As some of you already know, it’s been a heck of a year for our friend, Joy. In August of 2023, Joy was diagnosed with epilepsy. This diagnosis came after years of what seemed like unrelated symptoms, but ended with seizures, a hospital stay, and a full stop on life until the source of seizures and other symptoms was figured out. It wasn’t quite a full stop though. Since then, Joy has been juggling work with appointments to learn more about this life-changing diagnosis, managing her physical health as well as her mental health, and adjusting to a slew of medications that have brought their own fun side effects (read: not at all fun).

In the last few months, it’s become more and more apparent that Joy would need a break from work to focus on her health, attend more appointments with specialists, undergo evaluations to figure out the right medications/treatment, and give her body the rest it needs from the constant stress to try to heal and figure out her new normal. On the advice of her medical team, Joy has taken medical leave from work in order to do this. During this time, Joy will be hospitalized for 5 days at a minimum to undergo more extensive testing.

We are so relieved that she is giving herself this time to focus on her health, but we know that while this is to hopefully minimize stress, this comes with added financial stress of not working.

If you’re reading this, I am sure you already know the power of Joy’s love, generosity, and value of showing up for her people. For family, friends, a friend of a friend, or a complete stranger…Joy shows up. She has been there for each of us during difficult seasons of life and we are just hoping we can do half as good of a job showing up for her during this season.

Every single dollar helps give Joy a little more peace of mind to use this time for exactly what it is meant for: rest and healing. Thank you for being part of the village lucky enough to know and love Joy. We appreciate you so much!