Joanna Hacker

We'll be using Joanna's CaringBridge site to keep family and friends updated in one place.  We appreciate your support, prayers, and words of hope and encouragement.

After returning from a family vacation to Disney World, Joanna noticed a lump above her left collar bone.  Within a couple days the lump had increased in size.  After some tests, it was discovered the lump was Hodgkins Lymphoma. Treatment started right away at the end of April 2016, Joanna received chemo at the Coborn's Cancer Center every other week for 24 weeks.  While the process was draining and very difficult at times, we as family were able to enjoy many special times throughout the summer and early fall.  Our three kids, Connor (14), Noah (11), and Natalie (7) were able to lead a relatively normal summer with lots of activities and quality time with Mom.  By the beginning of October, Joanna's cancer was in remission and life started to get back on track.  In mid-January, Joanna went for a routine PET scan and check-up with her oncologist, the cancer was back.  Joanna started two rounds of intensive chemotherapy in preparation for a stem-cell transplant at the University of Minnesota.