As the holidays approached, our family received life-changing news: our beloved sister, Loujeanne, was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer--someone who has never smoked but was exposed to 2nd hand smoke during childhood.
Her initial scans revealed a tumor in her left lower lung lobe with deterioration of the 7th rib, with metastasis to L2 vertebra and left femur. While this diagnosis has shaken our family to its core, Loujeanne continues to face each day with courage, faith, and determination, inspiring all of us to stand strong beside her.
This is the kind of news no family ever expects, yet it is a reminder of how suddenly life can change.
As Loujeanne navigates this illness while on medical leave, she is expected to receive disability benefits equal to 70% of her income, with $1,100 per month going toward family medical insurance. Her employer has informed her that if she is unable to return to work by mid-March 2026, she will be required to resign.
Because Loujeanne carries the family’s health insurance, they will soon need to transition to Covered California at an estimated cost of $1,500 per month—excluding vision and dental coverage—on top of already mounting treatment expenses. Out-of-pocket medical costs have begun to accumulate quickly, with the PET scan alone costing approximately $800.
During this time, the family is doing what we can, and Joey is doing everything possible to keep their family steady for their daughters, Natalia (15) and Francesca (23). Although the mortgage payments are forgiven temporarily, the financial burden remains overwhelming.
Loujeanne has spent many years caring for others as an occupational therapist, and now it’s our turn to care for her. Asking for help is one of the hardest things anyone can do, and it did not come easily for her.
Her older daughter, Francesca, has put her own life on hold to care for her mother through countless painful nights. She has become Loujeanne’s advocate and spokesperson, accompanying her to appointments and ensuring her best interests are always protected.
The breaking point—and the only reason Loujeanne agreed to create this GoFundMe—came after receiving her final paycheck. She then learned that her disability benefits had been placed on hold because her Social Security number was compromised. Until the Social Security Administration completes its investigation, their income is extremely limited, if not nonexistent, depending on how long it takes to clear her name.
We have reached our limit and are humbly asking for help to ease some of this overwhelming burden. Any support will allow Loujeanne and her family to focus on what truly matters: fighting this disease, healing, and spending precious time together.
If you are able, please consider a little help for Loujeanne—any amount makes a meaningful difference. If you cannot give financially, your prayers, kind words, and sharing this page are powerful ways to help and are deeply appreciated.
Thank you for standing with Loujeanne and our family during this critical time. Your compassion, generosity, prayers and support mean more than words can express.
You may also Venmo her @ @Loujeanne