Hello, I’m Joann Pianese. I am a recently retired nurse.  I am married and share residences between North and South Jersey.  I have 2 adult children and 7 grandchildren.  Through the years, my husband has been diagnosed with 2 completely different types of cancer and is currently surviving well with both.  While adjusting to my life’s changes, my research led me to David’s Dream and Believe Cancer Foundation.  It is a cause I feel very strongly about.  I once attended a fundraiser for breast cancer, and the emcee asked anyone who had a parent impacted by cancer to stand.  Then he went down the line to siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, and so on.  By the end of his list, the entire reception room was on their feet.  Everyone had been impacted by cancer, whether it was a friend, relative, or themselves.  No one should ever feel alone when dealing with a cancer diagnosis.  I look forward to being there for patients with a lending ear and an open heart.  I also hope to make new friends on this journey who believe, as I do, that no one should fight cancer alone, and to bring hope to those in need.