Joe Mendoza's Memorial Fund
in loving memory
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow, learn as if you were to live forever.”
~ Gandhi
Joe was a proud husband, father, son, and friend to many. He lived an amazing life that was driven by a passion for helping others and elevating those around him. Joe’s selflessness, kind heart, and optimism will forever be remembered by those who knew him. Upon his cancer diagnosis, Joe approached his fight with great courage, hope, and tenacity.
Regardless of the outcome, Joe wanted to be remembered as a fighter and to live on not only through body but through spirit. It is through this spirit that we honor Joe’s grand legacy and advance the fight against cancer for those who need it most.
Father God, I know that you don’t always use the most qualified person to do your work. Sometimes you use ordinary people like me, and equip them to work in your harvest. Amen.
The Mendoza family asks that you continue Joe's Legacy, with a gift in his name to the Osborne Head & Neck Foundation
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Psalm 73:26
Remembering Joe
Joe's life serves as an inspiration to me, and I will miss him, but I will not forget my friend. I will continue to keep him alive, through my work, and my deepest hope is that others will join me to continue his legacy.
-Dr. Ryan Osborne
Please share a memory or message to the Mendoza family in honor of Joe by clicking the button below.
When I first met Joe we had an immediate connection. It was unlike the traditional physician-patient relationship. He told me his prayers for guidance brought us together, and I never doubted that. He seemed as though he were a part of my family - a brother in arms. His kindness and compassion for others was a quality I deeply respected, and his tenacity was undeniable.
Even though Joe and his wife Cindy came to my office to discuss an advanced cancer, Joe brought a sense of brevity. I was direct with them about his chances of surviving a surgery, and he simply said "before God, and before my wife let me say if it's my time.... its my time. But I am not going to just sit in a corner and quietly die. I'm going to fight to the very end, and I prayed to God to help me find someone who will help me fight."
His words are the reason I practice medicine - to give people a chance to fight, when others won't. I knew then, Joe was more than a patient in my care, he was someone of the same creed. Family.
Joe not only survived the surgery but became an inspiration to others during his recovery. I went to see him at the hospital to give him words of encouragement, but he wasn't in his room. I found out he was visiting patients who were having a rough time, and giving them the emotional and spiritual support they needed. He would find some way to connect with them, often through his love for good food and passion for sports.
In a time when many people become naturally more focused on themselves, Joe was a beacon of light illuminating the darkness for those around him. Everyone knew Joe would not allow the focus of the conversation to remain on him. He would inevitably start talking about making a difference. He insisted on generously giving to those who faced circumstances like his own, with money and deeds.
I admire and respect him greatly. He was strong, and showed constant compassion. He was a man of integrity whose love for his family and friends was palpable. You know you were blessed if you were able to call yourself a friend of his. He loved God, and he loved being an agent of God.
Joe's life serves as an inspiration to me, and I will miss him, but I will not forget my friend. I will continue to keep him alive, through my work, and my deepest hope is that others will join me to continue his legacy.
Dr. Ryan Osborne