About Joanie

About ALS

Shirley Fredlund:

I would talk with her on the phone and notice
the slurring in her words. I
would go to visit her and notice she was having more difficulty; this continued
to a point where she was unable to talk and move. The only thing she was able
to do was blink. We used to talk to each other with a letter board. I would
point to the letter and she would indicate by blinking which letter she wished
to use and we would spell out words. And I thought, there has to be a better way

Voice For Joanie ( VFJ ) is a group of volunteers providing computer technology and assistance so that people with ALS have a "voice"

This site is dedicated to Joan Margaitis.

A team of VFJ volunteers meets with the client and family members to evaluate the need and to determine which communication equipment will help. Computer technology is adapted and modified according to specific needs, and a volunteer is assigned to each client to provide continuous individual support.

During the 20 years it has been in existence helping those suffering from ALS, Voice for Joanie has assisted over 850 people.

At the present time we are helping 60 people. We are always in need of technical assistance and it would be especially helpful to have volunteers who would learn the programs we offer. These people could help with teaching, or be available to answer questions. Contact SIG leader Shirley Fredlund.