Fight Like Joseph”: Family Rallies Around Young Cancer Warrior as Fundraiser and Community Support Grow
May 4, 2025 – Winston-Salem, NC — The Mastin family is asking for prayers, positivity, and support as 23-year-old Joseph Mastin faces a life-altering diagnosis. Recently diagnosed with metastatic testicular cancer, Joseph is preparing to begin intensive treatment, and his loved ones have launched a public campaign to help him navigate the difficult journey ahead.
Joseph’s story began just weeks ago when he noticed discomfort and an abnormality. On April 10, he was evaluated at Forsyth Medical Center, where doctors performed emergency surgery the same day to remove a tumor. However, subsequent scans revealed heartbreaking news: the cancer had spread to other areas of his body.
He is now under the care of the Novant Health Derrick L. Davis Cancer Institute, with plans to begin chemotherapy on May 12. Before treatment starts, Joseph will undergo pulmonary function testing and have a port surgically implanted for infusion sessions. His treatment plan is intensive and expected to involve multiple hours-long sessions each week for several months.
Adding to the physical and emotional toll of the diagnosis, the family is also facing mounting expenses associated with medical care, travel, dietary needs, and supportive therapies. To ease this burden, Joseph’s sister, Hailey Tharpe, launched a fundraiser on the GiveSendGo platform titled “Fight Like Joseph”, which has already begun to draw community-wide support.
“Joseph has always been the happiest and most positive person I know,” his mother shared in a public post. “I am proud to be his mom. But as we face this battle, we are leaning into faith and the support of everyone around us.”
The family is grateful for the skilled care Joseph will receive through conventional oncology services, as well as additional integrative therapies provided by Robinhood Integrative Health. Joseph is also participating in a cancer research program, underscoring his desire to not only fight for his own future but also contribute to cancer awareness and long-term solutions.
A strong, faith-filled young man, Joseph’s greatest hope is that his story will encourage others to prioritize early cancer detection and to act quickly when something doesn’t feel right. His family has committed to sharing updates throughout his journey to raise awareness and uplift others in similar circumstances.
“We are heartbroken, but we are not without hope,” said Hailey. “Joseph is a fighter, and we are doing everything we can to give him the best chance at healing and living a full, healthy life.”
The Mastin family is asking the public to continue sending prayers, kind words, and financial contributions as Joseph begins his chemotherapy journey on Monday. Every donation helps ease the burdens of transportation, lost work, medical costs, and ongoing care.
🟢 Support Joseph’s Fight
Those wishing to support the Mastin family can contribute via the official fundraiser:
🔗 Fight Like Joseph – GiveSendGo
As Joseph faces this courageous battle, the outpouring of love from his community reminds everyone of the strength that comes from standing together in times of need.