In 2024, when my mom, Joan Aylward was first diagnosed with breast cancer, she received news that changed everything—she was going to be a grandmother. Her grandson, Leo became her light in the darkest moments during surgery and treatment, giving her strength, purpose, and a reason to keep fighting every single day.

Today, just two short years later Joan is facing an even more serious battle: stage four metastatic breast cancer that has spread to her brain and other major organs. But to us, she is so much more than her diagnosis. She is “Nonni”, the one who lights up when Leo walks into the room, who soaks up every second she gets with him, and who is counting down the days until she can hold her granddaughter for the first time in just a few short weeks.

If you know my mom family is absolutely everything to her. It’s what keeps her going.

Joan is the widely known talented, self-employed artist known as ChalkBOS, someone who has spent years bringing joy, creativity, and kindness into other people’s lives all over Boston and beyond. Now, as she undergoes treatment again, she’s had to step away from her work—losing her main source of income while medical and living expenses continue to grow.

Right now, our focus is simple: giving her the time, care, and peace she deserves to fight this battle and be present for the moments that matter most.

If you’re able to donate, no matter the amount, it will go directly toward easing this burden so she can focus on her health and her family. And if you can’t, sharing this and keeping Joan in your prayers means the world to us.

Thank you for helping us surround my mom and our Nonni with love and support during this time.

With love and appreciation,

Stephen