On October 4, 2025, about 2 am, my wife Joani Jack had a hemorrhagic stroke that bled into the right front of her brain. Within hours, she was in surgery to remove the bleed and relieve the pressure. The left half of her body was significantly affected, to the point that she was unable to move her left side. 

Joani is currently unable to work and will be off for the near future, at least. Because she had only been at her job since March, she didn’t have many sick or vacation days to use, and isn’t eligible for their disability benefits. While she is eager to get back to work, her stamina, focus, and physical disabilities make that impossible for now.

I originally met Joani when she generously sent me items for my new classroom. Turns out, she’s a very generous person year round. (I had to request that she stop wanting to sponsor the education of many nurse techs we’ve met during her hospitalization!) 

Joani is now in the position to need generosity. While insurance is a tremendous help, there are many things we are doing/need to do out of pocket, including wheelchair transfer equipment ($3000), stairway lift ($4,000+), and miscellaneous equipment and modifications to allow Joani to access our bathroom. 

Further, we need to maintain her current insurance; losing it would be disastrous for Joani’s healing. I (Jill) am needed as a full time caregiver for Joani. Donations would also be useful to cover respite care. We don’t have a timetable as to how long she will need my help and/or be unable to work, so the $15,000 goal is a best estimate for these first next few months.

As is always the case, any amount would help, be deeply appreciated, and allow us to focus on Joani’s health and recovery. Thank you for reading, sharing, and supporting Joani during this challenging time.