Update: August 3. Joe lost his courageous battle tonight. Rest in peace Joe. I’ll miss you.
This is going to be one of the most difficult posts I’ve ever written”¦
Many reading this know Joe Ferrara. If you haven’t had the honor of meeting Joe in person, then you are missing out on knowing one of the finest human beings to ever walk the face of the planet.
Joe is one of the co-founders of the Sellsius Blog, a site chocked full of goodness for real estate agents, brokers, buyers and sellers. He, along with his partner at the time Rudy Bachraty, also were the geniuses behind Blog Tour USA. In the summer of 2007, Joe and Rudy wrapped an RV and set off across the country stopping in many locations and bringing real estate bloggers together. They defined social media before social media was cool.
I don’t think it is an exaggeration to say the Joe Ferrara is one of the people who is primarily responsible for bringing the “re.net” together. His contributions to real estate, and literally hundreds of real estate practitioners, knows no boundaries. Joe is an extraordinary speaker, teacher, author, and friend.
And Joe Ferrara is very sick.
He’s been recently diagnosed with a very aggressive malignant brain tumor. I’m not a doctor, and I haven’t been able to speak to Joe since the diagnosis, but he is having a rough time right now and is currently in an Intensive Care Unit in a Pennsylvania area hospital.
Joe’s good friend Scott Forcino has been in contact with Joe’s wife Sandra, who is understandably over-whelmed right now. Sandra has granted permission to get the word out about Joe’s condition, and has graciously allowed us to try to raise some funds for Joe’s medical expenses, which are probably bordering on the absurd.
I have set up a PayPal account to accept donations for Joe’s expenses. You can donate by clicking on the donate button at the top of the sidebar on the right. PayPal is a secure site, you do not have to have a PayPal account, and you can donate via credit card, or “eCheck” (electronic draw from your checking account). If you have a funded PayPal account, you can also use that.
If you have a blog or website and would like to add the donate button to it, just copy/paste the code in this text file.
I’m in the process of setting up a site to collect donations at joe-ferrara.com (site is not active yet, but will be shortly). In addition, there is a “Friends of Joe Ferrara” Group that has been started on Facebook.
Please help spread the word. I realize times are tough for many, but they are tougher for Joe and his family. Any amount you can donate would help. If it fits your beliefs, a quick note to the man upstairs sure wouldn’t hurt.
Hang tough Joe, you have a LOT of friends out there that care deeply for you.
Update: Several people have asked publicly and privately for Joe’s mailing address to send a card. I’ll be happy to share that, but don’t want it posted on a public facing web site. Please contact me or leave a note in the comments and I’ll get it to you.
Update 2: A couple of folks have asked me what the processing fees are for PayPal. They charge 3%. But don’t worry about it. I’ll cover the fees personally for up to $10,000 in donations. Every dollar you donate to Joe will go to Joe.
The Phoenix Real Estate Guy was started by Jay Thompson, and I have a little blogging problem... he liked to say...
Thanks for the heads up Jay – I met Joe on the tour and agree with your comments – a great guy and I'm sorry to hear about his challenges. Prayers go out to Joe and his family.
This sucks! Joe is one of the best guys in the RE.net and I hope everything turns out ok for him and his family.
Jay – Thank you so much for posting this. Joe means so much to so many people. He is truly an amazing person and I feel fortunate to call him a friend.
Wow! How very upsetting this is. I first met Joe last year in San Franscisco at Inman. I was pretty new to the re.net world and sat with Joe through a couple sessions. He was just such an awesome guy! He was fun and I could tell was wickedly smart! He was so vibrant and enthusiastic. I sure hate to see something like this happen to someone with so much left to give. Joe – hang in there and know that there are tons of us out there who love ya!
When I heard about Joe, my heart stopped and I am beyond saddened about the news. Thanks for doing this Jay and let's get the word out to try to help him and Sandra. I had been praying that the news were incorrect, now I'll be praying for Joe and Sandra and their family. I totally agree that Joe has been instrumental in our Real Estate Social Media world and we have a lot to thank him for. I personally love him dearly and just can't believe this is happening…..words cannot even express how I feel (((HUGS JOE)))))
Way to pay it forward Jay – thoughts and best wishes to Joe from all of us in Chicago.
Man, I'm so sorry to hear this. Joe is a pioneer and has always been one of my favorite people in the RE.net. Every interaction I've ever had with him was a positive one & I wish the best for him & his family in these tough times. Thank you Jay for organizing this.
Thanks to everyone who has expressed their feelings and to those that have already donated to help Joe.
If you tried to copy/paste the donation button code from the original post, there was a problem with it. I've updated the post to include a link to a text file that should work. If you have problems, let me know and we'll make it work. The code is in file: http://www.phoenixrealestateguy.com/joe-donation-…
Joe is a gentleman with a big heart. I treasure my connection with him and a friendship that goes back to 2005. I love him dearly. I was privileged to present with him at the first REBarcamp in San Francisco … and several months ago we shared a fun Webinar about the FTC. You can only have "FUN" on a Webinar about the FTC with Joe!
I extend my best wishes to his family.
Thank you, Jay, for putting this together. Is there any buzz about a collaborative fund-raising event where we can pool some talent and generate some $$ for our old friend?
Great idea, Fran! I would love to help more.
Jay –
Thanks for letting us know. Joe is definitely one of the most special "RE.net" guys. I will try to add the donation button to my sites, and will also include Joe and Sandra in my prayers!
Man, I am saddened beyond words. Joe has done so much for so many and has been such a good friend to people in our industry. It is great to see so many people come together to wish him well.
Heck, I was late to the RE.net party and didn't actually meet Joe until the first BarCamp in San Francisco. He has a way of making people feel like they are old long lost friends. The guy is gold and I am sooo glad to know him.
God bless ya' Joe.
AMAZED and Shocked! My heart goes out to Joe's wife and family. You said it right when you said that Joe was instrumental in getting the ball rolling for all of us. I still remember peering in that van they rented for the whirl wind trip to San Francisco.
My heart just aches and prayers go out for total recovery! You have a big heart, Joe and now it's time to focus on yourself…and heal!
Blog Tour USA was the first IRL contacts I had with other real estate bloggers. It helped to move the net off of the net and deepen connections.
I am so sorry to hear about Joe. If anyone comes up with a mailing address where we can send cards, I would like that information.
Thanks, Jay, for running with this. I know Joe means a lot to many of us.
I love Joe, he is a dear friend.
Just clicked to donate and there is something wrong with your link. It gives me a "fatal failure" return.
Gina –
It's working fine for me (and others). What browser are you using so I can test it out? Can you try this direct link and let me know? http://tpreg.com/cZi4zT
ARGH! Internet Explorer stinks. I've removed the button in the post, try the button at the top of the sidebar…
I just used the direct link you posted in response to Gena. Fatal Failure using IE.
I am saddened to hear about Joe. Although I have never met him in person, Joe was always gracious with his time and knowledge via email and all over the web. My thoughts and prayers are with Joe and his friends and family.
Thank you Jay for your support with this post.
Gina, Maureen (and any others) – sorry about that. IE was goofing with the PayPal donate button code in the post. I've tested the donate button at the top of the sidebar and it works in IE8.
Yet another reason to never use Internet Explorer…..
Jay: Thanks so much for sharing this tough news. Joe's a fighter and has an army of good intentions and prayers behind him. In our wide circle, few are loved as much as Joe Ferrara.
BTW, donate button works with Safari. No surprise.
Thanks for what you are doing!
Thanks for the info, Jay. I thought something was up when I hadn't heard back from Joe recently, since he is always responsive. Here's to a speedy recovery to our friend and one of the nicest guys around!
Thanks for putting this together, Jay. I have always known Joe to be one of the best people around; this is crushing news and my thoughts and prayers are with Joe and his family.
Jay, thank you for being a leader and posting this blog. I am sure Joe and his family appreciate it tremendously. Knowing that Joe has so many true friends within the industry will be comforting to his family during this difficult time. Joe Ferrara is a wonderful authentic human being. He is a fighter. Let's all fight along with him.
Thanks doing this Jay. I had no idea.
Thanks for gathering everyone's support Jay.
Some of us have known for weeks now. I was shocked when MD first told me and am very very saddened by this.
Scott and I have been in touch with Joe's wife Sandra and will relay your well wishes and support to her.
My thoughts and prayers are with Joe and his family.
Rudy
Rudy –
I wish there was more I could do. I love Joe Ferrara.
Thanks for stopping by. I know you and Joe have a special relationship and this has to be very difficult for you. Please express to Sandra how much Joe means to me, and obviously many many more people. Hang in there my friend.
Frank and I met Joe at the Active Rain gathering in Orlando in 2009. Joe Spake made sure we met him and it was such a privilege to speak with him. He is such a gracious, humble visionary. We will be praying for him and thanks for getting the word out.
Joe is a wonderful friend, and I'm cheering him on. Scott broke the news to me earlier, and I'm so glad to see Jay pick up the ball with helping Joe.
Joe was the first person to respond to my blog Transparent Real Estate back in the summer of 2006… we go way back in blog years…
Thank you Jay.
I called Sandra and let her know what you and everyone was doing. She's very thankful for everyone's support.
I remember meeting Rudy and Joe and the RV that summer. What a class act! Love those guys! Joe you are in my prayers. My sister had a brain tumor and just celebrated her 10th year survival, she's a whimp. Give it hell!
I have never met Joe but VIA Mike Leznik and Ines, I have been informed about the hard times he, his family, and his friends have now come across. I wish the best for him and everyone he has touched, which appears to be a lot. GOOD LUCK JOE! you are now in my thoughts 🙂
Jay, thanks for getting the word out. First met Joe last summer. An all around great guy and one of the best minds in the business.
Real time tears.
You are in our thoughts and prayers Joe.
You are deeply loved by so many.
Marc
I am really sorry to hear this sad news. Although I’ve never met Joe in person, I have corresponded with him over the years and he has always been very helpful to me. I will keep him in my prayers.
Joe has inspired me. Always upbeat; always funny; and always on the cutting edge. There is so much talk about Influencers these days. Joe is at the top of my list. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.
Jay, thank you so much for sharing – Joe is always a class act and such a wonderful and caring human being. I am so sad to hear this and send all my love and prayers to him and his family.
Joe and his family are in my thoughts and prayers. I have not met Joe in person but had a chance to talk to him on several occasions over the phone. Joe's advise and support, which came handy in very difficult time for me and my wife few years back. Hang in there Joe!
Joe's influence is bigger than even the RE.net. I started reading and admiring Joe's work in the earliest days of the RE.net when I was involved with a realtor web marketing company. Since that time, I've taken a lot of what Joe taught me back to the legal industry, where Joe started his career, too. Be well, Joe! My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Thank you Jay for this blog, our thoughts and prayers are with Joe and his family at this tough time. The re.net today is not the same without Joe, he's an inspiration to so many, wishing him a swift recovery.
Genuine, giving, sincere, all around nice guy…the list goes on and on…innovative (the Blog Tour USA – 2007). Joe has given so much to our community. I will gladly give back to help a friend.
You're in our thoughts, Joe.
This was a shock to learn today, as these kinds of things usually are.Joe is all people say above and more; anyone who spends a few minutes talking to him, which he is always willing to do, will know what a great human being he is.
And as usual, thanks to Jay for taking point on getting the word out and rallying the support troops.
Very sorry to hear and my prayers are with Joe and his family.
Hey Jay,
I am really sorry to hear about Joe and his plight – I have posted on the forums to spread the word http://www.realestatewebmasters.com/thread43087.h… and I have also donated $100 on behalf of REW – Folks, I know just a few dollars might not seem like it might not do much good, but if enough of us contribute what we can, it can make a huge impact, so if you can spare $5 or $50 I am sure the Ferrara's will really appreciate not only the sentiment but the actual impact this will have in reducing their financial burden.
Good luck Joe
I don't know Joe…but I know how difficult the situation must be for his family. My Uncle had a brain tumor and I am sure his family is feeling helpless right now. Thanks for raising funds for them. Paypal makes it so easy, hope you raise a ton.
Shocking news! Blessings and prayers Joe to you and your family.
I am deeply saddened to hera this awful news about Joe. Joe is such a terrific guy and friend. My prayers and thoughts are with him and his family. Thank you Jay for posting this. I will donate and paste the code on my blog. PLEASE HANG IN THERE JOE!!
All of us have experienced the positive and pioneering influence/impact Joe has had on the RE.net, whether directly or indirectly. Jay, thanks for taking a lead in this effort!
Praying for Joe and his wife. I have had the pleasure of meeting him first at the Blog Tour and spent a day with him and Rudy in Michigan. Since then have seen him at so many conferences. What a great guy, awesome human being, so kind.
Joe is one of the nicest, most giving people I know. Dating back to the stone age of the RE net (1996), he has given freely of his advice, time and wisdom as I muddled my way through the whole blogging thing. I echo all of the sentiments expressed here and send my hugs, kisses and prayers to Joe and his family. To say I am deeply saddened is an understatement. There are no words to describe how tragic this is or how devastated I am — as we all are.
Thanks for doing this, Jay. I just tried to donate and there was a PayPal glitch of some kind – will do it again momentarily. I would love to get an address so I can send a card. Sending prayers, good thoughts & healing love from SiliconValley…
Hi Mary,
I'm emailing you Joe's address right now – we cannot plublish the address on the blog for obvious reasons, but anyone can email Jay or me and we will be glad to give it to you.
I was shocked to hear about this news. My thoughts are with Joe and everybody who cares about him.
Gonna do Jim's course on TU to help out…
Jay,
Thank you for doing this and putting up the site for Joe's donations. Can you please forward me the address of where I can send Joe and his family a card? Thanks.
Danilo
Anything for good people…
I would be glad to host joe-ferrara.com and setup what ever kind of CMS or blog you like at no cost. Just let me know.
Sincerely,
Robert McCulloch
Thanks for the offer Robert. joe-ferrara.com has been live for several days now. I should have updated this post sooner to reflect that…
Joe is a remarkable man. There is no other like him. I will surly be keeping him in my prayers.
Where I can send Joe and his family a card? Thanks all
Lubo – you didn't leave an email address when you left your comment or I'd send you Joe's address. You can either leave another comment here, with a valid email address, or you can email me at [email protected] and I'll send you Joe's address.
I have received money through paypal with no fee – there is a category that you can select that they don't charge fees for. Might be worth a look to save some money that can go to the cause.
Billie – I've been using PayPal for three years and have never seen this category where there are no fees charged. They do have "Mass Payment" (a one-to-many payment) where it costs nothing to receive a payment, but the sender is charged in that case. PayPal *always* gets a free from one side of the transaction, that's how they make their money.
Maybe I've just missed it though. Do you have any specifics?
Nonprofit organizations registered as 501 (c)(3) qualify at PayPal and other e-commerce platforms for reduced fees. They are reduced at PayPal. Some platforms waive processing fees.
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=xpt/Mar…
I understand PayPal (and others) reduce fees for 501(c)(3)'s, but this isn't a registered non-profit operation, it's just a grass-roots effort to get Joe and Sandra some help. I'm covering all the PayPal fees personally, so every dollar someone donates does get to Joe and Sandra.
Jay can you give us an update on Joe's situation, please?
For anyone following this, tonight Joe Ferrara lost his courageous battle with cancer. Rest in peace Joe, I'll miss you.
Really stinks and I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Joe. I don't have much else to say except thanks for letting us know what a wonderful person Joe was.
RIP Joe… clearly you touched many lives, and helped inspire so many more.
It is a sad day and I will miss him.
Thanks for your updates, Jay. Joe Ferrara, the big-hearted innovator, will be sorely missed. He was a friend to so many. Prayers to Sandra and family.
Thank you, Jay, for the update. The news is indeed sad.
My life is better for having been touched by Joe, and I send prayers and best wishes to his family.
Very sad news. Joe enriched and brightened many lives, my heartfelt condolences and prayers to his family.
Thanks for doing this.
…and now Laurie Manny. Damn!
I had heard about this a few months ago and did make a contribution. I wish Joe all the luck in the world.
Jay ”“ Thank you so much for posting this. Joe means so much to so many people. He is truly an amazing person and I feel fortunate to call him a friend.
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Thank you, Jay, for the update. The news matematik is indeed sad. My life is better for having been touched by Joe, and I send prayers and best wishes to his family.