❤️🩹 Please forgive this belated and blunt update.
I’m shamefully late sharing this news here, but for those who haven’t yet received the news, after five years of living with ALS José is finally at peace.
Even three weeks later I’m finding it difficult to write about so I’ll share this photo and note posted to Facebook less than 24 hours before he passed—which admittedly came even faster than we expected.
As for José’s wishes – he was steadfast in his desire that no services or funeral be held. An intimate celebration of life was hosted at HPR earlier this week and a second gathering will be hosted Orlando later this year. If you’ve reached out regarding the Orlando event please know that details will be shared as soon as they are available.
In the meantime, any contributions in his memory can be made to the Fajardo HPR Student Internship Fund at Hawaiʻi Public Radio. The fund was created in honor of José’s deep commitment to developing the next generation of public media leaders. The fund will help introduce local students to career opportunities in public media. When donating online, simply specify “Fajardo internship fund” in the comment box.
I’m also exploring the possibility of establishing a second fund dedicated to supporting others living with ALS–including their caregivers.
This blog and #TeamJosé will continue in some format, but will be quiet in the coming weeks. If you have time and interest to contribute to whatever form #TeamJosé takes on in the future be sure to let me know.
And as I’ve shared in other spaces, PLEASE continue to share your stories and memories of José. It helps to fill the immense void of his physical presence. His legacy lives on in all of us. I’ve been collecting your stories and remembrances and will eventually archive them here on this website.
💗 Jen
Jen, I love how you continue to advocate and show your dedication. Love you so much!
Jose was in my Calculus class, he was older than me and was very brilliant. He was always a gentleman and treated other students with respect. I have many good memories of all the Fajardo family and join them in prayer for peace and comfort. The memories and his love will always be with you.
Descansa en Paz,
Nicky Zamarripa
Antilles class of ‘82
Thank you Jen.
It is hard to digest a sibling is no longer with us. Yet I am at peace that Josean is.
He has always been a Champion in living out how he wanted and driven in that way. He did after all go out how he wanted and in a peaceful manner.
I can say we were all there by his bedside spiritually while holding his hand.
God will have him now in his arms.
Let us know when you can, And take your time of what happens next.
I know we have his final wishes yet we all know it is still difficult.
I can’t say enough how thankful we are with you being by his side throughout.
God bless you.
Jennfer,
I feel you have managed a very trying, exhausting and certainly overwhelmingly sad experience. José was in good hands with you and your helpers. It’s clear to me he had a peaceful passing.
Now, let your memories bring up the especially happy times you had together: when & where you met, what surprising experiences you had, what made you laugh together, where you traveled, looking at the ocean & stars together…lots of good times.
Love & hugs to you!
Barb
Jose and I were in the same Antilles Class of ‘81, we played on the soccer team together, and we both shared our love of writing poetry and stories in the Pirates Pages. We reconnected via email a few years before his ALS diagnosis, and through the blog and #teamJose family, I was able to see what an amazing person he continued to be as he faced the greatest of challenges with dignity, respect, and with smiles, joy and optimism! And of course all that with the constant amazing support and love from his superhero Jen!
Despite knowing what the outcome would be, I didn’t let myself imagine him gone. About a month ago I started having him on my mind daily and would check for updates.
I’m my heart I could feel he was no longer with us. However, I’m at peace knowing he is no longer suffering with this tragic disease.
My thoughts, prayers, and condolences to the entire Fajardo family and the TeamJose community.
A true leader. A true inspiration. A true friend. What more can anyone ask for in life’s journey? José has been such a driving force throughout the years that I have known him, starting in college in central Texas. I will see him again at the end of my path, so I won’t take this moment in time for sadness, but to reflect on the powerful, positive influence that he has made and the breadcrumbs of growth and joy he brought to us all that will continue to sprout forth in the coming decades.
See you soon, my brother.
So sorry to hear of Jose’s passing. I met Jose when I was 13 years old while living on Ft. Buchanan in Puerto Rico. A beautiful gentle soul from an amazing family. Throughout the years here and there we kept in touch. He spoke so much about his immediate family and the love and support he had. I am truly sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.