Dear Friends, thanks to the amazing generosity of so many people, I received the miracle of a kidney transplant in April of 2018. This life-saving gift came after seven years on dialysis and nearly ten years after I was diagnosed with end-stage kidney failure. I am so, so grateful, and I wish that was the end of my story, but after almost two years without problems, my body is now rejecting that kidney. I need your help again!

January 17, 2017

I received an official letter from Rhode Island Hospital. I am now in the top 10 for transplant (actually #9).

My doctor thinks I should be receiving transplant soon!!

April 26, 2016

MOTHERS DAY - May 8, 2016

My friend Gail Eastwood-Author( Gail Eastwood Stokes) is hosting 2 TEA Parties for my kidney fund on Mothers Day and on May 9th. One is at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Old North Rd, Kingston RI from 2 to 5 pm and the other one is a "virtual" Tea Party on Facebook starting on May 8 at 4 pm andcontinuing through May 9 at midnight, She hosted a "Halloween" virtual party this past year and it was so successful. It is a lot of fun to go on facebook and pretend. So, we care looking forward to these events. I am still awaiting a DONOR and I am now No. 16 on the transplant list. Anyone can Honor their own mother by helping out either coming to the TEA at church, coming to the Virtual party on facebook or donating on-line or by mail. Thank you all.

November 7, 2015

Last Friday, October 30, 2015 my friend, Gail Eastwood Stokes hosted a Virtual Halloween Benefit for me. It lasted from 4 pm to midnight. Her son, Graham was also a huge part in planning and conducting the party. I cannot thank them enough for all the planning and work that they endured.

The benefit itself was a wonderful experience not only for me but for the wonderful people who participated. Many had a wonderful time, some couldn't quite figure all of the aspects out, but in time some of them caught on and became adept at posting pictures and other items. There were several giveaways throughout the night - donated by wonderful people - we had several prints and other art items, gift certificates, as well as jewelry, etc.

Several of the guests brought handsome escorts and that was fun. I did last until midnight, which was a surprise to me. Several others stayed the course also. Thank you - no matter if you just checked in and said hello or stayed for the festivities. I appreciated all of the support. We had close to 60 guests throughout the night and another dozen or so who could not attend but donated to my kidney fund. Thank you all. Every little bit helps and is sincerely appreciated.

If you have not donated yet and wish to, you have until November 15 to be entered into the last drawing which is an original artwork done by George Dunn - "Sugar Heist" you can see it if you go to your activities page and go to the upper right and click on Past Events. You will then see the Halloween Benefit. Gail has posted a picture and description of this beautiful ink and paint artwork. It is not a print. After November 15, you are still able to donate if you so desire. All donations will go into the fund for my future medical expenses and I appreciate them all no matter what you can give. Please note - I do not know what anyone donates. This is not revealed to me. Therefore, no matter how small or large the donation, it is received with love.

Remember, TAX season is coming up and all donations are tax deductible.

Again, Sincere Thanks to all who hosted, helped, shared in the benefit, donated giveaways and donated.

Love, Joyce

October 29, 2015

Tomorrow at 4 pm will begin my Halloween Benefit hosted by Gail Stokes-Author. It will run from 4 to midnight. Anyone who is invited by Gail or me (Joyce Bourque) or any of your friends. Please make sure if you want to join in the fund that you go to EVENTS on your Facebook page and join. If you haven't been invited and want to come, go to Gail's page or my page and ask to be invited. We have lots of give-aways and hope to have some fund. You can come and stay for minutes or hours or come and go. It's your choice. And, you can do this from home or anywhere you happen to be. Just go to Events and join the party. Make sure you keep checking the posts and comments. They may be added to during the party. So, there may be many different things happening at the same time. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. This should be fun... Remember you could post any pictures, jokes, food, decorations, escorts, --- just use your imagination. Have FUN and I THANK everyone who does participate. Love Joyce

October 27, 2015

Today is Tuesday, 10/27/2015, I am really excited that my good friend Gail is hosting a fund raiser on Friday, 10/30/2015 (3 days to go). This is a virtual Halloween Benefit. Therefore, no matter where you are in the world, you can join in the party. If you have been invited by someone. Go to your Events page and check it out. If you haven't been invited, go to either Gail's Facebook or mine and ask to be invited. We would love to have you join. It is going to be fun. We have lots of giveaways and we are posting pictures. You can bring a "virtual" guest -my guest is Matthew McConaughey--.... You can bring costumes, food, decorations, jokes, stories, whatever tickles your fancy. We should have fund - it will be held from 4 pm to midnight eastern standard time. She has asked for donations to my kidney fund and has provided the link for you to do so. Anything would be appreciated and a big thank you from me. Love to all - Joyce

October 10, 2015

I am really excited!!!! My friend Gail Eastwood Stokes is hosting a Halloween Benefit Party on Facebook for my kidney fund. It will be held on October 30th from 4 pm to midnight. If you do not receive an invitation and would like to join us for some fun, ask to friend us on Facebook so that we can invite you. This should be a blast!!!!! We are asking for a $15.00 donation or whatever you wish...

Party from your chair at home and share fun pictures, stories and jokes, laughs and conversation!!!! Hope to see you there.

September 10, 2015

9/9/2015 Today I turn 66 and I am very blessed. However, my best friend, Trudi Anne Miller, passed away last week so I am grieving.

Last week I had to go to Brigham & Women's Hospital in Boston, MA, for a cardiac ablation. I had already gone through this procedure at RI Hospital but is was not successful. On Tuesday Sept 1, Dr. Michaud performed the ablation in Boston and the procedure lasted 6 hours. However, it was a success. He found the spot inside my heart and took care of it. Now, I should have some more energy and my heart muscle, which had weaken considerably, should get stronger again.

I am so blessed for the fact that my friends, Ralph and Gail Stokes and their sons, Matt and Graham, have taken me in as "family". I began going to their church about a year ago and on Christmas Eve I became a member of the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Kingston, RI. Ralph takes me back and forth every Sunday and he also has helped me with other transportation matters.

I moved in April and had such support from many members of this church. They came and packed, carried and moved my stuff. The congregation and the Pastor are beyond belief. I cannot thank God enough for their care, kindness and love.

I am now No. 16 on the transplant list and hope I will receive a kidney in about one year.

Thank you for your concern.

January 8, 2015

The Fundraiser - Dinner/Dance on November 29, 2014, was a great success and a wonderful time. I have many, many "thank you" notes to send out. Special thanks to Tim Yuettner and Carol Luff they were the Chairpersons for this event and they did an outstanding job. I cannot thank them enough. Another special thank you goes out to Steve Chianesi for the "dinner music" and to the wonderful band - Whiskey Rhode for providing the dance music. Many of us enjoyed the music and danced all night.... Thank you to Mike for catering. The food was wonderful and plentiful - stuffed chicken breasts, roasted red potatoes, string beans, macaroni, salad. Borelli's Bakery donated the bread and a huge sheet cake. All was well.....

Many items were donated for the Raffles and there were over 20 of them, plus a 50/50. Thank you Renee (she gave back her winnings of the 50/50).

I appreciate all the support that I have received from family and friends and even from strangers. It is heartwarming to know that so many people care.

I am No. 6 on the transplant list at Rhode Island Hospital. Hopefully, 2015 may be my year for a transplant. I need to have a cardiac procedure soon and then I will be active on the list.

Your prayers, thoughts and donations have helped me through this time.

Thanks again.

November 13, 2014

There will be LIVE ENTERTAINMENT at the Dinner-Dance generously provided by Steve Chianesi and WHISKEY RHODE.

Also, there will be Raffles and a 50/50 Raffle

Lots of fun, dancing, good food and raffles.

Hope to see you there.

Love, Joyce

November 13, 2014

The Dinner-Dance Fundraiser is coming up on Sat. November 29, 2014. Hope to see all you can make it on that night. You can order tickets by going to http://bit.ly/fundraisingdinnerdance. Or, if you prefer call Tim at 401.952.8583. If you plan on attending, please let Tim know so that we can have a count for the caterer.

The dinner menu: Stuffed chicken, roasted potatoes, macaroni, string beans, salad, bread & butter. Dessert and coffee. There will be a cash bar for soft drinks, etc.

Hope you can attend. If not, and you are able, a donation would be appreciated. I am No. 6 on the RI Hospital transplant list. Hopefully, it will come within a year. This fund is to help pay for medications that are not covered and other medical needs.

Thank you all for your help and kindness.

Joyce

November 6, 2014

I am now No. 6 on the transplant list at Rhode Island Hospital. Hopefully, I will receive a transplant within twelve months.

November 6, 2014

As of September, 2014, I am No. 6 on the Kidney Transplant List at Rhode Island Hospital. Hopefully, I will receive a transplant within the next twelve months.

November 19, 2013

On the weekend of Nov. 10 and 11, 2013, there were two fundraisers held.

One Pasta Dinner at the Smithfield Sportsman's Club and the second at the Newport Playhouse and Cabaret Restaurant. Dick Bourque organized the Smithfield event and Ralph Stokes organized the Newport event. Both of these were great times and attended by wonderful caring people. I thank Dick, Ralph, the owners, staff, and cast at Newport and all the other volunteers who helped in these events. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

November 12, 2013

CALL TO IMMEDIATE ACTION:

Joyce continues her wait on the active waiting transplant list for her gift-of-life -- her kidney transplant. As she moves closer to transplant, her family knows that their expenses will mount. PLEASE make an end-of-year tax-deductible donation to help Joyce receive her miracle. Please forward this post to your Facebook or Twitter friends today!

October 8, 2013

RE: Nov 9 Pasta Dinner at Smithfield Sportsman's Club -- If you wish to buy tickets from Dick Bourque directly - please give him a call at 401 641 5029.

There will be another event on Sunday, November 10th at the Newport Playhouse. Information will be forthcoming.

Another event is being planned at the Oakland Beach Fire Barn in Warwick - will let you know when information is certain.