My mother was admitted to C5 at THOCC. Just one week prior, my mother learned of her new diagnosis of AML, Acute Myeloma Leukemia. On that day, she was told she would have to stay in the hospital for 30 days. Leaving my mother every day has been a challenge. I am afraid if I leave her, she won't be the same when I return and that terrifies me.
The day we met Joanne Gray was the day we stopped worrying. On Monday we were told if my mother would have to endure another round of chemo, her body may not be able to handle it. This put our family into a state of devastation. Joanne never swayed from her confidence that my mother would make it to her bone marrow transplant. Joanne would consistently tell my mother that she needs her energy to be healthy and strong for her bone marrow transplant. She made sure my mother never knew there was any other alternative. Joanne advocates for her every day. She is constantly on top of her care. The confidence we have when Joanne is on is undeniable.
On two separate occasions, Joanne has brought my mother something special from the cafeteria or bakery. She is selfless and uses her personal time thinking about and caring for my mother. Joanne has become so special to me and my family. Joanne has laughed with us on several occasions, she has cried with us and she has consoled us. One thing she never did was waiver from her faith in the fact that my mom would beat this.
I work for THOCC and being on the other side, experiencing the care from Joanne has provided to someone so special to me is precious. I will forever be indebted to her for everything she has done for my family. She has made an enormous difference in my mother's life and our family's lives. We are forever grateful to Joanne Gray.