It is still difficult to cope with the fact that Joey is no longer with us physically, but his spirit lives on in all of us. Sadly, we can’t bring him back, but we can support the Joseph Peter Bartzis Foundation for Amyloidosis Awareness. Joey would encourage all of us to get regular check ups and make sure our general wellness is in order. This is what we need to do to support Joey’s legacy. We must advocate for funds and research for this little known disease!
As a dear friend of Joey there are far too many amazing stories and memories to recall. I would literally need to write a novel to include everything! But that’s what it was always about for us as “partners in crime”, it was about the story, about the memories that live on forever.
Joey and I grew up as best friends, inseparable. We rode the waves up and down through adolescence and into high school. As we parted ways for our undergrad degrees we never lost touch and always made time to chat about the craziness of college.
Joey was the person you always wanted in your corner. Energetic, caring, outgoing, fiercely loyal to his friends, and he received that same loyalty in return. He was everyone’s Protector! As big, or intimidating as he was to many, he had a heart of gold.
To me, Joey was more than a friend, he was a brother. His legacy will be as a savior to those who will fight and defeat this disease in the future. I am so very grateful for the time I was able to spend with Joey over his 26 years on this earth. There was never a dull moment.
I think of Joey each and every day - sometimes it brings tears and frustration, but mostly it puts a smile on my face, and inspires me to be the best version of myself, to live like Joey.
Brother, what we do in life, echoes in eternity!
-Matt Andre
