Support the Shipe Family in Loving Memory of Joann

Let’s Help Jo Fight Stage IV Cancer!

Joann is facing the toughest battle of her life.

Known for her kindness, infectious smile, and selfless nature, Joann has always had a positive outlook on life, radiating love, faith, and hope through her daily interactions with others and her never-fading smile.

But now, Joann is in desperate need of our help.

In 2018, Joann went in for a simple outpatient procedure to fix an obstructed bile duct. It was determined then that Joann had a much larger issue that would require a major reconstruction of her biliary tree, bile ducts, and intestinal tract. After major surgery and testing, Joann was diagnosed with Caroli’s Disease. Caroli’s Disease is a rare, congenital disorder involving the malformation of the liver.

In Joann’s warrior nature, she battled right through her reconstruction and continued being a great mom, loving wife, supportive sister, and amazing friend. In the years since then, more drains have been added, multiple infections have been fought, and several procedures have been done. She has had 14 hospital stays, including a 12 day stint in ICU.

As a result of her ongoing health issues and necessary hospitals stays for treatment/time away from work, Joann was laid off from her job in June 2024 and will only receive health insurance through the end of the year.

Sadly, the results of Joann’s latest scans revealed she now has Stage IV cancer that has metastasized into her abdomen, bones, liver, and lungs. She has been receiving care at UVA Health in Charlottesville for the last 12 days and will remain in the hospital until her deteriorating health stabilizes. We are waiting for further testing to determine a future treatment plan.

In the meantime, we, her family and friends, are determined to Help Jo Fight. We are hopeful Joann’s cancer can be managed through a variety of treatments and experimental drugs. This time will no doubt be trying and come with a multitude of burdens, most of all financial.

This is where you can make a difference and Help Jo Fight! We have organized this GoFundMe page to support Joann and her family. Every contribution will make a difference in helping Joann fight this battle for her family, friends, and all those who know, love, and need her. Please share this fundraiser so we can inundate the Shipes with as much prayer, love, and support as we can as they navigate this difficult time.

We will update Jo’s health status on this page. Thank you for helping Jo Fight!