Madeleine Dean: “Government is at its best when it helps those in need. That is the story of Collegeville resident, Joe Eitl. Joe was…”

“Government is at its best when it helps those in need. That is the story of Collegeville resident, Joe Eitl. Joe was born with a rare heart condition that meant only half of his heart worked properly. For years, he endured surgery and after surgery, and still at 37, Joe suffered heart and liver failure. A transplant was his only hope. The family's nationwide search began, and in 2020 at Vanderbilt University Hospital, Joe became the first person with Down syndrome to receive a combined heart and liver transparent. What made this possible? Medicare. Medicare saves lives. It saved Joe. Without it, thousands of Americans would not have the chance at the life they deserve. Through it all, Joe's courageous and contagious spirit never wavered. His story is not the story of sorrow, but of joy and enduring strength and of the power of community. From his parents, Craig and Peg, to doctors, nurses, family, friends, and coworkers, Joe had love and support. May the Eitl story be the story for many others in acute need. Now, Joe is competing again with joy in the Special Olympics, a remarkable feat for a remarkable young man. ____________________”