Joe Daniels

About Our friend
Joe is a native of Atlanta, having grown up in the Sandy Springs area. After graduating from North Springs High School, he attended The Georgia Institute of Technology, where he met his wife Amy.  After graduation, Joe helped develop a number of small technology firms in the healthcare and financial services sector.  Twelve years ago he founded Dovetail Homes, a boutique custom home and whole scale remodel construction firm. Joe and Amy have three daughters: Palmer, Bryce and Macy, and a few dogs.  Some of Joe’s many pursuits include running, cycling, skiing, traveling, and doing anything that lets him enjoy his family and the outdoors.

Joe has a long history of giving back. In 2012, Joe participated in Race Across America with the Georgia Chain Gang.  His team cycled from California to Maryland to raise money for the Leukemia-Lymphoma Society in honor of a former teammate.  This amazing ride came after raising money for Team in Training with donations for running two marathons.

The Daniels are active members in Oak Grove United Methodist Church, with Joe and Amy serving as Sunday School teachers and youth group leaders.  Through OGUM’s Friends in Faith program, Joe has mentored three children including one ongoing and long term relationship (video).  Joe also supports the Chiefs Football Club’s Father Christmas Cup.  This soccer tournament benefits families that have lost a parent.  Finally, through Dovetail Homes, Joe has been able to support local swim teams, Lakeside HS Volleyball, Oak Grove Elementary Track Club, Project Playhouse, the Valhalla Project, Alliance Theater and others.

About The Injury
Thursday, August 29th, Joe was out with his closest friends enjoying a nice evening of skiing at Lake Lanier and unfortunately had a run end badly.  After a hard fall and chance meeting with his ski, he suffered severe trauma to his brain.  The quick teamwork of his friends saved Joe’s life that night.

Joe suffered a significant depressed skull fracture that impacted the left side of his brain, resulting in paralysis of his right side and what is known as global aphasia, or the inability to communicate.

For the first 12 days post-accident, Joe was in ICU under the great care of neurologists at Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, Georgia.  He underwent a craniectomy to remove part of his skull the day after the accident.  This procedure provided a “relief valve” for continued brain swelling, as well as reduced the risk of harmful bacterial contamination from lake water.  Within three to four days of the accident, the medical professionals were very confident that much of his motor issues would be overcome and speech would be his biggest challenge.

On September 9th, Joe was transferred to the internationally recognized Shepherd Center in Atlanta.  Joe thrived under the care of a team of fabulous physicians, therapists and medical professionals, outpacing projections for his physical recovery and amazing the team.  He was walking within one week and he and Amy had their first date night on October 4th, a mere six weeks post-accident.  It was clear early on that although he could not respond with words, Joe could comprehend everything being said to him.  The welcomed gift of short, verbal responses happened in Mid-October as Joe graduated from global aphasia to what is known as Brocas aphasia.

After a second surgery to replace the area of the skull that had been removed in August, Joe was released from the Shepherd Center on October 24th.  He is now in daily outpatient therapy at the Shepherd Pathways program in Decatur, Georgia.  His family and friends are delighted to have him back among the fold, but want to help him have access to the best aphasia treatments available to make a complete recovery.  (To read more about his initial treatment, visit Caring Bridge or the Team Joe Facebook Page)

The Journey Ahead
Joe continues to work doggedly with occupational and speech therapists in the Shepherd Pathways outpatient program.  Pathways is a six to eight week program of general therapy which encompasses physical, occupational and speech therapies.  Going forward Joe’s therapy will be primarily for speech.

Aphasia recovery is a lengthy process.  To understand aphasia, try to recall when you’ve had a word on the tip of your tongue but can’t get it out.  Now imagine that frustration every single time you want to say something.  That is what it is like for someone with aphasia. Research has shown and doctors have recommended that the best way for Joe to overcome his aphasia is through an intensive speech therapy program.  It has been proven that adults with who work in a regimen such as this, delivered over an extended period of time, show significant improvement in communication skills.  This improvement can be seen regardless of severity, type of aphasia, education, age, and stage of recovery.

These programs are all private pay and not covered by insurance.  They will cost tens of thousands of dollars and last 4 to 6 months. Unfortunately, there are currently no top-notch programs in the Atlanta area.  The best are in Michigan, Nova Scotia and Chicago.  This means Joe and his caregiver will need to travel out of state for weeks, possibly months, at a time.

Who Is Team Joe Daniels?
Team Joe Daniels is made up of friends from different aspects of Joe’s life. We have come together to ensure Joe continues to have the very best care on his journey.  It is only fair that he have the best when he has always given his best.  Joe Daniels is a man with an indomitable spirit and a giving heart. Joe has given back to his friends, his community, his church and so many.  He has actively sought ways to support us.  Now it’s our turn to do for him what we know he would do for any of us.