MamaJo's Fight Against Cancer

Hello. I would like to thank you for taking the time to read MamaJo's story. Joann Ibach Pernice is known to us and most of our small town of Lodi as "MamaJo" because that is exactly what she is to everyone she meets... a wonderful, caring second mother. A group of us girls who have been friends with Dina, Joann's daughter, for around 30 years put this together to help out a family in dire need.
Joann's medical problems began with open heart surgery at the age of 45, and from there, she hasn't been able to catch a break. She had carotid artery surgery and a pacemaker/defibrillator put in. In June 2013 she was diagnosed with stage 4 cervical cancer. When beginning chemotherapy she suffered a stroke during one of her chemo treatments. She has developed lymphedema, which is now making it very difficult for her to get around. Her legs are very swollen & heavy which causes her to be very unsteady. Unfortunately, Mama Jo is no longer able to work and this family needs our help. Home Care is very expensive and we want to help with this expense. Mama Jo is a loving, selfless person who always put everyone else first and continues to do so which is completely remarkable under her circumstances. So now this our time to give back to her. From being a mother to a friend, from being there for us as kids to watching us grow into adults. Always giving her love, support and guidance, not to mention her delicious Christmas cookies that I'm sure most of Lodi have tasted. She was always the first one to help anyone in need, the countless people she helped as a 911 dispatcher, whether it be just a reassuring voice on the other end of the line, to saving a little girl's life by walking her mother thru the steps on a 911 call. She is now in need of help from those who love her & whose lives she has impacted bc she needs someone with her at all times. This woman cares about her community and it's people, a woman who never missed the annual Memorial Day parade on the D.A.R.E. float fighting to keep kids safe. As if her journey wasn't challenging enough, Joann's father recently suffered a stroke and is limited to providing a helping hand. An at home medical aide is desperately needed for Joann will be coming home from rehabilitation soon. We are honored to raise Money for her and help in anyway we can. If you prefer to mail a check please make payable to Joann Pernice or Dina Pernice and email [email redacted] for the mailing address. Thank you in advance!