In Loving Memory of Joanna Pachocka

We are raising money for the funeral expenses of our beloved mother, Joanna Pachocka. Joanna died on Sunday, July 7th after a year and a half long battle with cancer. 

Joanna has been the strongest, most supportive, mother to us, her two daughters. Despite being a single mother working full time, she made sure that we made it to every dance recital, every school orchestra concert, school play, and cheerleading practice. She taught us to be strong, to be independent, but most of all, she taught us to enjoy and celebrate absolutely every moment that we are given in this life. 

When Joanna was diagnosed with Cholangiocarcinoma, also known as bile duct cancer, in March of 2018 her whole family was terrified. But even through her own fear, and painful symptoms, she reassured us that she would get through this. Even in the summer of 2018 after months of chemotherapy, when the doctors told her that she only had weeks, she told us that she believed she would live and that God would heal her. And for a while, she was right. She left the hospital, and began her recovery. She continued volunteering for The Red Cross, the Hartford Marathon, and with our local church. She traveled to Lourdes, France to seek healing and guidance, as well as to fulfull her dream of seeing just a bit more of the world. When she returned, her cancer had diminished, her spirits were high, and she was glowing. For the next few months, she returned to her usual, bright, beautiful self. She went hiking, did yoga, and even graduated from the YMCA Livestrong Program.  

Then, in May of this year she began a new medical treatment in an effort to kick the cancer out of her life for good. Unfortunately, during this treatment, her cancer not only returned even more aggressively than before, but it spread to her liver and then to her lungs. In just two short months we lost our beautiful mother. 

Even through this terrible, unimaginably painful illness, Joanna stayed strong and urged others to stay positive and to believe in her healing. She continued to study her faith and to volunteer and give back to the community until she physically could not anymore. She was the brightest light, and she graced our lives with unparalleled beauty, strength and courage. 

We want to give our mother the world, and to represent the love she gave and the love we shared during her life with a celebration of life. However, the financial burden that this is putting on our family is at the forefront of our journey in dealing with this devistating loss. Though it is difficult for us to ask, any help that you could offer would make a huge difference. Thank you, and we are sending love to all those who knew and loved our mother, Joanna.