Sincerest thanks to everyone who has generously donated to date.
Although Jo doesn’t know you personally, your selfless donations have wrapped Jo in so much comfort and hope for the future. It has been incredibly uplifting to know that people care about what she is facing and giving her the strength to keep on keeping on and knowing that she has a lot more living to do.
By way of an update, Jo's treatment is ongoing and gruelling at that.
Every fortnight Jo completes a 440km round trip to receive non funded chemo treatment. With the accumulative cost of travel, accommodation, and drugs - the cost of staying alive is horrendous and into the thousands. This has been such a worry. Jo lost a brother when she was a teenager and has never taken the life, she has to live for granted. In love with life, her children, her family Jo needs to know that she can continue to receive lifesaving treatment.
Looks can be deceiving, as to outsiders Jo looks pretty good, she hasn't lost her hair, and doesn’t appear emancipated, - but that's not what cancer looks like for everyone. The ongoing chemotherapy has taken a daily physical and mental toll. The side effects have been unrelenting and at times have rendered Jo to be trapped inside her own body, unable to move or enjoy what's happening outside in the world around her. Through all of the speed bumps, knock backs and days lost to treatment, Jo is always the one to bring a smile and laughter to those who are fortunate to have her in their life.
Unfortunately, Jo received some scary news this week and has been advised she now has to undergo further surgery to remove a tumour growth. This not only means another surgery and recovery time, but also more time away from her children, family, and friends. It also means another cocktail of drugs and the anxiety of waiting for results, long nights awake with her thoughts and keeping hope alive that the news will be good, and the cancer is on the back foot.
As a Mum, Jo's priority has always been to ensure that her children have a safe and loving home, and the most normal upbringing possible. Jo does not want Morgan and Travis to be burdened with the worry of her illness and ensures they are both wrapped up with love and people who can allow them to be kids, live, laugh and play.
It isn't an easy road travelled, but Jo is determined to leave no stone unturned, and will keep climbing her mountain one step and one day at a time – and she will get to the top. Jo wants to be a survivor that puts cancer in the boot of the car and help others to get the treatment and support they need so that they can live the life they want and with the people they love.
Thanks again to everyone who has reached out to Jo by way of a donation. Your messages of hope and support have meant so much and are the voices that she needs to hear to know that she isn’t facing this alone. Jo has asked that I thank you all from the bottom of her heart and that she will continue to keep paying it forward.
To hear more about Jo's story, and to see how she continues to help others in raising money to reduce the incidence of bowel cancer across our communities - please click on the video link
