Friends and family of Joe Belgio, a 44-year-old Marine, Cicero firefighter and Little League coach, gathered Monday to share why they believe raw oysters are the reason he is now bedbound in a veterans hospital.
A lawsuit filed on Belgio's behalf alleges that he contracted E. coli and Vibrio cholerae after eating raw oysters on June 30, 2025, at the Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse in Oak Brook, attorneys said at a press conference Monday, published in full by FOX 32, and in a legal complaint. On July 3, 2025, Belgio suffered a cardiac arrest that left him with a debilitating brain injury, according to the complaint.
"The entire industry knows, from the harvester to the restaurant, that this is a dangerous bacteria that is found naturally in these oysters," attorney Scott O'Sullivan said at the press conference.
Gilbsons did not immediately respond Monday afternoon to an email sent to a listed media contact for the company seeking comment.
Belgio had been making progress at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, but he was forced to stop because his insurance funding ended, leaving him without consistent specialized therapy as of February, according to his fiancée, Melanie Stayer, who spoke at the press conference. His medical expenses have eclipsed seven figures, lawyer Karen Arenas said, also at the press conference.
Belgio has missed his young daughter's first word, steps and birthday, Stayer said.
"The healthcare system and safety net for my American hero and serviceman has failed him, but today proves his community has not," she said.
To help meet Belgio's medical needs, a fund was established through the Cicero Fire Department's nonprofit.
"Every dollar will go directly to a special trust for Joe for his rehab and support," Arenas said.
For more information, visit JoeBelgio.com.
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