Joy for Joyia
Joyia, Carlo, and Achille are feeling the love and well wishes from across the globe and are so very grateful for each of you! They have so many loved ones on St. Croix, in Virginia, and beyond reaching out to offer support, kind words, and assistance. They are also so appreciative of you patronizing Joyia Inspirational Jewelry (their small family business) . Many people have come to us (Chelsy and Kelly) wanting to do more and asking for ways to help. Your support in any and every way is greatly appreciated. Joyia is feeling all your love!
As many of you know, this January she was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the tongue (crazy right?!) and was advised it is stage 3, as it had spread to lymph nodes in her neck. In February, surgery was performed at the University of Virginia Hospital in Charlottesville, Virginia. The cancer from her tongue and lymph nodes was successfully removed. The next step is radiation to help ensure it does not return. Joyia will spend six weeks in Virginia this spring undergoing radiation on her mouth and neck. After that, it will be 5 years of physical scans in Virginia to keep a close eye on things.
Joyia has never been one to ask for help in any way, much less financially. Therefore, we convinced her this was a great idea:-) In full transparency, while they are grateful to have insurance through their business, it will cover about 80% of the medical bills and there is a high deductible. We expect the medical care to be costly, along with years of travel back and forth to ensure she lives a long and full life.
However you are able to help, with a financial contribution through this fundraiser, donating airline miles for her ongoing medical care in Virginia, liking and purchasing meaningful jewelry for yourself and others from Joyia Inspirational Jewelry , or simply sending good vibes into the Universe... we thank you.
*Should you choose to donate airline miles, please state so in the comments and we will coordinate with you accordingly.
Pictures of Joyia's journey. She says it's the best and worst of times.
Home resting by the fire directly after surgery. 
Post surgery- binge watching Netflix so we wouldn't talk to preserve her energy. 
Kelly flying Achille up to Virginia to see mommy and daddy.
It's cold in Virginia!
Snow tubing with cousins.
Everybody make a funny face... She can't stick her tongue out anymore, so bulging eyes it is.
Family time with Poppy.
Friends wearing Joyia Jewels in support.
Her word for the year is JOY and people have been sending it in the most creative ways.
Uplifting gifts from her tribe.
Joyia's new radiation bestie. This clips her down to the machine to keep her from moving. Maybe Mike Myers for Halloween?
All of your support is truly appreciated! We love you and look forward to spreading more Joy to Joyia and her family.
xoxo,
Chelsy and Kelly
Beginning of the journey...Joyia posted this video upon diagnosis. It's titled "What do JOY and CANCER have in common?" EnJOY!
