Joey was officially diagnosed with Synovial Sarcoma on December 23, 2017, after being misdiagnosed twice while experiencing years of worsening hip and abdominal pain that had originally been attributed to old football injuries and other unrelated conditions. While attending the police academy, Joey was hospitalized with severe pain, but even imaging at the time failed to identify the large tumor growing in his abdomen. As his symptoms worsened, an MRI at a San Antonio medical clinic ultimately revealed a 10 cm “cantaloupe-sized” tumor pressing against his colon.
In January 2018, Joey underwent surgery with Dr. Dennis Rousseau and the Surgical Oncologists of South Texas team to remove the primary tumor. Following surgery, he underwent radiation treatment and AIM chemotherapy (Doxorubicin & Ifosfamide). Despite the intensity of treatment, Joey remained determined to continue building his life and career while adapting to the reality of living with cancer.
Over the next several years, Joey faced multiple recurrences and metastases involving his lungs, spleen, chest cavity, and abdomen. In 2023, a recurrence was treated with SBRT, and he later achieved a long period of stability while taking Votrient (Pazopanib).
In early 2026, Joey’s cancer progressed again with recurrence to the lungs and the development of cancer-related ascites, which required frequent draining procedures. A port was placed, and Joey began treatment with Yondelis, which helped reduce fluid accumulation and improve some of his symptoms. At the same time, Joey and his medical team at MD Anderson were actively pursuing enrollment into the IMA203-101 autologous T-cell clinical trial.
Even while navigating hospitalizations and ongoing complications, Joey remained focused on hope and the future. Just days before his passing, he was preparing to celebrate his wedding in San Antonio surrounded by family and loved ones.
Beyond his diagnosis, Joey was a devoted Senior Officer with the Del Rio Police Department in Del Rio, Texas. He became one of the most active and beloved advocates within the synovial sarcoma community, spending countless hours supporting newly diagnosed patients, sharing treatment information, raising awareness, and writing elected officials to advocate for increased sarcoma research funding.
Alongside his mother, Polly Toro, Joey stayed deeply involved in researching the latest treatment options and helping other families navigate the disease. He was known for his humor, colorful voice messages, kindness, resilience, and ability to make people feel supported even during his own hardest moments.
Joey passed away peacefully on May 23, 2026. His courage, advocacy, faith, and compassion continue to leave a lasting impact on the synovial sarcoma community and everyone fortunate enough to know him.
To honor Joey’s life and legacy, his family invites others to support the Synovial Sarcoma Foundation in his memory. Donations will help advance critical research efforts and future treatment options for synovial sarcoma patients. Support Joey’s fundraiser here: https://givebutter.com/in-loving-memory-of-joey-toro-ih1qmy