Our sister JoAnn was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in September of 2004. Multiple Myeloma is an incurable cancer of plasma cells (the white blood cells) that causes painful lesions and fractures of bones, typically targeting the spine. In the past 15+ years she has undergone round after round of steroids, radiation and chemotherapy. It would be impossible to calculate the number of doctor appointments, blood draws, medications, trips to Rochester, time and money this has consumed in JoAnn’s life, while trying to raise her son and continuing to work!

JoAnn worked for Linder’s Greenhouse for 20+ years as the extremely dedicated growing center manager until 2013 when they closed their doors. She is currently employed by Home Depot, working nights and having chemo treatments during the day. 

This past November JoAnn was hit by a car while walking across a parking lot and knocked to the ground, sustaining a right wrist fracture requiring surgery and casting. This accident caused Doctor’s to find out, her cancer was no longer responding to chemo treatments and things were looking bleak. JoAnn was approved for an emerging treatment clinical trial CAR T-cell therapy. Her son took her to Rochester March 23rd for the initial blood work, large doses of chemo and ultimately, this Monday, the CAR T-cell therapy. She will be in the hospital for 10-14 days and will then be transferred to the Gift of Life House for an additional 2-3 weeks with no visitors, before she is able to return to home. It is unclear when she will be able to safely return to work.

If you know JoAnn, you know she has suffered through all of this never complaining and never asking for help! Please find it in your heart to help JoAnn with her medical costs. Thank you for your kindness and generosity.