Hi, my Name is Annie and i am a friend of Joanne

Help Joanne Hold on to the Life She’s Fought So Hard For

Hi everyone,

I’m writing this with a heavy heart, asking for help for someone who means so much to our families - we are a joined family through my son Zachary and Joanne’s oldest Daughter Shakira.

Joanne, a devoted wife and an incredible mother to two beautiful daughters.

Joanne has been fighting for her life for far longer than most people realize.

At just 16 years old, she was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease and had to have her spleen removed. After that surgery, life finally seemed to give her a break. She was healthy, hopeful, and starting her future.

But her body had other plans.

When Joanne became pregnant with her first daughter, Shakira (who is now my son’s girlfriend), she developed painful, unbearable rashes that went far beyond “itchy.” It was exhausting and frightening, but once Shakira was born, the symptoms disappeared. Joanne believed she had made it through another storm.

Then came her second pregnancy with Tori — and everything changed.

Joanne’s eyes began to turn yellow. Blood tests showed dangerously abnormal liver enzymes and rising ammonia levels. Because she was pregnant, testing was limited, and she had to wait — knowing something was wrong, but unable to get answers.

After Tori was born, Joanne finally received the diagnosis that would change her life forever: Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) — a rare, progressive disease that destroys the bile ducts and liver and often leads to liver failure. While there was no cancer, Joanne was told the words no one ever wants to hear: one day, you will need a new liver.

Still, Joanne stayed strong — because she had to be. She had two little girls who needed their mom.

By 2012, that day came. Joanne was placed on the liver transplant list. Then, just two weeks before Shakira’s 10th birthday, the phone rang. A liver was available.

Shakira, still a child, was devastated — terrified her mom wouldn’t be there for her birthday. Joanne held her daughter close and made a promise: there isn’t a promise I can’t keep, and I’m not starting now.

On May 4, Joanne underwent a liver transplant. The surgery was successful. Her body accepted the liver. And most importantly — Joanne kept her promise. She has been there for every birthday since.

But today, we are facing another heartbreaking chapter.

Joanne’s transplanted liver has failed.

Over the last 4–6 months, her health has declined at a terrifying pace. Joanne is now in end stage liver disease, living with constant pain and exhaustion. Her husband and daughters are watching the woman they love fade before their eyes — and no family should have to endure that.

Joanne now requires twice weekly hospital visits just to survive. Each time, doctors drain up to 7.5 litres of fluid from her abdomen. Without these procedures, her body would begin to shut down.

She is also battling dangerously high ammonia levels, which cause confusion, mental fog, and long periods where she struggles to stay awake. Some days, even being present is a fight.

In January 2026, Joanne traveled to Edmonton to meet with a team of specialists. There is a small but powerful light of hope — the possibility of being placed on the transplant list again. But this time, it is far more complicated.

Multiple specialists — including a liver surgeon, blood specialist, and heart specialist — must come together to create a plan that gives Joanne the safest chance at survival. Only once that plan is in place can she be officially listed for another liver.

If that call comes, the surgery will last 8–10 hours, followed by up to 8 weeks in the hospital, and months of follow up care, blood work, medications, and recovery.

Why We Are Asking for Help

Right now, this family is living in constant fear — waiting for the call that could come at any moment.

The financial strain is already overwhelming and will continue for months. They must maintain their home rental, cover accommodations in Edmonton, manage travel costs, medical expenses, and survive the loss of income — all while fighting for Joanne’s life.

We are asking for support so Joanne can focus on healing instead of worrying. So she can stay hopeful. So she can keep fighting.

Joanne wants to keep showing up — for birthdays, future weddings, and one day, the birth of her grandchildren. She has so much love left to give and so much life still ahead of her.

Joanne is not a quitter — and neither are we.

If you are able to donate, no amount is too small. If you can’t donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser. Your kindness, prayers, and support mean everything.

Thank you for reading Joanne’s story and for standing with her family during the fight of their lives.

With heartfelt gratitude,