For Joan, there is her world before 1992 and her world after 1992, and the two are very different. In 1992 she was diagnosed with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), a debilitating autoimmune blood disease. Before her diagnosis, her time and energy revolved around being a single mom, getting an MBA, and advancing her computer career. After she became ill, struggled with seven failed treatments, and almost died, she knew she had to do things very differently to live long enough to see her grandchildren. She began an intensive healing regimen. She changed her diet, experienced energy therapy, gained spiritual insights, and much more. These changes led to a remarkable recovery and a new perspective on life.  She founded a non-profit disease support group, The Platelet Disorder Support Association (PDSA), wrote a book about her illness and recovery, and became a member of the American Society of Hematology.

Her life changes continue. In 2017 Joan was diagnosed with muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Just as she did with her ITP, she utilized complementary medicine in addition to traditional therapies to recover, despite the poor prognosis for that disease. Currently, writes web and social media content and communicates online with physicians and patients worldwide. Her writing projects are only part of her life.  Now retired, Joan dances, gardens, plays tournament cribbage, and spends time with friends and family, including grandchildren.  She also visits many areas of the world, living healthy and traveling healthy.