My name is Joanne Agnew (aka Jo, JoJo, Josie, JoJoBean, Bean, Beaner, Jowaaaan, BoBo,  Mama, Mom).

I have been lucky enough to be diagnosed with not one but two very rare forms of leukemia. I’ve found that since getting my first diagnosis 4 years ago (on my 48th birthday) with myelofibrosis it’s been tricky to keep people updated on my health. I’ve tried group emails but that seems so “in-your-face” to me. But I do know that there is a group of people out there who really do want to know how I am doing. Now that I’ve also recently been diagnosed with CML (chronic myeloid leukemia) I have more to say and I needed to find a better method of keeping the people I love updated. 

I truly don’t mind talking about my diseases – I am an open book about them honestly but I would do ANYTHING to avoid the awkward head-tilt-“how-are-you-doing”-look I sometimes get. I’m not looking for sympathy, I am sharing my struggles to help inspire others and keep track of where I’ve been and where I’m going. Come along for the ride!