Dear Friends and Community,

I am coming to you in confidence to ask for your support for our friend and colleague Joanne Aarstol. She has faced a significant health challenge recently that has left her in a difficult situation and she needs our help.

In February Joanne had fall on a slippery surface and suffered a severe fracture of the humerus of her dominant arm. A ccording to her doctors (and I have been there for many of the visits) this was a serious spiral fracture that is now being classified as a "non-union" - no significant bone growth or binding.even after four months. She found out she had severe anemia in March which likely hindered the healing process. She as now reversed the anemia - but the healing process may not be reversible. She Is using a bone simulator device for the next two-three months and if that does not work , she faces as pretty brutal orthopedic surgery - as they always are with metals rods, plates and bone grafts and a painful recovery.

She does not have blood-family support anywhere in the USA and needs her friends’ help. We are raising funds to help her offset some of the financial pressure that has mounted - she had just switched industries in January and the stress and management of the fracture, medical care and resulting trauma on the system set her back for a period of time. We are hoping to help ease some of the stress and give her arm and body a better chance to recover. She has an underlying condition that she has successfully managed with diet and lifestyle for 25 years but chronic conditions tend to act up when someone's system is taxed.

All of you who know Joanne know that she is an incredibly hard and devoted worker, and she needs to be told to slow down... and never mind ask for help. But these medical setbacks have created enough of a financial, emotional and physical strain that she has accepted offers of help. Funds raised will go directly to covering any outstanding bills and support during the ongoing medical process.

We know there are many situations in need of aid at this time and it is difficult to know where to help. On a personal note - as her closest friend here in Sedona who has been with her through most of this journey - I have been touched by steadfast and strong she has been through this time of setbacks and discomfort, with much faith, prayer and a positive outlook.

If it is in your heart, any amount can make a difference in reducing some of the stress surrounding this unexpectedly long and drawn accident and recovery. Any contribution, big or small, will be humbly and gratefully appreciated.

*** I have had numerous people reach out individually about anonymity - Joanne worked with many people in the public eye over her career. It has been touching and heart-warming that some of these individuals have offered significant support without wanting to claim the recognition or take attention away from the situation. We THANK THEM and YOU ALL deeply. To honor any further hesitation, I have turned off the public view of contributions and amounts - but will gladly share and tag individual donors who let me know that it's OK. Mahalo and God Bless!