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GoFundMe site set up for past World Team member Joe Heskett's rehabilitation costs after massive stroke

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by USA Wrestling

Photo courtesy of Joe Heskett GoFundMe site.


Joe Heskett, a 2007 Senior World Team member in men's freestyle, is recovering from a massive stroke, which he suffered on March 12.


Heskett's family and friends have established a GoFundMe site, to assist the Heskett family in the costs the next phase of his rehabilitation, which is not covered by his insurance.

Click here for Joe Heskett GoFundMe


Heskett placed fifth in the 2007 Senior World Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan. He was a 1994 Cadet World bronze medalist when the event was held in Frankfort, Ill. A three-time All-American at Iowa State, Heskett's competitive career ended after suffering from a heart condition in 2007, shortly after competing at the World Championships. Heskett served as head coach at Army West Point for four years, and also has worked in college athletic administration.


In addition to raising funds for Heskett's medical needs, the GoFundMe site has been posting updates on Joe Heskett's recovery from his family

JOE HESKETT GO FUND ME PAGE INFORMATION


Many of you know, and love, the story of Joe Heskett.


Five days after placing 5th at the 2007 World Championships Joe went into sudden cardiac arrest and his wrestling career unexpectedly ended due to a rare congenital heart condition.


However, Joe’s story of survival in 2007 is just a part of his awe-inspiring journey.


Prior to his retirement from competitive wrestling in 2007, Heskett was training as a 2008 U.S. Olympic Team hopeful. In June 2007, he earned a spot on the U.S. World Team roster and won a silver medal at 163 pounds at the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. At the World Wrestling championships in 2007, Heskett was one of five wrestlers to qualify his weight class for the 2008 Olympics after winning a silver medal.


At Iowa State, Heskett became the Cyclones' eighth four-time All-American (1999-2002) with a career record of 143-9. Third on ISU's all-time wins list, Heskett finished third in 1999 at the NCAA championships and second in 2000 and 2001, before capturing the 165-pound title in 2002. Heskett was a three-time Big 12 champion (1999, 2001, 2002) and three-time Midlands champion (1998, 2000, 2001).


Heskett earned his bachelor's degree in speech communications from Iowa State in 2002 before graduating from Cal Poly with a master's degree, with honors, in educational leadership in 2005. In 2018, Heskett finished his doctorate studies at West Virginia University with a specific interest in human potential development as well as individual, team, and organizational leadership.


On Thursday, March 12, 2020 Joe had a massive stroke.


He is currently in Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus Ohio which specializes in neurological medical conditions. Fortunately, he is resting and in stable condition at this time and the staff is working on helping him to understand what has happened.


The next phase is to transfer him to a rehabilitation facility for extensive therapy. Unfortunately, the insurance that he has will not cover the rehabilitation facility for his therapy and any financial assistance will be much appreciated.


Joe is a world-class fighter, and it will be amazing to be a part of his recovery and watch how this tragedy can, like the massive heart attack, be used as fuel for his life mission.


We appreciate your support in this trying time.

Click here for Joe Heskett GoFundMe

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