Help Support Joan’s Long Road to Recovery

Our dear friend Joan has been hospitalized since November 24, 2025, and she still has a long and difficult road ahead.

Joan traveled to Austin, Texas to support her father while he underwent heart surgery. While there, she began experiencing swelling in her legs and feet, shortness of breath, and severe headaches. She went to urgent care, where she was immediately admitted to the hospital and diagnosed with kidney disease.

Since then, Joan has faced a series of serious medical complications. She was on dialysis for 11 days, and doctors have been closely managing high blood pressures and elevated blood glucose levels with multiple medications. She also had difficulty breathing and required fluid to be removed from around her lungs.

On Saturday, December 14, Joan developed extreme abdominal pain. A CT scan revealed a perforated ulcer in her duodenum, and she was rushed into emergency surgery. Following the surgery, she had to be placed on a ventilator to help her breathe. Her recovery has been extremely challenging—her blood pressure dropped very low, and she has been left in pain, weak, disoriented, and confused. She is currently unable to eat or drink and has very little energy, often unable to speak above a whisper.

Joan has already been in the hospital for nearly a month and is expected to remain hospitalized for at least another week or two, followed by rehab, and then a long period of recovery at home. It is unlikely that she will be able to return to work for quite some time.

Her husband, Richard, has also been unable to work while staying in Texas to support her. Because they are away from their home state, they do not have their usual community and support system nearby. The medical bills, travel costs, and loss of income are adding up quickly.

We are asking for help to support Joan and Richard during this overwhelming time. Any donation—no matter the size—will go toward medical expenses, living costs, and easing the financial burden so they can focus on what matters most: Joan’s healing.

While it’s going to be challenging, her doctors are optimistic for her recovery.

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support. Please consider donating or sharing this page to help Joan through her long recovery.

Organized by Joan and Richard's San Francisco Bay Area Family ❤️