When it comes to family, I won the lottery

In the novel “The Lightning Thief,” Rick Riordan writes that “knowing too much of your future is never a good thing.” Five years ago this month, I was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG). Back then, if I could’ve seen the emotional, physical, and psychological toll this illness would have on me, I might’ve crawled under the sheets and stayed in bed forever.

As we make our way through June, I’ll share some of what the past five years have taught me. Today, I want to tell you about Joe Malone.

I’ve written before about the incredible people in my family. I’ve frequently mentioned my sister Ann Marie, who is the sun around which her family orbits. Her style and fashion sense are flawless. I don’t think she ever leaves the house unadorned with her trademark sartorial splendor. Invite her to a party and it’s guaranteed to last until morning. Her homes are showcases. She’s an incredible combination of the best qualities that my parents possessed.

Recommended Reading

June 5, 2025 News by Andrea Lobo

1st patient enrolled in Phase 3 trial of MG cell therapy Descartes-08

I frequently tell people how lucky I am to have a sister with the resources to keep me afloat. But I never tell anyone that Ann Marie did such and such; I always say Ann Marie and Joe did it.

Joe is my brother-in-law, who’s been a part of our family for 45 years. If Ann Marie had never made another decision after deciding to marry Joe, she would’ve been OK. Her marriage to Joe improved our family immeasurably, and I think she’d agree that it made her life exceptional.

I’ve thanked and praised many people in my columns, yet until now, I’ve never mentioned Joe. I constantly witness signs of how important he is to us. Over time, he’s become part of the bedrock upon which our family rests. Additionally, beyond the walls of home and family, he’s become an important part of his local business community and a generous supporter of all kinds of charitable causes.

Joe achieved a level of professional and financial success that few experience. He’s intelligent enough to see how fleeting life is, so he uses some of his money to have fun. Every year, he takes at least one exotic ski vacation.

One of his favorite places is their weekend home at the foot of Sugarloaf Mountain in Maine’s Carrabassett Valley. It’s their piece of heaven. Yet while Joe can afford life’s pleasures, he doesn’t let any of them define him. Devotion to family and a desire to assist anyone in need are the defining forces in his life.

Among his gifts is the ability to dispassionately evaluate a problem, identify a solution, and put in motion the steps toward that solution. Also, it’s obvious to Joe that someone in need should be helped. It doesn’t matter what their religion, political leanings, or nationality are.

The first three years after my diagnosis were a living hell because of both MG and COVID-19. For three years, I was unable to visit Maine for the holidays. When I finally made it home in November 2021, I was in rough shape physically and emotionally. I spent 11 days of that trip hospitalized with my first myasthenic crisis.

Joe and I were eating breakfast one morning when I told him I knew that anything that came from Ann Marie was also from him. I wanted to thank him.

He gave me one of his looks that was a combination of embarrassment and curiosity. “You’re family, Mark,” he replied. “Of course we’re gonna help you. That’s what families do.”

I’ll always remember those words. They, like Joe, remind me that in the lottery of life, I won the top prize decades ago by being born into a family that is second to none. Thank you, Joe.

Note: Myasthenia Gravis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Myasthenia Gravis News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to myasthenia gravis.