It's been almost ten years since 19-year-old Joe Shidler passed away after a three year battle with leukemia.

Starting Joe's Hope as a Relay For Life team while Joe was still in high school, his memory continues to live on even more when the group made Joe's Hope Foundation an official non-for-profit in 2020. Headed by family members, Dustin Shidler, Joe's older brother, said Joe's Hope Foundation raises money to help those in the community, in particular, those dealing with cancer. The organization also acts as a resource for cancer-assistance.  

For the past three years Joe's Hope has celebrated the season of giving by helping those in the community in some way. This year the organization teamed up with Rochester Community Schools Superintendent Jana Vance to pay any outstanding lunch bills from all four schools with a $300 donation. 

Shidler said knowing local kids have to worry about one less thing is what makes it all worth it. 

With over 60 donation boxes throughout the community, Shidler has high hopes for the future growth of Joe's Hope Foundation. 

More information about Joe's Hope and their upcoming events can be found on their Joe's Hope Foundation Facebook page.

Those interested in donating to Joe's Hope Foundation can mail checks to PO Box 182, Rochester IN, 46975.

For cancer assistance resources and other questions Joe's Hope Foundation can be contacted by phone at 574-201-0134, or by email at joeshopefoundation@gmail.com.