Joe the Mule Needs Your Help!

Unfortunately we have some bad news regarding one of our I&M Canal Boat mules, Joe. Joe has been diagnosed with EPM, a neurological disease that causes inflammation and spinal cord damage. There is a treatment available and while it will not reverse the damage that has already done, it may keep the disease from getting any worse. Although Joe will probably not be able to pull the canal boat any longer, we want to see that he gets the medication he very much needs with the hopes he will respond to it.

The treatment is administered daily for 1 to 2 months depending on how well he responds. It will cost about $42 dollars a day. PLEASE consider helping us with Joe’s treatment. You can donate online at http://canalcor.org/become-a-donor where you can put Joe’s name in the space provided, or donate by calling us at 815-220-1848 ext. 1848. You can also drop off donations at the Lock 16 Visitor Center, located at 754 First Street LaSalle, IL 61301, in the donation box labeled for Joe.

Any amount will help and is greatly appreciated. Thank you.