We, Joe Grey "GMO Joe" and Joe Mottlow "Joe Joe Tough" became close friends sitting side by side through treatment and recovery from blood cancers. We quickly realized we shared a passion for all things Minnesota outdoors, exercise and more importantly, what it takes to not only survive, but thrive in the days we are given.
As active, outdoor-loving guys confined to chairs and hospital rooms, we longed for the days in which we could return to regular gym workouts. This desire for normalcy and exercise was something that resonated deeply with our primary doctor. Oncologist and Powerlifter, Dr. Shernan Holtan had established a program to promote health and wellness, but quickly realized the limitations that COVID and other traditional gym settings presented to immunocompromised patients. She had a vision to "bring the gym to the patient" in a revolutionary way that is both safer and much more robust than traditional rehabilitative recovery.
Partnering with the med tech department at the U of MN, Dr Holtan has embarked on developing a groundbreaking interactive exercise program powered by Virtual Reality experience and fully incorporated exercise equipment that is tailored to helping immunocompromised patients connect with one another. Access to this virtual exercise experience will be game changing for patients' physical, mental, and emotional strength as they face their daily treatment and recovery battles. This project is in the early stage of rollout and needs your support to make a difference in the lives of many.
Your generous donations will go directly toward funding needed equipment, training University staff, and expanding use by patients.
This JJT (Joe and Joe Together) fundraiser is born out of shared experience, a place of deep gratitude, and the desire to pay it forward to cancer patients, survivors, and the wonderful world class staff at the Masonic Cancer Center at the University of Minnesota.
https://crowdfund.umn.edu/campaign/JJT-StrengthfortheFight