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.
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.
Hannah Joya, founder of Wheels of Joya, reflects on how decades of nursing home and hospital visits, especially during her father’s battle with GBS-CIDP before his passing, shaped her understanding of "joy in the unknown." Through years of caring for her father and supporting others facing their own challenges, Hannah learned that even in the midst of uncertainty and hardship, there’s always room for hope, laughter, and connection.
Her experiences inspired her to create Wheels of Joya, a nonprofit dedicated to spreading joy and light to those in hospitals, nursing homes, and beyond. Invited by the Turner Foundation to appear on Good Life TV in Santa Barbara, Hannah shares how embracing the unknown, even through the pain of losing her father, has taught her the power of finding joy and purpose, no matter the circumstances.
Hannah Joya, daughter of an incredible overcomer, shares her deeply personal journey. Growing up, she only knew her father in a wheelchair, yet he never let his condition limit him. After his passing from GBS-CIDP, Hannah promised to carry forward his can-do, will-do spirit by sharing his inspiring story of resilience and courage.
As the founder of Wheels of Joya, Hannah continues his legacy of hope, love, and perseverance, bringing joy to those facing life’s challenges. Invited as a guest on Good Life TV by the Turner Foundation in Santa Barbara, Hannah opens up about her father’s lasting impact and how it fuels the mission of Wheels of Joya.
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