Jo is the kind of person who inspires you: her creativity, her passion, her whole heart. She’s living with a brain tumor diagnosis. We’re here to show up for her.

In early March, Jo learned that a lesion on her frontal lobe had grown into a glioma, a brain tumor that is now actively disrupting her life. For months, she had been experiencing balance problems, speech difficulties, neuropathy, migraines, mood changes. After her fourth MRI, she finally had an answer, albeit the one no one wants to hear.

Jo makes her living doing what she loves: creating jaw-dropping cosplays and makeup transformations by hand. But her symptoms have made it difficult to work, and Jo has had to step back from the things that fill her cup: volunteering at the zoo, training jiu jitsu, and making and sharing her art. On top of trying to manage her health and navigate health insurance, she and her husband are taking time away from work for countless appointments, tests, and what will likely be brain surgery. They’re doing all of this while caring for 12 animals at home and, somehow, trying to stay positive.

Jo is everything I love about Big Bear: an incredible spirit, a tireless work ethic, a selfless attitude, and a deep, genuine sense of found family. She would never ask for this, but she’d be the first one to organize your fundraiser, bring you a matcha, or show up with a kind word exactly when you need it.

Every dollar raised here goes directly toward Jo’s medical costs and helps bridge the gap while her work situation remains uncertain. No amount is too small. And if you can’t give, please share. Jo has always shown up for her community. Let’s be there for her.