Mary Joya, founder of Wheels of Joya, was honored as a finalist in FOX 5’s Remarkable Women 2022 initiative for her unwavering dedication to helping those in need. Her journey as a caregiver and advocate began when her husband, Dr. Danny Joya, was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome and became paralyzed from the neck down. While balancing a full-time job and raising two children, Mary became his primary caregiver for 28 years.
During this time, she saw firsthand the challenges of caregiving and the isolation that many people in assisted living face. This experience sparked a passion in her to make a difference. After her husband’s passing, Mary started volunteering at nursing homes, bringing hope and encouragement to residents who were lonely and struggling.
"I realized that while my husband’s journey was difficult, there were so many others facing similar battles without the support they needed. I wanted to do something about it," Mary shared.
Through Wheels of Joya, Mary continues her mission to bring love, joy, and hope to those in need. The nonprofit is dedicated to offering companionship and uplifting experiences to individuals in assisted living and beyond, showing that even in the hardest seasons, there is always room for hope and connection.
Mary’s work reflects her belief that no matter the challenges life throws at us, we can always find purpose, joy, and the power to make a difference. Wheels of Joya is her way of continuing her husband’s legacy of resilience, faith, and service, and reminding others that no one is ever truly alone.
Founder Hannah Joya had the privilege of sitting down with Kristina Audencial on Fox 5 News to discuss her debut book, Never Goodbye #GirlDad 💙.
Through this book, Hannah's prayer and hope is to reach those who are navigating through difficult seasons, offering a message of comfort and hope. She reminds readers that God is especially close to the brokenhearted, and His promise to turn our ashes into beauty is real. No matter how deep the pain, there is purpose behind it, and it’s possible to grieve with hope.
Never Goodbye is not just a story of loss but a message that healing is possible, and that we are never truly separated from those we love.
At Wheels of Joya, we believe in the power of faith, resilience, and finding joy even through hardship. Hannah’s story and her book reflect this mission, and we invite you to watch the full interview to hear more about the inspiration behind Never Goodbye and the heart of Wheels of Joya.
It’s Never Goodbye.
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