Joy for Jovie! - Support Her Fight Against Cancer

Jovie is a beautiful 8-year-old who effortlessly brings happiness and joy to those around her. She is a loving sister to three siblings, a talented gymnast, softball player, and a great leader amongst her friends and peers. She always puts the needs of others before her own, and now, we are rallying everyone to join in spreading 'Joy for Jovie' to give her much-needed strength and support in her fight against cancer!

On February 1, 2025, we were shocked to learn that Jovie needed emergency brain surgery to remove a tumor that was discovered after she suffered a seizure during the night. Throughout the following weeks, she made tremendous progress in her recovery and eventually returned home on February 27 to spend valuable time with family and friends while we anxiously awaited the outcome of her biopsy.

On March 11, we received the dreaded answer that her tumor is an aggressive form of brain cancer, and she needs to begin treatment as soon as possible. As part of that process, another scan of her brain revealed further tissue growth, so she went into surgery again on March 13 to have that removed as well.

Now, as Jovie is recovering from her second brain surgery, she is also preparing for a long battle with cancer. Her faith, loving heart, and determined personality have already been a superpower throughout both surgeries! It will be her driving force going into radiation and intense chemotherapy. Even with limited energy, high levels of pain, and various obstacles throughout her recovery so far, she never fails to get the most authentic smile from every doctor, nurse, technician, and therapist by remembering each one by name and saying hi with a big smile every time she sees them!

We have carefully estimated the financial goal of this campaign. It will be used to cover unforeseen medical expenses, unpaid leave, travel to and from Primary Children's Hospital, lodging, food, and any other unplanned events that may impact Jovie over the long term. Her initial series of treatments will last up to 12 months, so please consider contributing to her fight and sharing this page far and wide! Every little bit counts in a huge way and will continue to lift Jovie throughout this difficult journey.

We are grateful for the work of talented local designers who created 'Joy for Jovie' stickers that you can throw on your favorite water bottle, laptop, refrigerator, or helmet to rep YOUR stance in her fight! Come join the challenge for us all to be like Jovie; and call someone by their name with a smile, especially if it is someone you just met! Let's spread Joy for Jovie throughout our communities today! Please feel free to use the Contact button to let us know where to send your stickers if we can't get them to you in person.

Our family has been deeply moved by the prayers, love, and support from everyone so far. We have already received several private contributions and other acts of kindness toward our other three children at home, along with Jovie in the hospital. We have also seen her entire elementary school and the third grade rally behind 'Team Jovie'! We truly love each and every one of you and appreciate you standing behind Jovie!

#joyforjovie #teamjovie