My name is JoAnna, and after a long and excruciating process, I am finally scheduled to receive the heart surgery I desperately need. This journey has tested my strength and patience, but I remained hopeful for a healthier future. However, just as I was preparing for this life-changing procedure, I lost my job and my main source of income. Suddenly, my family and I are facing not only the stress of my health, but also the uncertainty of how we will manage our daily living expenses and mounting medical bills with my husband being the sole source of income supporting us. Due to my husband's work hours, he is unable to be here in the afternoons and evening to care for me, leaving that responsibility on my daughter Robyn, who due to their dedication to me, is now suffering both academically and emotionally at this time. The situation currently seems dire and overwhelming leaving most of the family worn and weary when we should be hopeful and optimistic.
In the past, we have been the one supporting others. We joke that we are the "home for the wayward" as we have taken in many friends and family member for extended periods of time when they had nowhere else to go and helped support them through whatever problems they were facing. This became a permanent situation a few years ago in fact, when a friend of my daughter Robyn's had a toxic and traumatizing situation that left her essentially homeless overnight. With no stable, secure place for Remi to be, we brought them in, fell in love with them, and eventually sought custody of them - they are now a permanent part of our family. Although this was an additional burden financially and in other ways, we wouldn't have made a different choice no matter what.
The support from my family and community has been incredible throughout everything, but this situation is taking an enormous toll on our emotional and mental health. The stress of not knowing how we will pay for groceries, insurance, utilities, and the many medical costs—like co-pays and prescriptions—has become overwhelming. I am doing everything I can to stay positive and focus on my recovery, but the financial burden is more than we can handle alone.
I am reaching out for help because I truly believe in the kindness and generosity of others. Your support will make a real difference for my family and me during this critical time. With your help, I can focus on healing and looking forward to a brighter, healthier future. Thank you for considering supporting us and for being a part of our journey.