Joy, 47 years old, NJ | 1 DAY WAITING | NEEDED BY 06/19

Wish submitted by:

Joy, a pleasant, soft-spoken single mother of two young children from Ghana, began her new life in the United States with hope and courage seven years ago. She came alone, without support, because her husband was not given a visa. Her journey has been challenging and includes both her and her oldest child being unhoused and living in a shelter before eventually securing transitional housing and, currently, her own apartment. For a period, she was working and managing well, but life became more challenging after a visit home two years ago when she returned pregnant. Since then, access to reliable and affordable childcare has made it difficult for her to maintain steady employment.

Currently, Joy is facing a serious health challenge. She is suffering from severe back pain caused by an undiagnosed spinal condition. At times, the pain is so intense that she cannot walk. Doctors are still working to understand the root cause, and she is undergoing physical therapy three times per week as a last-ditch effort to resolve the issue. If therapy is not successful, surgery will be required. Attending physical therapy three times per week has become difficult and at times impossible because of the financial burden. This has resulted in her missing several appointments. Medical transportation to and from physical therapy is provided free by the county, but she must take her youngest to childcare before going to physical therapy, as the county transportation does not transport children. Because there is no public transportation available where she lives, Joy must rely on Uber. Support for Joy would directly ease this burden, allowing her to focus on healing, caring for her children, and continuing to move toward stability.