Joanie Huston's Fearless Fight with Breast Cancer

Hi, I'm Jeanna, and I am fundraising for my dear friend, Joanie. She and I worked together for eight years, and she is one of the kindest people I've ever known. I can't imagine my life without her in it. Joanie has spent her whole life helping others. Now we have an opportunity to help her!

Update:  Joanie’s surgery has been scheduled for Oct. 28 at noon. She will have a double mastectomy with reconstruction. The reconstruction will take place in stages and will be a lifelong process for Joanie to maintain. Already, she and her husband have realized $10,000 in expenses and this is before the surgery, treatments, and appointments!  Below you can read more about her overall diagnosis. 

A routine breast MRI in July 2022 revealed a suspicious mass. In August, an ultrasound and core needle biopsy confirmed that Joanie has stage 1 invasive breast cancer. Genetic testing and updated mammogram results will help determine which surgery & treatments she will need. There is the possibility of a lumpectomy, radiation, chemo, or a mastectomy. Joanie’s Mom had breast cancer twice in her 30s and is a survivor! Thankfully, Joanie’s doctor has proactively scheduled yearly mammograms and MRI appointments.

Joanie and her husband, Ralph, met at Smoke Rise Baptist in the 1990s and married there in 2005. Their daughter, Claire, is in 3rd grade at Killian Hill Christian. Joanie helps Claire practice for her piano lessons and is Claire’s favorite playmate with all things Barbie and Match Box cars. Cooking meals for her family, spending time outside, listening to bluegrass, and finding deals at Lidl are some of Joanie’s favorite things. The family has been active members of Cannon UMC since 2016. Joanie enjoys serving in leadership roles at church.

Joanie taught special education students for seven years in Warner Robins and at McKendree Elementary in Gwinnett. Since 2009, she has been a school counselor at Magill Elementary and is currently at Corley Elementary. Each day, she can be seen smiling at staff and students, giving multiple hugs, and is quick to offer words of encouragement to all. Even when stressed, Joanie always appears calm, pleasant, and positive.

Anything we can do to help with the cost of her treatment and recovery would be helpful and greatly appreciated by Joanie & her family. The goal is to ensure she can focus on healing without additional financial strain. Thank you for loving and supporting Joanie, Ralph and Claire. Please check back for updates.