In February 2019, Fire Warden Lt. Michael Geist – a patient of the BAYADA Hospice office in Boyertown, PA – lost his battle with brain cancer at the young age of 32.  He was a husband, father of four, and a Bushkill Township, PA volunteer firefighter who sacrificed for his family and his community. Now, with the help of BAYADA Hospice, his 9-year-old son is honoring his father by also giving back to others.

Joey Geist is a remarkable child who, despite dealing with his own grief, wants to help people facing the same illness as his father so that they don’t have to die. Joey encouraged others—including employees from BAYADA Hospice—to donate to the American Cancer Society in Bethlehem, PA to help cure this horrible disease. 

Joey intended to sell his treasured Pokemon cards to raise money, until BAYADA Hospice stepped in and helped raise funds so he wouldn’t have to sell his cards. Joey presented a check for $601.18 to the Bethlehem chapter of the American Cancer Society on July 18. 

"We’ve had youth over the years that I've been around do some different aspects of fundraising, but never to this extent," said Mark Stankiewicz with the American Cancer Society. "He's very committed to it, and he really wants to help find a cure." 

In addition, some local “angels” built and painted for him a custom lemonade stand—named Joey’s Juices—so he can continue to raise money to fight cancer. In honor of his father, the stand looks like a firetruck with a ladder and lights and is complete with the number 5235, which was Joey’s father’s fire station number.  When Joey saw his amazing stand for the first time, he said, “This is awesome! I MUST sell lemonade now!” Joey sold lemonade in the American Cancer Society parking lot that day, turning over more funds to the American Cancer Society. He’ll be hosting his stand throughout the local communities during the summer to raise additional funds as part of the journey of Joey’s Juices.

Joey's donation was also covered by the local news media! Read a few of the stories below:

WFMZ-TV: Joey's Juices Raising Money for American Cancer Society This Summer

The Morning Call: Joey Geist Hosts Lemonade Stand to Raise Money for American Cancer Society 

PBS 39: Joey's Juices—Finding Purpose after Tragedy

FireChief.com: Boy, 9, sets up lemonade stand to raise money for cancer in honor of late father 

 

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