I was on the last day of my cruise when my sister was finally able to get ahold of me. She had been trying to call me all weekend.

Four terrifying words: Jo has breast cancer.

Our mom died of cervical cancer when I was two. We knew to screen for that. We never thought we had to worry about breast cancer too.

My sister Jo Anna has been diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. It has metastasized to her spine, brain, and lymph nodes. She has lost all function from the waist down.

She was flown out to Guam on November 7th and was immediately started on aggressive treatment - to include radiation and chemotherapy. She is on an array of medications and her new normal is filled with appointments, nausea, headaches, and having to ask for help for everything.

She’s always been fiercely independent. She never asks for help. So, we ask for her.

For those able to give, your donation will be used for medical equipment and supplies. She requires 24 hour care and 2 caregivers.

Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

Thank you, Si Yu’us Ma’ase, Ghilisow and Salamat Po!