Jojo Strong

To all our friends and family. Thank you for taking the time to check out our mom’s campaign. They say your life can change in a blink of an eye. Unfortunately it’s very true. This is exactly what happened to our family. Our beautiful mother Joanne (JoJo Dancer) Skinner, was diagnosed with cancer in July of 2013. Being the fighter JoJo is, she beat it twice over the last six years. She survived multiple heart attacks and several other close calls caused by the fight for her life against cancer. We were living the survivors dream, until 2018 when cancer reared it’s ugly head again.

After battling for the last year plus and several more rounds of chemo treatments. We thought the bravest person we know, a mother to all had done it again. When she returned for testing, her body was weak and beaten, but her spirit was high. Everything looked great. There was no sign of cancer. Hooray cancer free. The focus became getting Jo’s body healthy again. That was mid September 2019.

Unfortunately it was untrue. The residual remains of chemo treatments were masking it. As our mom the fighter sat in the doctors office to go over her recent scans one month later October 2019, she heard the words “Joanne you are covered in cancer and it’s everywhere. You only have 3-6 months to live and there isn’t much more we can do for you. You should start to make peace with it and do what you can until the time comes”. WTF

Devastating shock doesn’t really cover the range of emotions felt. Anger, disappointment, pain, hurt, rage and helplessness engulfed us all. We had triumphed again, we believed. This has to be a mistake. No! She can’t be dying. We thought the cancer was gone. We were celebrating her victory over cancer again. Nope.

We sit down as a family, take inventory and we make a plan. There’s talk of palliative care plans and visiting nurses. Enjoying life as a family. Spending time with her children and grandkids. Fighting through it together and easing my moms pain. As they say “Keeping her comfortable”. Such a defeating phrase. “Keeping her comfortable”....

Then reality strikes. The last few years of treading water with the growing financial expenses and responsibilities don’t just disappear. Meanwhile the world keeps spinning, bills keep rising and alternative therapies aren’t covered by insurance. As our family cares for her, the debt keeps growing. You don’t ever realize how quickly you get behind when your focus is how can we save our mom. Not what the interest rates are, the 401k penalties, the loans, keeping the lights on and paying the mortgage and bills. The continuous costs of Doctors, scans, mris , tests, treatments, gas, parking and commuting hours each way to Boston for more tests and a glimmer of hope. What does the cost matter for our moms survival? We’ll figure it out.

Unfortunately it happens all the time when families are trying to save loved ones who are fighting a serious disease or diagnosis. It ruins lives and bankrupts families. It’s not just the accrued cost trying to survive, but what’s it going to cost for the post life arrangements, funeral services and the other unknowns.

As we deal with this life shattering news, we will still be responsible for all of the normal day to day, home, and after life obligations and expenses. All the words of encouragement, visiting of friends, the funny stories and help are very much appreciated.

If you know us and our mom she is the epitome of a fighter and someone who would never give up. It breaks her heart, she feels responsible for putting her family in financial stress to try and save her. She never wanted that or asked for it, but as we tell her often we would loose everything to try and keep you alive and healthy momma. On behalf of our family we thank you for your help and support.

If you are able to donate, share, and/or pray it is greatly appreciated! This is the only approved GoFundMe account. We will update you as we receive information.

Thank you,
JoJo’s family.