GoFundMe page created for Red Raider fan recovering from stroke

Note: The video above reflects top headlines from morning of April 23, 2024.

LUBBOCK, Texas — On March 20, Joe Easter, a Lubbock father and Texas Tech football fanatic suffered a severe stroke resulting in major complications. A GoFundMe created by his daughter Stephanie Easter, hopes the Lubbock community will “rally for Joe” to support his fight for recovery.

Stephanie spoke with EverythingLubbock.com on Friday and said the catastrophic event left Joe with aphasia making him unable to speak or swallow and leaving the left side of his body paralyzed. Following his stroke, Joe has been under an extensive recovery process.

Joe has touched many lives in Lubbock, from working at Orlando’s restaurant, TTU Civic Center and the Rawls Golf Course. He has also “donated time” to the Salvation Army in Lubbock as well.

“A dreamer and definitely one of a kind! My dad [Joe] is always in a good mood and laughing non-stop,” expressed Stephanie. “He’s a remarkable person and everywhere he goes he brings smiles to people’s faces.”

Stephanie said she hopes her father will have a chance to cheer for the Red Raiders once more.

“[Joe] loves everything about Texas Tech football. He loves attending the Red Raider Games, cheering them on, often screaming out of joy (and anger) at them,” she said. Even hearing Red Raiders, Stephanie said Joe will throw a “Guns Up.”

Joe is currently in a rehabilitation program in Lubbock and while there has been noticeable improvement Stephanie told EverythingLubbock.com he has a long way to go.

“Since then, he slowly started doing things like looking at objects or people, tracking them with his eyes. Then it went to waving the right arm, then answering questions and now we are at the point where we can even hear him say words,” Stephanie said optimistically.

“We see so much progress with Joe,” she said. “When he was in the hospital, he was completely immobile to start. He wasn’t able to respond to things or questions.”

Stephanie added that it gives hope for a future where Joe will one day walk, talk and function like he used to. However, while there’s light at the end of the tunnel she said seeing her dad in the state he is currently in is tough.

“He was a very active person and full of energy. All of that came to an immediate halt,” Stephanie said. She added, “I know, with every fiber of my being that [Joe] needs more time to fight his battle…”

Stephanie said both her and her partner have been learning a lot about neuroplasticity and stroke recovery to give Joe around the clock care and rehab once he is discharged into their care.

Stephanie said all donations will go directly towards extending Joe’s rehab, securing the necessary care and equipment and covering legal fees for guardianship.

If you would like to support Joe’s recovery journey, donate here.

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