Serendipity: the faculty or phenomenon of finding valuable or agreeable things not sought for.

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Joann Randall’s death was definitely not “sought for.” Although, we know good can come from tragedy. The coming together of the right people, right conditions, and right time can be magical… such is the case of the beginning of Power of JOy (POJ.)

 

When Joann was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, she wanted to choose joy amidst hardship. She discussed this with friends who also were experiencing hardship, and the idea of a “Joy Center” was hatched. This would be a place where all people could explore different avenues to joy. Unfortunately, the plans for the Center were halted by Joann’s progression of her illness.

 

Little did anyone know, the foundation and people had been in place for years to make this vision of joy come true. During Joann’s final days her sister-in-law Kate had the idea to start a non-profit in Joann’s honor to carry Joann’s joy mission forward. She called Joann’s friends whom Joann worked with years earlier on a different non-profit program. Magically, the old non-profit status was still intact, and within 24 hours the friends were able to shift and become Power of JOy. Joann’s husband Greg, Kate, and these friends were the beginning of the Leadership Team that would uncover connections, skills and mutual understanding to pursue the vision of creating joy.

 

The tragic event of Joann Randall’s death sparked the creation of the organization called Power of JOy. Joann’s energy and light were the pebble thrown into the pool. She was engaging and vibrant, and many considered her a friend. It is these people, along with her family, who made Power of JOy possible. On her deathbed, Greg was able to tell her about the organization and made a promise that her family and friends would carry out her mission. To this she replied, “That’s so cool.”