Hi everyone, my name is Jeannie Perry, and I am reaching out on behalf of one of my dearest friends, Joan Lynn Costello.

Our world was recently shaken when Joan Lynn was diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS), Stage 0, at the age of 63. While this diagnosis carries a hopeful prognosis, she is not out of the woods yet. To prevent the cancer from returning—potentially at a more aggressive and life-threatening stage—Joan Lynn must undergo radiation treatment five days a week for three and a half weeks. This treatment is physically exhausting, emotionally taxing, and financially overwhelming.

I met Joan Lynn in October 2022 when she relocated from Venice, Florida to Williamstown, New Jersey to care for her sister Carole, who had suffered a stroke. Carole was my best friend and sadly passed away just six weeks after Joan Lynn arrived. In the midst of that devastating loss, Joan Lynn and I formed a deep friendship and began a shared faith journey—walking through grief, healing, and hope together.

Tragically, Joan Lynn’s grief did not end there. She has also endured the unimaginable loss of three of her sons in recent years. Now, as she faces a cancer diagnosis, she is carrying layers of profound grief while trying to remain strong for her family.

Joan Lynn is the devoted mother of eight children (three of whom are deceased) and the proud grandmother of thirteen. Her family means everything to her. Her greatest fear is not being able to live long enough to watch her grandchildren grow, celebrate milestones, and continue building memories with the people she loves most.

Her medical journey began with a routine mammogram in October 2024, which revealed a suspicious mass in her right breast. Follow-up imaging initially showed no cause for concern. However, during her third mammogram in October 2025, changes around the mass prompted a biopsy that confirmed malignancy.

On November 24, Joan Lynn underwent SAVI SCOUT radar localization, followed by a partial mastectomy on November 28, where she received the diagnosis of DCIS, Stage 0. While early detection brought hope, a second surgery was required to remove additional surrounding tissue to ensure clear margins.

We are grateful to share that the cancer has now been fully excised.

However, to significantly reduce the risk of recurrence, radiation therapy is medically necessary.

Joan Lynn lives on a small disability income and is struggling to keep up with mounting medical expenses, including surgeries, deductibles, co-payments, radiation treatment, and transportation to and from appointments.

She cannot do this alone.

If you are able to contribute financially, any amount—no matter how small—will make a meaningful difference. Your generosity will help relieve the financial burden so Joan Lynn can focus on healing, strength, and hope. If you’re unable to donate, prayers, shares, and words of encouragement are deeply appreciated.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness, compassion, and support during this incredibly difficult time.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

— Psalm 34:18