Our lovely Joanne Sharpe went to the emergency room in mid July with fierce abdominal pain and they found 2 large masses, one in each ovary. They scheduled surgical removal for mid August. Unfortunately, one of the tumors ruptured and caused massive issues in her abdomen. Concerned it was cancer, they paused and sutured her back up during surgery until pathology could confirm. It was not, so they went back to remove the other mass (also not cancerous) and repair the abdomen. They discharged her not even 48 hours post op. She struggled through the week and by day 9 post op, she was not eating, drinking, moving and her incision opened. In the ED she was septic with life threatening electrolyte imbalances due to a bowel leak. They said it likely happened 24-48 hours after the second surgery, so her bowel was leaking into her abdomen for 7-8 days. If any more time had passed without intervention it would have been fatal. Since being in the hospital she’s had 2 more surgeries. She’s had FOUR major abdominal surgeries in 4 weeks. She was intubated and in the ICU post surgeries. She also now has a new BIG life adjustments.

Joanne is currently in the ICU and extubated, but still requiring the intensive care. They expect several weeks in the hospital, and may require a rehab placement afterwards.

Joanne is a self employed artist who is obviously unable to work at this time. Her husband is retired, and though he has a part time job he is also unable to work to care for her. The loss of income is already devastating, and now facing an obviously serious amount of medical bills, expenses. The hospital stays have been overwhelming and she is facing possible rehab placement after for safety. Throughout all this Joanne has required in home medical supplies and adaptive equipment as well.

The family is humbly asking for monetary support. The community of friends has been asking how they are able to help and this is where we’re at. Joanne has changed and moved lives with her art and teaching; let’s change hers now too. We can bring her up. Thank you for any amount you can give, big or small.

And as Joanne would say - “It’s all good”.