A Friend in Need

Hi, my name is Linda. I met Joann in 1998 when she and her husband became our neighbors. It wasn't long before we were best friends. The good times we have shared have been hysterically funny, at least to us, and that helped us endure the sad times together.

When Joann became a widow at age 38, I marveled at her strength. She had started nursing school ( a second career) with the hope that she could not only support them but take care of Bobby as his health failed. Unfortunately he passed shortly before she graduated. Bobby was the love of her life.

It was one year later that Joann was diagnosed with MS. She was 39. We have watched her fight this insidious disease - refusing to give up or give in. From a cane to a walker - from a walker to a wheelchair. She fought.

The disease has robbed her of the ability to walk and to take care of herself but she is still very much with us. Her intellect, her unfailing sense of humor, her continued fight to stay as strong as possible- these are unrelenting. Joann's constant phrase " Its all good." Is the barometer by which I live my own life.

Joann is now confined to her home, which brings me to why I am asking for help. If she had a wheelchair accessible van, her quality of life would improve 100%. We would be able to not only transport her to Dr appointments, but give her the opportunity to see the world now and then.

I'm setting my goal at 20,000 with the hopes of being able to purchase a used van.

Thank you in advance for helping us reach this goal. I look forward to that day when Joann and I can take a trip to sit at the Bay and relive those memories when we fished and floated the days away.