Joannie's battle on cancer-Remember me as I was, not as I am

An unexpected journey for a beautiful soul.

Joannie has been a loving wife, amazing mother, even better grandmother, but don’t forget a one of a kind friend. She is cherished by so many who have known her. Her strength is beyond what I could ever imagine. The year 2020 Joannie was diagnosed with cancer. They said she only has one year left to live. She defied expectations of the doctors and survived so much longer. She did it with her head held high and a smile on her face.

Our hearts crumbled as we watched the vibrant Joannie begin to be sick all over again in the year 2023. The doctors confirmed our worst fears, her cancer was back. She has fought bravely trying to defeat this aggressive disease. More challenges were thrown her way with blood clots, acute kidney failure, tubs inserted into her back. Even after hearing all this devastating news, Joannie fought to come home so she could be with her family and friends.

Her treatment was painful we all had many sleepless nights watching her suffer. She reacted badly to the chemo treatment. She developed Iphigenia in her legs making it difficult to walk. All the while her cancer spread causing liver damage and much more. This last year has been a roller coaster for us all, especially for her. Joannie is determined to live her life to spend all the time she can with us all. She is fighting this demon disease through the pain and tears always with a gentle smile.

Even as her words echo, “I'm tired” Or “I'm sorry” broke our hearts she still stayed strong. She apologized for not being able to fight this battle like she had before. She is fighting, she is strong and I am so proud of her and honored to call her my mother.

However, no matter how hard she fought, she couldn’t continue this battle as she did before. This December she was placed in hospice care.

It’s been such a long and arduous journey. Where medical expenses have been quite overwhelming. So as we try our best, we can’t do it alone. We ask for help not for ourselves but for Joannie. This GoFundMe is for my mom, a beautiful soul that will forever be known as a true warrior.