Jojo's Fight to Recovery

Hi, I'm writing you with a heavy heart. You might not know me, and that's ok. I'm not writing about me, but I want to share about my best friend. If you know her, you will know how incredible she is. How her feisty humor will leave you stunned, and how her big, beautiful eyes will stop people in their tracks. You would also know that she's a mother of two incredible kids, and that she's dedicated her life to give them the best one possible. You can find her cheering her kids on at one of the numerous sports they play. You might know her from being her client, and trusted her to take care of you as your esthetician. If so, smart decision, if only we can only achieve her flawless skin. She's always told me to "stay away from the sun", and gets on to me if I'm not wearing proper sunscreen. She's protective like that, and always has been.

You might know her as the Event Chair for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Walk in Orlando, where she worked alongside other women to honor, fundraise, and support all of those that have battled with Breast Cancer. You've probably seen her wear Pink and share about her own mothers courageous battle against breast cancer. She beat it, though. Twice.

If you do know, Jojo, you would know she comes from a strong woman, and shares the same fighting gene as her own mother. You probably won't know how much she's had to fight though, because that's not her style to broadcast her problems. You'll probably think her life looks pretty perfect, but that's because she does so well to keep on fighting, to keep going.

You likely won't know that behind that enamoring smile, she's battled with health issues on and off for years. You won't know that even when she's struggling, she's still calling to see if her closest friends are ok. She's still making sarcastic jokes, and planning future trips.

If you're fortunate to know her, you will never have your life be the same again. Her loyalty is unlike any other, and her friendship has transformed my entire life from the day we met over a decade ago. I've watched her handle everything life has thrown her way with such grace. I've seen her grow into a strong woman, unashamed to be exactly who God made her to be.

I've seen her struggle, hurt, and cry, and it is with the heaviest of hearts I'm writing for all those that know her, love her, or would just like to help this beautiful soul. Jojo was recently given a diagnoses that no woman would ever want to receive. She's waited on insurance, had procedures, and 1 of 2 major surgeries performed already. She's been given costly medications, and told that she'll need aggressive treatments to contain and monitor her progress.

She's been out of work, and paying out of pocket. The process for insurance has been lengthy to accomplish simple appointments, and she's too high risk to continue seeing her own clients. She started her own business from scratch, and created loyal clients in a short amount of time. She's been unable to serve them, even though its a time she needs the money most.

If you know her at all, then you know that she would never personally write this herself. She would never ask for help, or even suggest she can't handle it on her own. But as her best friend, I know when she needs help. And right now, I'm asking for anyone and everyone that is willing and able to give a piece of generosity that she would so willingly give away to anyone that she knew. If you can, any donation of any amount would make a tremendous impact on her life. The stress to keep fighting to heal, to survive, to recover, shouldn't also be clouded with the stress to pay for those life dependent treatments.

She's given more than she'd ever expect back. She's fought harder in her 35 years, than most have fought in a lifetime. I know she will keep fighting, and braving the storm, but she shouldn't have to do that alone. We believe in a God of miracles, and also believe that he can use people to show her his generous love for her.

Please consider donating to Jojo's medical procedures, treatments, and bills. We would be eternally grateful for your kindness and support.

Sincerely,

Kimberly