a safe haven for all hydro-heads.

overcomingtheodds:

Meet 9-year-old Joanna “JoJo” Sibert. JoJo was born with Spina Bifida, a birth defect that causes trouble with movement in the legs and feet. This defect not only caused these problems for JoJo, but also caused hydrocephalus (fluid in the brain), which she had two brain surgeries to correct/prevent, as well as kidney problems. JoJo is catherized, releasing her bladder through her belly button every four hours, as well as has a cycostomy to release her bowels. She wears braces on her legs to help her walk, and sometimes she prefers to ride in a wheelchair.

In July of 2011, JoJo underwent surgery for a mass that was located above her eye. Doctors speculated that this was a benign mass, however pathology reports came back, diagnosing JoJo with Stage 2 Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of childhood cancer. JoJo began treatment; 22 rounds of chemotherapy and 24 doses of radiation. She lost her hair and suffered the ill effects of treatment. In January of 2012, JoJo completed treatment. There is still a small spot located above her eye that rises concern for her doctors, however, in order to biopsy this spot, JoJo’s entire eye and surrounding tissue would have to be removed, leaving her face deformed. So, instead, she continues to undergo scans frequently to check on the status of this questionable area.

JoJo has expressed her desire to meet One Direction, a British boy band who rose to fame through the television show, X-Factor. JoJo already has tickets to the June 27, 2012 concert in Charlotte, NC.

Please watch the above video to learn more about JoJo. Please reblog this post. Please share our plight with your friends, family, coworkers, and share it on Twitter, Facebook, and Tumblr. It is my hope that it will, in this way, fall into the hands of someone who can make this dream a reality for 9-year-old JoJo, who is much deserving of this honor! Thank you dearly from Team JoJo!