overlooking the east river.  Robi who owns the  place  is Sergeant  Jewish Mama extraordinaire – makes sure Joe is comfortable and takes the right pill when.  He don’t miss a dose. For joe’s better health she has the apartment so steamed with two blasting humidifiers that it’s like a rain forest. With the amount of people coming through her apartment it’s like running a bed and breakfast.

Another handler,  Eileen, sister and teaching nurse,  picks things up at the hospital. In addition to providing  sisterly  love  and support she is the sheriff of Sloan Kettering and she don’t play. In a sweet but direct way she checks and double checks everything  for Joe. Considering she has  kids, a husband and a job, the amount of time she spends with Joe is amazing.  

Joe’s Mom is always at the hospital with her great smile and attitude to be with Joe.  She brings the many get well cards and reports on the many prayer circles. Mom’s love and these affectionate devotions by her friends are creating a powerful force.   The prayer, thought and meditation of all on this journey is astounding.

Lydia braved snow and storm to come to NY and be with dad.  Joe and I had dinner with her one night and I was lucky to get her for lunch at MoMa and see a couple of exhibits. She really lights Joe up. She is charming and beautiful, but crazy and kooky too.  Da da da dump. Ching Ching.

 So, as you can tell it’s the women… Karen, Mom, Eileen, Robi, Lydia, Marybeth, Terry  who are getting the most important things done in Joe’s recovery. And they’re all pitbulls when it comes to Joe’s health.  Each one brings their own network of support to the table.

 Joe’s Dad of course is a huge support and when I was hanging with him this week I got a good idea where Joe’s healthy , positive and easy going persona originates from.   Danny and Timmy Corcoran also added support by visiting and having a few laughs.  Jack, at school is also constantly in touch.  Rob Engleke is the best brother in law on the planet. He made a couple of appearances along with son Rob and daughter Lauren- great kids.  Rob is opening a bar and restaurant on Long Island. I’ve signed up for the American Bartenders school.

My contribution this week was handling the runoff of Joe’s social calendar.  And let me tell ya – there’s a lot of social in Joe’s recovery.

Sunday- Tom Lonergan flies in to surprise Joe before a small party of twenty guys.    Among the notables, the always supportive Pete Garcia and Gary Arnold.  Also representing Long Island  the great Eddie Wallace and Mike McHugh. Kevin Donovan and Joe Morgan were there trading fireman stories, including those about hook and ladder accidents. Jim Metzger entered as dapper as ever looking like the count of Monte Christo.  Tony Patelllis featured in a Super Bowl Commercial and his gal Janine Molinari showed up. Gershon Reznik(Buffo the Clown)and his wife Elisa also made an appearance. There were many others there I didn’t know and we all had a blast.

 Monday-  Chinese food at Robi’s  with Rob and Rob Engelke and Eileen. Good time had by all.  Dan Corcaran was also there and we both ended up at The Three of Cups. Sorry Danny – we didn’t win any money on the Super Bowl squares.

Tuesday- we had a lovely dinner at an Italian restaurant with Joe, the very wonderful Molly Corcoran(Tim’s wife), Eileen, and Robi.  The conversation was lively and at times political. I can tell you Eileen Engleke does not back down from a fight. I picked up the tab.  American Express called me the next day.

Wednesday-  Joe , Lydia and  I had a great dinner at Smith and Wolenski’s  Now that’s steak!  It is such a pleasure to hang with Lydia and Joe.  Everything just sort of has a flow and it’s always a pleasure to be in the company of a lovely and charming young lady.

 Thursday-  4:30 Joe and I met with Jeff Mazzola, an independent  film producer to talk about a project that Joe and I have been working on. It was a productive meeting and Jeff is such a great guy.  Joe’s Dad and Timmy Corcoran met us afterward.   Later we met at  Jim Metzger’s apartment-a fantastic place that looks like it was designed by Raph Lauren.  Timmy joined us.  Joe left to have dinner with the Sol Glushak,  his wife, Lydia and Lauren Engleke. I stayed at Jim’s for a while and we had a great long and wide ranging conversation.

Friday -  at 8am Joe and I had a breakfast with Darren Sussman. They talked Theatermania business and I ate. It is always good to see Darren. I didn’t know it was Tim Corcoran who introduced Joe to Darren. 

We went for treatment after and met with Joe’s Mom and his cousin Mary Beth who stayed with Joe for a very long day.  Joe and I went to the Blarney Stone for dinner and Joe’s first real beer of the week.  Bill Els came in to pick up Joe to take him to the Berkshires by way of Wasaic and Albany. Bill wasn’t aware of the Wasaic and Albany part of it.  He just smirked and Joe chuckled – great friends.

Whew.  I know this is way long, but it had to be documented to be believed.

Joe, you’re the greatest.

Mark N.

Bubba
was thinking about you and the family. hang in there and stay positive. looks like you have alot of love and support from some amazing family and friends. if you ever need anything we are here for you. Zammy says hi and you are in her prayers.
Love you bud Kurt (BUBBA)

Joe, You must know how saddened I was to get your email telling me about your diagnosis. I apologize for not writing you sooner, but for a man who talks a lot, some times the words just aren’t there. I guess you got one hell of an uphill fight on your hands, but that’s never stopped you before from what I’ve seen. I feel for you my friend and I want you too know that all my thoughts about you are good ones, and I can’t wait to see you laughing again, which you also do so well and so often. Please continue to keep me posted cause I sure as hell don’t want to miss any future parties. Yours Fil
P.S. Say hi to your bett-other half.

Hello Joe:

I guess you couldn’t possibly know how many times I’ve thought of you in the past few weeks. I wonder what you’re going through. I think of how you have always been such a cheerful, charismatic and genuine guy. I think of how you generously reached out when I was working in Africa. I applaud your savvy that help create and nurture some of the biggest stage hits of our generation. I contemplate how much I’ve always liked you, so that it actually hurts to think about what you’re dealing with. And I’m saddened that I am powerless to take this challenge away from you, or even soften it a bit. All I can do is send a bit of my heart.

After all my travels overseas, it seems I was destined to get back into theatre. I’ve taken over as GM for Playscripts, a theatrical licensing and publishing company here in the City. I feel very lucky in this regard. Great folks with which to work, a real dedication to service, and a nifty marketing strategy to get plays out to the markets where they can best thrive. So, I look forward to talking to you about any and all your future projects for years to come in case we can be of use to you.

Take care, buddy. Sorry my words are so feeble. Just feel loved, and know that all the good energy I can muster flows your way.

Bill

Dear Joe,
In time of need we always seem to turn to our poets.

DO NOT GO GENTLE INTO THAT GOOD NIGHT by Dylan Thomas

Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day; Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Though wise men at their end know dark is right, Because their words had forked no lightning they Do not go gentle into that good night.

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay, Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight, And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way, Do not go gentle into that good night.

Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay, Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

And you, my father, there on the sad height, Curse, bless me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

With your strength and support from your family, friends and doctors, you’re going to beat this.
With love,
Michael Ulick

Hey  Joe, this is Craig Rivela. I hope you are feeling well on this fine Sunny Superbowl Sunday morning. It will be even better if the Steelers win – 6 1/2 ..of cource  unless you have the other team,lol. I wanted to let you know that i firmly believe that positivity is the key to life. It is something i try to work on every day of my life. I have battled many demons in my life,and positivity ALWAYS pulls me out. Granted there are days that it may be difficult to stay positive but that comes along with the roller coaster of life. My father has also battled and beat this terrible disease and he is the most positive person i know.(unless he is sitting in traffic ,haha). I know a big reason for that  is because of his positivity, strength,and love and support from his friends and family.So i wish you all the best and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

I would also like to thank you for helping create this great show called Tony and Tina’s wedding that i continue to do to this day. There is nothing more rewarding  to me then making some one laugh and smile ,and here it is some 6 yrs later and i  still continue to do that. My first memory of TNT is from about 16 yrs ago. I was a close minded kid from Brooklyn NY. My girlfriend at the time was a senior at Laguardia HS for the performing arts in NYC. She tried to get me to go see TNT but when i found out that the actors got the audience involved, i totally chickened out, and was like no way. I never would have thought that all these years later I would be playing Tony in the same showI was to scared to come see. I am very proud to this day to have been a part of this production, and coming from Brooklyn it also makes you a mini celebrity.lol. “wow your in Tony and Tina’s Wedding, that’s amazing”. So Joe, I thank you for that.

Be well, and all the best

Craig Rivela

Of the nearly 7 years that I’ve been doing “Tony N’ Tina’s Wedding” I really only met Joe Corcoran once…at a performance in the Berkshires,where Joe’s kids attended school.  I was pretty terrified to meet “The Great and Powerful Oz” in person!…and throughout the show I kept thinking that this audience of wealthy,upscale couples, along with my Boss, would watch me portraying the “Gay Brother of the Bride”, and be totally disgusted,and insulted by my crass,and sometimes lude behavior…

little did I know that Joe had arranged for the entire audience to stay and “schmooze” with the cast (and an Open Bar!) afterwards, and I got nothing but love from the audience…a little too much “love” from a couple of older women, whose combined age HAD to be close to 200. These old broads were pulling down my pants, and spanking my ass, ON THE DANCE FLOOR, in front of G-d,Joe Corcoran, and Everybody!…

When I play to a crowd that is less than ideal, I think about that night.

Joe…sending u love,prayers,and best wishes….kick cancer in the ass, and I hope to see you, just like those old ladies, in your 70’s and 80’s,dancing,and laughing, and molesting some poor unsuspecting young person on the dance floor…as long as it aint me!

lol

-Rhett Kalman

(current Joey Vitale in TNT nyc)

Hey Joe,

I saw Mark and your brother Dan the other night. I was so glad to hear that  you are doing great and wasn’t surprised to hear what a great attitude you have regarding it all. You always seem to carry an aura of good vibes ( is that terminology a little too hippie? I don’t care), so I guess why would this situation be any different. But for some people it might make them ask why and bum out and who could blame them. But your approach will be an inspiration to anyone else who might face similar circumstances. It is crazy how many people are affected by cancer these days. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of  you and your family and will hold nothing but positive thoughts. God Bless.

With love,

Anthony Barile

Joe, its Superbowl Sunday and I would be remiss if I did not send positive vibes to a Super Guy and a Super Friend!  I hope you enjoy the game and and get to relax with your gang.  I will be in NYC this week for what ever night works best for you.  Di and the girls send their love and positve vibes for the final stretch of treatments. Cheers buddy, you got this thing on the ropes, this week we go for the knock out punch. I would also like to send a big hearty CHEERS  to Robin for all she has done. Lets face it, letting Nasar, Garcia, and Lonergan in her apartment all at the same time deserves a medal.  Thinking of you, your buddy —–Gary

Hi Joe,

Just wanted to say hello to you and tell you that I’m sending you all of my positive thoughts and prayers. I hear from Mark that you are doing great. I am thinking of you and sending you all positive energy for your healing! Here’s a funny memory from TNT that I thought you might enjoy….One night, when the show was down at Gus’, Bobby Oliver and I forgot to bring the cake upstairs from the kitchen fridge in the basement. As Tina and Tony were getting ready to cut the cake, Bobby and I, panic-sticken, made a mad dash for the basement, grabbed the frozen top piece of the cake from the freezer and ran ustairs, just in time to place the cake on top of the three tiers….when Vinnie went to cut the cake, the knife wouldn’t go through and the struggle itself was an Abbot and Costello moment! Thinking of you, Joe.

All my love and prayers and positive thoughts!

Anita Salvate, N.Y.C.

Hey Joe…

It’s Johnny Tammaro. For almost 25 years now you have helped chage the lives of thousands of people.  TNT has become a NYC Staple. We have out lived many a “interactive” expierience…there is nothing like the original, Baby!!

From NYC, to LA and everywhere in between us TNTers have ENTERTAINED literally thousands of people with what I believe to be one of the best pieces out there.  I mean come on…we went to Frickin’ JAPAN….Time of my life!!!

Without the support & wisdom from you, ALL these people and ALL the performers would have never met.

So, what i’m gonna do is…i’m gong to…channel if you would, ALL the people and ALL the performers that I have encounted in the past 10 years and mentally take all thier hands and send our “Power” to you.

It’s time WE as LA FAMILIA help you!! Ok, i’m starting to ramble…but I think you get my drift.

So, teh next time you go to the hospital, tell all your nurses and all your Dr.’s that Johnny Tammaro said “Joe is going to beat this…his 2,500 “Italian” cousins are all here with him, holding his hand.”

Till I see you again popping up in another random spot in NYC…

All my love, support and prayers,

Johnny Tammaro

I’ve always felt very privileged to count you as a pal, and I know you’re aware of how much I love and respect you. I’m a child of the 60’s, and a firm believer in karma, and what you’ve put in that bank is more than what it will take to bring you through this like it never happened.

All my love to Karen & the kids, and I’m of course an e-mail or a phone call away if there’s anything, and I mean anything, that I can do to make this an easier time for you. And that includes a probably too-long private comedy show of all-new old jokes.

from the only performer on the East Coast who was never in Tony & Tina’s Wedding (I guess you’re waiting to cast me as their divorce lawyer)…

Jackie Martling

Hey Joe,

Its Jimmy Toes. I’ve been following your blog. You’re truly a lucky person to have so many great friends and family in your life who are willing to express their feelings for you in such an honest and open way.  In my mind and heart you will also be the “cool older brother” of Dan. The brother that always looked out for us when we did the stupid things that friends of  younger brothers do when in the presence of older siblings. I remember a party at Hofstra that really inspired me to study hard in high school so I could one day drink beer from a funnel in a college dorm surrounded by uninhibited college ladies. Thank you for that inspiration. I remember hanging out in your back yard during the Corcoran family pool parties.  Most fresh in mind is how much you enjoyed our company. We were a motley crew, but you always found us funny. Which I thought was cool, and still do.

I know I’m going to see you again in good health. I can’t explain why I am so confident in saying that,  I just know I am. It’s not your time. You are strong, you have the motivation and will to fight this and you are winner. 

Stay well…peace to you and your family.

Jim

I hope it comes through. 

Donna

Hi Joe, You are surely a strong man my friend. Your spirit and mind seem to be in the right place and that is a powerful thing. Anthony and I think about you often and are sending you healing thoughts and energy. If you can be the camp counselor to the crazy and degenerate T and T crowd you can conquer anything! Your blog is wonderful to read and very inspiring. This post is very bland in comparison. You are a great and generous person and that will come back to you . I will write again and certainly read your blog. Much love and blessing and good health to you,
love Justine

Dear friends- This past week and a half went along pretty uneventful, with just radiation and chemo now over till 1/26 (this Monday). Fortunately I’m still feeling well, getting plenty of rest, drinking a lot of water, taking all my medications and doing almost everything the doctors and my medical associates tell me. This includes two daily applications of a Vaseline-like cream that I need to cover my chest with, and several “steam sessions” where I stick my head over a boiling pot of water and attempt to breathe hot steam down my windpipe. Not fun, but it does help with the sore throat and my ability to swallow food more easily. I’m told that as I get deeper into my treatment that lots of different symptoms of the chemo and the radiation will begin to kick in. I actually felt a little nausea this morning (Wednesday) which would not be unusual. But I immediately got out of bed, took all the morning pills and sat upright in the pod. (The brown beanbag type chair that molds to your body and in which I was photographed) Within about a half hour I felt fine. On second thought later in the day I realized that I could have felt sick after eating too much chocolate the night before. Point is, I’m not sure if I was feeling queasy because of the chemo, or the chocolate. I guess only time will tell.
One major development this week, which many of you have already seen evidence of, is the new crew cut. Early last week, after taking a shower, I noticed more strands of hair (than usual) in the brush. Having always had plenty of hair, and seeing many of my closest family and friends loose theirs, I was confident my hair could tough out any chemo and stay intact. But apparently cisplatin does get the best of even the strongest hair. So before it became evident to anyone else, I handed Karen my beard clippers and said “Please give me the standard military cut”. I must say……………it has been so long since I had hair this short (I was an infant) that I can barely recognize myself when I walk past the mirror. It’s taking a little getting adjusted to…………. but according to some I have a good head and the short hair suits me. We’ll see if this lasts though. The sun is not usually my friend, and I don’t like sun block, so having to grease up my head, or burn, does not seem like fun. But who knows.
Thursday I had a medi-port put into me. The purpose of this is to avoid having a needle every time they wanted to take blood, or inject me with something. It didn’t hurt while it was happening because I was put under. But in the following days it sure felt like I was shot in the shoulder.
Lourdes and I did have a laugh while I was waiting to be prepped for my procedure. An old Jewish couple was next to us and they were quite funny. Their names were Florence and Leonard Berg. After being weighed, and her height taken the nurse mentioned 5′2 and was about to record it. With that Florence insisted she was 5”4, and not 5”2. The dialogue that pursued between the nurse and Florence was absolutely hysterical with Florence seriously asking the nurse “How could I have possibly shrunk 2 inches in a week?” Something had to be wrong with their measurement. In the end Florence threw up her hands and told the nurse ………you can write what you want, I’m 5’4. Only in New York folks, only in New York.

Now in week 5 and three days into the 2nd round of chemo. It ends up being a pretty long day given I have radiation, chemo, and usually at least one or two other medical related appointments. It’s like a full time job. But given my full cure and is our top priority, I have not stressed at all, and I’m already in a whole different head. One thing I have really noticed is that I have become much more patient. Now that’s something I’m hoping will stay with me long after the treatments are over. It feels good not to feel so affected by outside occurrences, and realize that we all have a choice as to how we react to anything that happens. As I mentioned in my first letter, there is much for me to learn. But the clues are coming through and I know that what I learn in this process will enhance every part of my being, for the rest of my life.
Karen is in California wrapping up last minute business at Cal Arts this week. In a meeting with the dean and the head of the theater department they mutually decided that Karen will be taking a one year leave of absence and resume her studies where she left off this year. Given what we have all been through this past year from preparing to move to LA, to all of us adjusting, and then my diagnosis, followed by another move back has been a real test for all of us.

In conclusion I want to again thank everyone who has visited the joesjourney blog, especially those who have posted a message, commented on other peoples messages and/or posted a photo. Have spoken to so many who say they read the blog daily but never post. I would love to have you all become a “documented” participant of my journey.

Below are the instructions in another place, other than where it’s listed on the home page, so maybe it will appear simpler.
1- On the right look for a line that says “Log in”. Once clicked, it will take you to a box asking for the username and password.
2- For username enter “joeshealingfriends”. In the password box enter “joesjourney”, then hit submit.
3- Will take you to a page where you can either write or post a message and several other features. If writing more than a few lines you may want to cut and paste it into the box from your word program.
4- Once you have entered the copy into the box provide, hit “publish”
5- Check the front end and you should be there. Good luck.
Much love, appreciation and thanks for everyone’s support.
Joe C
PS Special thanks to our friend Robi who is not only providing me with a bed and great care when I’m in NYC , but who also allows me to invite friends and family up to the apartment most nights of the week. Horray for Robi!!!

Joe,

You look great.  This website is truly amazing.  I love it!

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It Might as Well Be Spring

Halfway through week 5 I’m searching out a fetching toque for you. Love Carolyn and the Brood

Hey Big Joe!

We have been thinking of you and praying for you, but most of all we miss you. We were reflecting on the Summer and you are the ultimate party animal from the time you get up in the morning till you lay your head on the pillow at night. The best is when you are on the beach with your shovel…digging to China! And not to mention your ability to navigate through the wildest roller coasters on the Wildwood Boardwalk. Can’t wait to do it all again this Summer! You are our inspiration for vacations!

So Joe, i heard you have a new hairdresser. I like the new do!

You are always in our thoughts and prayers, wishing you a speedy recovery.

Love,

Carmelina, Micheal and Liz

Hey Joe,
I spent the weekend with my sister in N.Y.C.. We had some great laughs. She spoke about you and about all the great times she’s had with you and your family. You are very special to her and you have touched her heart in so many ways. Keep making her laugh not many people can do that!!!! Love, Roseann (Ad’s sister)

Hey Joe!!! Just wanted to give you a shout. I’m taking excellent care of your ever loving Karen. Tonight she will experience the culinary skills of Mr. O’Dell. Chillean Sea Bass, sauteed spinach and salad from the garden. Were sending you mass doses of love and light. Tony O

Our thoughts are with you and your family.
All the very best.
Neil, Lea & John

Joe, the love and healing energy from family
and friends will get you through this…the
outpouring of support is truly inspiring. We
send our love and hugs and continued sunny
thoughts!
Mary Ann Slomski and the JDRF Staff

Joe,
Loving, Missing and Thinking about you and your Family!
Your Friend,
Luca
P.S. I am Here if you need me!!! ( For Anything!)

hey joe, 

We see each other infrequently, but your always in my thoughts. Its amazing, 6mos at Hofstra and 30 yrs of friendship. My prayers are with you buddy.

spags

Joe, I saw that picture of the marching band and immediately the thought of the Army -Navy game many years back came to mind.  I am laughing out loud at that one. Should I tell it or will you….Cheers brother, I can see you running across that field as if it was yesterday- I  know you are laughing very hard right now…—Gary

Let It Be

Hi Joe,

Unfortunately I haven’t seen or spoken to you in years.  I”m your former employee from the start up of Theatermania, a great friend of Lourdes.  I am so glad that she  is visiting you now.  With her support all things are possible. 

When she told me about your illness I was sad for you and your family.  Then I was mad because good people shouldn’t have to go through this.  But when I read your letter I was so impressed with your determination to overcome this pain in the ass (chest) bugger.  Please stay strong and I believe that you can do it.  If you get down just reread your committment to keep living and know that for so many having you in their life is important.  And when you visit the Lonergan’s next – please come over for a glass or two of wine.

I wanted to thank you for that opportunity to be a part of the dot com world.  It was so much fun.  And obviously  a brilliant idea.  I logged on yesterday to see what was happining in theater in Chicago.  I am so glad you have kept it going.  The site is perfect.

John Wayne said  “Courage is being scared to death – and saddle up anyway.”   So stay in the saddle partner…. But I think you look more like Bono than John…..

Love you,

Kim Dyson

Joe and I were getting ready to run one of his famous boat trips. It usually entailed about 200 or so invited and uninvited guests. We were on the pier where the boats launch. Joe tells me, “It’s a bummer. They don’t let you bring your own beer on board. It’s pain in the neck.” “That sucks. Don’t people expect that everything is included?” I look over Joe’s shoulder and there’s Billy Els and a couple of other knuckleheads loading cases of Bud onto the boat with a hand truck. I asked Joe about it. He laughs. I laugh. (Beevis and Butthead) Then Joe proceeds to give the Irish handshake to all of the boat’s crew members. There were more handoffs than on an NFL Sunday. Joe asked me if I would collect the money when people got on the boat. He asked me as formality. I was up to my eyes in Joe-bought steak dinners.  And it was always nice to have a wad of cash in my pocket even when it wasn’t mine.  It gave me a false sense of security.  Anyway,  I was happy to do it.  

I thought about other boat trips. My favorite being the one that never left the dock because the water was to rough. It was a drizzly night and everybody was inside the boat.  I think Joe had the Captain start the engines at the start of the party and at the end of the party.  Most people thought the boat went out and came back – myself included.  We had a blast anyway.  Ironies such as these give Joe great pleasure.  Obviously, we still laugh about it.

Anyway,  I collected  the money for this particular trip and the Circle Line boat took a trip around Manhattan.  The party was going pretty well. I approached Joe to give him the money. He told me to hold it.  It was safer with me. Trust me,  even in the middle of the Hudson,  Joe would find a way to spend it, give it or do whatever you can do with money.  While having the exchange with Joe,  a very drunken lady approached me and said,  

“You ran out of wine coolers and there is an hour left to go on the trip.”

“I think you might have had enough wine cooler.” 

“No, I did not. I was told that there would be all the wine coolers you can drink. There’s none left. Are you Joe Corcoran?!!!

“No,  but if I’m lucky, maybe in my next life.”

“It’s not funny!!!! Where’s Joe Corcoran? I want to speak to Joe Corcoran!!!!”

I glance at Joe, figuring he might want to step in at this point.  Nothin’. 

“Where’s Joe Corcoran? I want my money back. I want to speak to him now!!!”

“Joe Corcoran is the boss. He doesn’t actually come on the boat.” 

Joe screws up his face. And not being one for confrontation – disappears into the crowd.  This crazy drunken women soon joined by the rest of her Long Island girl tribe continue to berate me.  Finally I give in.

“Allright!  Allright!  I’ll give you your money back,  but you’ll have to leave the boat.”

We were in the middle of the Hudson – not  a dime lost.

What are friends for?

Mark N. 

ps – no, i did not end up dating one of those women for the next two years.

Joe, I have to say you look good with the new haircut. Great picture of you with mom and dad.  Looking forward to seeing you again this week. By the way, great clip on the Free Hugs!  Hopefully this weeks treatments are going well. You look great!   Dianne, Kelsey, Kayla and Kaitlyn are sending positive vibes from Bay Shore. Cheers brother, thinking of you daily —Gary

Joe,
My name is Elisa Murphy from the Philadelphia area, Karen and Kate affectionately call me “Cous” that means we are “family”. I have been following your journey and continue to be amazed by the outpouring of love and affection that your many friends and loved ones have shown on your website. I thought you would enjoy this brief video clip. You will remain in our thoughts and prayers duing your journey.

Hi Joe! Enjoy this silly video.
much love and healing,
Harriette

Joe, I met you and your family a few months ago at Bari Halle & Patrick Cannon’s house for a Marty remembrance dinner. Marty’s niece was there along with Tony O’Dell and my friend Steve. I left that dinner thinking what a wonderful family you and your wife have. Your kids were amazing. Real warm and outgoing. Bari recently told me about the battle you’re fighting. I just wanted to let you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. If you remember, Steve (who you had old school friends in common with) was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in April of ‘07. After some unpleasant months of treatment, he’s doing fantastic. The treatments for cancer are not easy but with family and friends for support, they’re doable. Like Steve, you have a zest for life and I know things will be great. I’m sending you nothing but positive energy and hope.

I hope to see you next time you’re in my part of the country.

Jim O’Heir

Dear Diary: Connecticut Winters:
Aug. 12 – Moved into our new home in Connecticut. It is so beautiful here. The
hills and river valleys are so picturesque. I have a beautiful old oak tree in my front yard. Can hardly wait to see the change in the seasons. This is truly God’s Country.
Oct. 14 – CT is such a gorgeous place to live, one of the real special places on Earth. The leaves are turning a multitude of different colors. I love
all of the shades of reds, oranges and yellows, they are so bright. I want to walk through all of the beautiful hills and spot some white tail deer. They are so graceful, certainly they must be the most peaceful creatures on Earth. This must be paradise.
Nov. 11 – Deer season opens this week. I can’t imagine why anyone would want to shoot these elegant animals. They are the very symbol of peace and tranquility here in Kirkville. I hope it snows soon. I love it here!
Dec. 2 – It snowed last night. I woke to the usual wonderful sight: everything
covered in a beautiful blanket of white. The oak tree is magnif icent. It looks like a postcard. I went out and swept the snow from the steps and driveway. The air is so crisp, clean and refreshing. We had a snowball fight . I won, and the
snowplow came down the street. He must have gotten too close to the driveway because I had to go out and shovel the end of the driveway again. What a beautiful place. Nature in harmony. I love it here!
Dec. 12 – More snow last night. I love it! The plow did his cute little trick again. What a rascal. A winter wonderland. I love it here!
Dec. 19 – More snow – couldn’t get out of the driveway to get to work in time.
I’m exhausted from all of the shoveling. And that snowplow!
Dec. 21 – More of that white shit coming down. I’ve got blisters on my hands and
a kink in my back. I think that the snowplow driver waits around the corner until I’m done shoveling the driveway!
Dec. 25 – White Christmas ? More freakin’ snow. If I ever get my hands on the sonofabitch who drives that snowplow, I swear I’ll castrate him. And why don’t they use more salt on these roads to melt this crap??
Dec. 28 – It hasn’t stopped snowing since Christmas. I have been inside since then, except of course when that SOB “Snowplow Harry” comes by. Can’t go anywhere, cars are buried up to the windows. Weather man says to expect another 10 inches. Do you have any idea how many shovelfuls 10 inches is??
Jan. 1 – Happy New Year? The way it’s coming down it won’t melt until the 4th of July ! The snowplow got stuck down the road and the shithead actually had the balls to come and ask to borrow a shovel! I told him I’d broken 6 already this season.
Jan. 4 – Finally got out of the house. I went to the store to get some food and a goddamn deer ran out in front of my car and I hit the bastard. It did $3,000
in damage to the car. Those beasts ought to be killed. The hunters should have a longer season if you ask me.
Jan. 27 – Warmed up a little and rained today. The rain turned the snow into ice and the weight of it broke the main limb of the oak tree in the front yard and it went through the roof. I should have cut that old piece of shit into fireplace wood when I had the chance.
May 23 – Took my car to the local garage. Would you believe the whole underside of the car is rusted away from all of that damn salt they dump on the road? Car looks like a bashed up, heap of rusted cow shit.
May 10 – Sold the car, the house, and moved to Florida . I can’t imagine why anyone in their freakin’ mind would ever want to live in the God forsaken State of Connecticut!
k morgan

Hey Joe,
I just caught up on the postings and your updates. It sounds like you are doing well and are in a very healthy frame of mind. These postings are amazing. Such love abounds!
Congrats to Lydia on getting into Sarah Lawrence, very exciting. I love the Christmas pics of the family.
Keep up your spirits and if you can find a lomi lomi massage practitioner, I recommend it. The massage technique uses large broad strokes and two handed strokes using the forearms and elbows. It incorporates healing energy work and prayer with the goal of permitting positive energy to flow. My thoughts are with you and your beautiful family.
Keep on keeping on. Much love, your cousin,
Bridget Corcoran

Love begins with the promise of what is to be;
Love blossoms in the sunshine of mutual harmony;
Love lasts beyond a life time and throughout eternity;
Life is never easy, the important thing is how you handle life and all of its hardship and pain;
You’ve got to deal with lifes troubles by standing up fighting,
Battle through it and come out triumphant and you will be a winner!

Joe hope you get better real soon. I had so much fun, pre-children, tagging along when Tom or Lourdes came to town. We will have to gather again soon! Get better fast!
Love Ellen and family

Ok so it hit me tonight at a Jonathan Edwards concert that we are going to book Joe’s full recovery party. Email me at gmarnold@us.ibm.com if you want to be on the invite list. Looking for an early spring get together at my place on Long Island. Joe, we always planned the fun parties at Hofstra and this will be no different.  Joe will pick the date and I’ll take care of the rest with a little help from Mark N, Pete G, Tom Lonergan and who ever else wants to help. Joe, good luck with next weeks treatment. I am standing by to see if you are up for some fun when Mark gets into town. I will coordinate with the rest of the guys. Yvette , great picture by the way, what a cutie pie. Cheers Joe, you are in my thoughts and I toasted you many times tonight.  Much love , Gary

Of all the TNT romances, I believe the most enduring began on opening night at Carmelita’s on 14th St. in NYC in the Spring of 1987.   (For the curious, evidence had it that the upstairs dressing room was doubling as a brothel just hours earlier, but that’s another blog…)

Just as the band struck up, this gorgeous brunette with sparkling eyes grabbed my arm, “Marina, why are you only looking at the Italian guys in this room? How about some of the cute Irish guys in here…like THAT one?” And of course Karen was pointing to you.

xoxo,

Pat

Since I have heard this news; my heart feels in a flurry of warmth and nerves. You, Joe bring back a flood of memories good and hard ones too. I can say I love you. When I was first cast; I was as excited as I was insecure.  Such a feast ahead of me of  art and actors new and bold. I remember YOU one day when my moment to step us as Tina had come, and it was being scrutinized, I needed to show my “UMPH” so to speak, of course I knew I had it, and that I would bring it out when needed, but no, it needed to be seen asap! YOU, JOE, said to me; “It’s OK, just show us what you got.” with your voice of groveled tenderness.

It was wonderfully simple, palpable and it worked. You are at the core, Kind. Thank you Joe, for you.

My sweet heart, Albert, he has a friend named Rick, he had lung cancer. They removed his lung. And he is alive and well.  My uncle has Lung cancer he is 80 yrs. old. He is alive and feeling well after his chemo/radiation. My super strong Father of 81 had brain surgery last year, he is up on Mt. Tamalpais right now jogging.

So my sweet producer from the past, pick your path. All is well…………..they say.

Love Laura

hello LOVELY KAREN

Joe, Thanks so much for getting me out of that snowbank last night. I’m just not a good backer-upper, never will be. Anyway, Dick and I had a great time with you guys last night – although we should have had more to drink – ha, then I’d be about 3 ft deep into the bank instead of 1 ft. And the temp was too cold for humanity. You guys need a Bahamian or similiar vaca when these 5 weeks are up. Hey, Mar 16 – 29 (Jack’s spring break) would be perfect. We’re going Mar. 22-29. Want to come? Think about it, its the only thing keeping me sane at this point – the thought of lazing in the Carribbean sunshine for an entire week! Anyway, you look good Joe – better than Dick and Basil (who looked like he’d been whipped by a Donkey by 11:00 PM). I don’t even know what that means, but you looked better than those two put together! Turkey tomorrow, don’t forget!  Love, KB

Week 3 DONE!!! 

Well it’s -30 celsius with the windchill here in beautiful Toronto, and reading Mr. Mark’s last entry made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, so instead of a direct reminiscence of Joe’s past I shall shake the chains of birthdays past with Mr. Nassar.

I believe it was approximately 20 years ago or so and the cast of Tony and Tina’s wedding  would pride themselves in the extravaganzas they would put on in celebration of fellow cast members birthdays. Ideas would be exchanged weeks prior to the date, finally a theme would be settled upon, Mr. Nassars birthday it seems would be all about broads.

Every shape and size would exploited, no one was left out , it was decided that each female member of the cast ( and any male cast member if they chose) would give Mr. Nassar their own personal gift wrapped up in a coat of their choice only to be seen by the birthday boy and never to be spoken of again.The anticipation was excrutiating, we blasted through the show as fast as humanly possible got changed and told Mr. N  to get a beverage and to take his rightful place in front of the band in a chair adorned with I dunno, brassieres.( I can’t remember,artistic license, shaddup)

the band, of course, started into some lively tune and the parade began… I believe Nancy was first followed by Sue Varon and so on … the other giggling, expectant participants were not told of what  each were presenting but I can still see the  look on Mr. Nassars  face as each gift was presented ( that, my friends, was a gift in itself) When my time came, I boldly walked thru Vinnie’s ballroom  to the jubulent face of the aforementioned birthday boy and opened my coat to reveal … an 8×10 headshot photo of Mark strategically placed over my crotch with my pantyhose stretched up over my, then,quite bodacious ta-ta’s.Bingo. I’m still not sure to this day whether I saw the hint of a blush, but I do remember the gales of laughter throughout the presentation, and that is what I hold dearest to me now, that feeling of friendship and love and idiocy that hopefully we carry through our lives forever, and obviously the bond that holds all of your friends and family so close  to you.

So Happy Birthday dear Mr.Nassar…

and all the best to you Joe,Karen, Jack and Lydia.

Have a relaxing weekend.

Love Carolyn and the Brood

Next week,” the long arm of Joe Corcoran Part 7″

Nell and I were out for my birthday last night.  We were in the grand and gorgeous lobby  of the Fairmont Hotel- piano player and all – having a birthday martini before dinner.  No one was at this long bar but Nell and I , which was  was cool. 

This guy sits next to us – very distinguished looking – the way guys our age- just tuned 51- hope they can do. Anyway we start a conversation about the restaurant we were going to.  He’s a corporate lawyer- very congenial and very well spoken- in from NY.  It gets around to colleges and I ask him where he went to school.

“Sarah Lawrence.”

“Oh wow, that’s amazing. My friends daughter just got accepted. She’s one of my favorite people  on the planet and her Dad’s my dearest friend. It’s a really cool school.

This guy(Richard Taffit) loved Sarah Lawrence – and  didn’t think he would become a corporate lawyer , but  added that his education at SL gave him a huge edge. He had  a unique and rounded education there.

I was happy for Lydia and thought about what a great person she is and that even as a kid I preferred her company to most.  I thought about how lucky I was to be around her while growing up. I also thought how lucky I was to be a part of your family- Karen, Jack, Lydia and you.  Great people- unique and rounded to say the least. You guys have generously allowed me to live in your home at various transitional times in my life and I consider that an honor.  Flat out.

So, I drift back into the conversation.  I asked what years he was at Sarah Lawrence?

” ‘71  to “74″. 

“Hang on.  Do you know Conrad Vogel and Howie Seligman?”

Joe, he practically jumped off his stool.

“I was just hanging out with Conrad last week. I love Howie.” 

We spontaneously gave each other a hug.  

Just to let people know- Howie was the original bandleader for Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding.  Conrad is this crazy real deal artist/painter who was a friend of ours.  He had  a sculpture studio we threw a bachelor party in.

This is all part of what Robi’s Theory of Joe’s six degrees of separation.  I meet a new person in San Fran and Joe figures in the connection.

Now my memory swings into  a whole other direction.  From Joe’s dear family  to – Joe- Howie- Conrad- Mark. 

Joe, You know what’s coming next, but let me put it down for posterity. 

I drag Joe to a performance art piece – early eighties.  My friend Howie, a waiter I know from work, is performing.  So we go into the bowels of the artsy, trendy East Village.   I almost looked cool enough.  Joe is wearing Hush Puppies and Khaki pants(before Karen) –  but as comfortable as ever. We go into this joint with a tiny stage up front. I think there was about ten seats in the place.  Joe wants to sit in the front seats. I like to sit in the back, which really isn’t far back  anyway.  But I follow Joe’s lead.  Howie, who looks like Woody Allen, and this girl come out dressed like bride and groom. The bride plays a sax and Howie plays a guitar and they both sing. Okay, what’s this about?  Two minutes into the song they start removing their clothes. I look at Joe like- I guess this is performance art.  When they finally get down to their birthday suits we had everything we could do,  not to burst out laughing. Partly because it was so weird and partly because we were embarrassed. We were two feet away. The girl was one thing, but I still can’t get that image of Howie  out of my head - 25 yrs later.  It had a profound effect on Joe too. 

He produces live shows- one with a bride and a groom.

And I’m sure it’s a comfort to Joe, Karen and Lydia, to know that Howie is a proud Alumni of Sarah Lawrence University.

… now a successful accountant.  

Mark N.

where else but New York, can you land a jet in the middle of a river, step out onto the wing, walk on water for a few minutes, hail a taxi, have your driver named Vince Lombardi, and be to either Jersey or Manhattan in less than 5 minutes…hats off to to the everyday heroes. God will use ordinary joes to do extraordinary things….keep strong Joe k morgan

I hope your still dealing well. I just want you to know we are still thinking of you and praying for you daily , even if you don’t get a message daily. Love always jeannie

Hi! Joe!!!!!  Well, I’ve either uploaded a pic of ma baby or deleted the whole blog….oh well..Shelby is my happy girl and I wanted to share her happy face to bring a smile to you…So many of my old friends are now figuring out how to pay for college, (and to Gary’s lovely young daughter- Sure, we studied!)  and here I am, changing diapers…and yes, loving every  minute of it. 

I’ve been reading about you for a few weeks and thinking about you and smiling about all the good times we all shared.  You were and are always the center of everyone’s good time- the great oganizer, the great carouser, the great friend.  As another New Year’s came and went I remembered all the great New Year’s parties that you arranged and was REALLY glad to read Lourdes’ mention of the MTV Ball, cause, as in the words of the great Reverend Jim (Taxi fans anyone), “I thought I dreamt that.”

My love and prayers and thoughts are with you and Karen and your gorgeous children.  You’ll be fine, a man with your attitude, intellligence, support and love of life will prevail,  (and will probably start eating raw and practicing yoga and raising your own chickens within a year.)  Please, I hope to be invited to your Year of Living Healthily party!  Green drinks and soynuts for all!!!!  Love, yvette

Hi Joe i just wanted to let you know that i am praying for you. Sorry i have not been able to call, my phone is shut down.

Your in my thoughts and prayers.

your brother in law Kevin

Hi Joe, Karen, Lydia and Jack-gosh-the last time that we saw each other was at Mckenzie’s baptism-Tim is my godson as you know-well-we know you received our mass card dedicated to St. Jude-and we know that St. Jude and all the saints and angels are with you—and finally to dial direct-we are asking God to walk with you side by side-and inside of you-we believe in miracles—we love you,
Sr. Patsy and Sr. Bridget-
P.s. I am also remembering you at the age of about six or seven with Dennis O’Brien at the same age, visiting me in St. Joseph’s School on Bathgate Ave. in the Bronx-you made me happy to visit me–do you remember, Joe—? Love again, Sr. Patsy

You guys better not get together before I’m in town. I’m in on the 24th of Jan until Feb 3rd.  A good day to get together might be  sunday the 25th. It’s the day before Joe’s next dose of chemo. Not that it has slowed him down in anyway. Sometimes when I call him and he doesn’t answer I figure he must be tired- a little worn out, but no, he was having steak dinner with 17 friends. 

Anyway,  I’ll volunteer Arnold to pull it together. He can put the squeeze on people to cancel any prior commitments.  Of course if you guys can come up with a date I can round up some troops too.  It would be a blast for Joe and of course for us all. It’s always a pleasure to be around like minded people. ( nice way of putting it-no). I didn’t say nitwits. Anyway… maybe the Wallaces, Mchugh, Walsh or other Long Island knuckleheads might venture through the midtown tunnel and actually come to Manhatten, God forbid, for a fun late afternoon Sunday get together. I’ll pay the tunnel fees. What am I talking about… that could be a months rent. i take it back. Joe will pay the tunnel fees.  Anyway Superbowl party might not be a bad idea either. Let me know

Mark Nasty – RDZ

Gary- loved the Obama- Irish video – it’s a riot.

Joe, checking in brother. Make sure if Eddie Wallace and boys plan on visiting  I am there to keep things in order   This clip will have you taping your feet and smiling.  Hope week three is going well. Cheers brother, positive vibes from Bay Shore – Gary

Hi Joe:
I am so enjoying reading all the blogs from all your great friends. I thought you might like this video about an unlikely friendship between two animals. It’s just fun. Sorry my computer skills don’t include good downloading knowledge so I have to give you the link.
Much love and healing,
Harriette

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/01/02/assignment_america/main4696340.shtml

Hi Joe;

Your are in my thoughts and prayers everyday, please let me know if you need anything ( healing hands)  .  My congratulations to LYDIA. Would love to see you.

Love,wafa