The Heartwarming Story of Mama Jo: A Community Coming Together

Living on the streets of Mesa as a double amputee for years, Joanne, affectionately known as Mama Jo, has faced unimaginable challenges. Her struggles amplified by her reliance on a manual wheelchair, Mama Jo found herself at the mercy of those willing to take advantage of her vulnerable situation.

But then, a beacon of hope appeared in the form of two strangers and the tireless efforts of Brock Bevell, founder of the non-profit Fentanyl Project Arizona. After a 12News story shed light on Mama Jo’s plight, these compassionate individuals stepped in to make a difference.

With their generosity, Mama Jo received a brand-new electric wheelchair, a life-changing gift that symbolized freedom and independence. “It was heaven. Heaven came to me. I’ve been praying to get into an electric chair for the longest,” Mama Jo expressed her gratitude.

Bevell, who had been advocating for Mama Jo for nearly a year, was overjoyed to see her excitement at receiving the new wheelchair, complete with its revolutionary design. He highlighted the support from Cheryl and Barbara, two extraordinary women who were moved to help after witnessing Mama Jo’s story and Bevell’s outreach efforts on TikTok.

“They don’t know Mama Jo, they don’t know what she’s going through. They see it, which is part of what we do…highlight what it is so people can get involved and have some compassion and empathy for what’s happening,” Bevell emphasized.

For Mama Jo, the kindness of these strangers was a beacon of hope in her darkest days. “I want to thank the women that did this for me. They are my angels in disguise,” she expressed, overwhelmed by the outpouring of support.

Despite this heartwarming development, the journey to ensure Mama Jo’s well-being continues. Bevell remains steadfast in his commitment to helping Mama Jo transition off the streets and into a stable environment. With the support of the community and potential partnerships with local organizations, the hope is to provide Mama Jo with a permanent home and the assistance she needs.

If you’d like to contribute to Mama Jo’s ongoing journey and support the Fentanyl Project AZ’s mission, you can follow them on Instagram and TikTok.

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