Remembering Joe Thompson: Somerville man battling terminal cancer granted wishes to other patients

Dec. 27—Morgan County resident Joe Thompson, one of The Decatur Daily's inspiring people of 2023 for his work granting wishes to young adults diagnosed with cancer, died from brain cancer Wednesday morning.

Thompson was 22 when he was diagnosed with DIPG, an inoperable brain tumor, in March 2022. Through Thompson's treatments, he found his calling with the Nikolas Ritschel Foundation, which grants wishes to individuals, ages 18-24.

In January, Kelli Ritschel Boehle, founder of the foundation, asked Thompson to become the Alabama spokesman for the foundation.

"This may sound strange, but being diagnosed with brain cancer helped me realize my true purpose and calling," Thompson said during an interview in February. "A dear friend of mine told me, 'A man has got to wake up every day with a purpose.' You have to feel like you are doing something for an important reason in their world."

In the past year, Thompson hosted two fundraisers, secured a grant from the Haas Foundation, raised over $28,000 and granted wishes to recipients.

"To help other young adults, like me, be able to escape their diagnosis just for a little bit and find some hope, that is my passion," Thompson said. "These wishes are so important. They give a sense of peace in a really dark time. These wishes, in a sense, allow people to escape cancer for a little bit and just live."

On Wednesday, the Nikolas Ritschel Foundation named Thompson as the organization's "wish angel" of the year.

"His passion, enthusiasm and love of life inspired us all," the foundation posted on Facebook. "Thank you Joseph Thompson for making a difference in the lives of many."

In lieu of flowers, Thompson's family, per Thompson's wish, asked for donations be made to Nik's Wish or cancer research for DIPG.

— cgodbey@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2441. Twitter @DecaturLiving.