Joy's Road to Recovery Needs You

Joy Roulier Sawyer -- true to her name -- has brought and continues to bring deep and abiding joy to all who know her. Now it's our turn: Joy recently faced surprising emergency brain surgery.

After months of what turned out to be misdiagnosed vertigo, Joy had an MRI on Feb. 20, which revealed a large tumor ("the size of an orange," she explained) in the back of her head that needed to be removed immediately for her health and even survival. Over the last six months especially, she has endured extensive migraines, vertigo, and other symptoms, which are now thankfully relieved after an over eight-hour surgery on Feb. 24. After over a week in the hospital, she is now home and beginning her journey back to full health.

As a gig-worker who makes her living as a beloved teacher, facilitator, and writing coach, Joy has no financial safety net for the months ahead. Medical bills, even with insurance, are daunting. And Scotty, who needs to be with Joy as her primary support during her recovery, is also in the midst of job transition.

Joy and Scotty have brought so many of us comfort, humor, guidance, delight, and every manner of help over their lives. A dynamic duo of soul and presence, they have a long history of showing up for us, whether we need a meal during illness, someone to talk with us when we're grieving, a friendly face who shines love on us when we're feeling down, or a companion when we feel lost and alone. It's an honor for us to give whatever we can to support them in Joy's full recovery.