We are raising funds to help our dear friend and colleague offset the costs associated with healing from her upcoming surgery.

Joni has long suffered from chronic pain and is having surgery to help ease that pain. The complexity of Joni’s surgery means she needs to have it done by a specialist at Stanford, far away from her home.

To support Joni’s preparation for and recovery from her surgery, we want to help her offset the costs of a much needed place to recover. We know Joni wouldn’t ask for this help herself, so we’ve created this opportunity (with her permission) to help her out. We hope she will feel the love and support of her community as she heals.

It’s important that Joni be able to be near the hospital preoperatively and then for several days until she is well enough to travel home. An Airbnb near the hospital with a kitchen and space for Joni and her sister, who will be taking care of her, will cost a minimum of around $1500 for a week. We are hoping to raise enough from our community so that Joni can recover without worrying about the cost of housing. We hope the additional funds will allow Joni to get the nourishing meals she needs while she recovers far from home and will cover anything else that might help her feel comfortable. Beyond that, the funds will be used to cover costs of the surgery.

We appreciate any contribution. If you’d like to send money more directly without fees, you can contact Sarah for options or Venmo her at @Sarahdmac.

Please join us in supporting our friend and colleague.

With gratitude,

Sarah Macdonald and Susana López